Independent Schools Make a Difference

There are approximately 2,000 independent schools across the United States, providing more than 700,000 students from pre-kindergarten through high school with a unique and high-quality education.

Independent schools are “independent” because they each have a distinct education mission, are independently governed, and are supported by tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment revenue.  What they share is a commitment to achieving excellence and inspiring innovation.

As part of the private school community, independent schools include coeducational, single-sex, and special focus institutions, as well as boarding and day schools.  Each school meets high accreditation standards and is held accountable by its Board of Trustees.

About Independent Schools

Independent schools are home to educational innovation.  They teach young people academic skills and the importance of hard work, leadership, personal responsibility, and good citizenship.  Each school features close-knit learning environments, challenging instruction, and safe communities.

Independent schools are also good neighbors and partners, making both social and economic contributions to their communities.

DID YOU KNOW?

Accountability
Independent schools are accountable to their board of trustees, the families they serve, and the accrediting agencies that evaluate them.  Every independent school undergoes a thorough evaluative process by a recognized accrediting body.  In addition, independent schools comply with all appropriate federal, state, and local laws and regulations including those that govern 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

Affordability
Independent schools work with families to help them meet their costs associated with their child’s education.  Financial aid often includes grants, scholarships, or loans from schools and a variety of other sources.

Access
Independent schools are home to students and families of all types of backgrounds and nationalities.  They are committed to promoting a diverse school community and a high-quality education for all.

Good Neighbors
Independent schools have a strong history of reaching out to their communities through student and faculty involvement in neighborhood, town, or city initiatives; welcoming neighbors at school-wide events; and offering use of school facilities.

Partners
Independent schools across the country partner with their public school colleagues in a variety of ways; teacher training and exchanges; sharing governance and site based management learnings; and creating curricular materials, among many others.

U.S Department of Education Study confirms private schools are on the right track
Study finds that independent schools:

• Have average student-teacher ratios of 13:1; leading to greater student success in college.
• Place a strong emphasis on small schools, which often leads to higher achievement for students.
• Have teachers who are able to communicate consistent goals to their students and collaborate more effectively on raising student achievement.