Information from The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) http://www.isasw.org FAQs for Prospective Parents What is an Independent School? Independent schools are "independent" because they have distinct educational missions, are independently governed and incorporated as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and are supported by tuition payments, charitable contributions and endowment revenue rather than by taxes. They share a commitment to achieving excellence and inspiring innovation. As part of the private school community, independent schools include co-educational, 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. What advantages does an Independent School offer my child? Independent schools offer smaller class size, allowing teachers to give each student more time, more challenging work, and more individual attention. Independent schools offer greater communication among faculty, students, parents, and the faculty and administration of such schools are generally more accountable and responsive to their constituent families. How can I find the Independent Schools in my community? The following websites will launch your exploration. After narrowing your search based on your family’s needs and interests, contact the admissions offices at specific schools. Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) can assist with contact information and an instructive overview of the accreditation standards required of member schools.
The Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) website offers links to recognized accrediting agencies and member schools.
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) website offers a wealth of informative articles and helpful school-specific information.
What is the best advice for parents looking into Independent Schools for their children? Like each child, each school has unique qualities. Parents should not seek the "best school," but rather the "best school for our child." The search requires keen insight and honest assessment regarding a child’s strengths, needs, and preferences. All parents want their child to live and learn in an environment of high expectation and effectiveness. The school that meets this measure can be different from child to child. Give your child the gift of searching for this "best" place together. How do I find the Independent School that best fits the needs of my child? First, parents must define the ch ild’s needs as distinct from their own. It is paramount to keep the child’s needs in mind throughout the process. Next, examine each school’s mission. Be sure you understand the mission statement, and ask for specifics as to how that mission is implemented.
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