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Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is an independent school?
An independent school is a private, usually non-profit, school governed by a board of trustees. Each is unique in terms of its mission and culture. This variety allows families to choose the environment that best meets the needs of their child. Independent schools are financed primarily by tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment revenue. Generally, they receive little, if any, government funding. Fairchester Independent schools are accredited by CAIS (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) and NYSAIS (New York State Association of Independent Schools) which hold our schools to rigorous standards of excellence.
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Why choose an independent school for my child?
A recent study by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Higher Education Research Institute offers the following insights into the ways that independent schools help their students succeed:
*Independent school graduates are committed to achievement. They have high education aspirations and work hard to achieve their goals.
*Independent school graduates are comfortable working closely with teachers and are more engaged in class.
*Independent school graduates are engaged in civic life. They are far more likely to vote in elections and to volunteer in their communities.
*Independent school graduates pursue active and educational leisure-time activities. For further information on this study please visit the NAIS website at www.nais.org.
Independent schools offer you alternatives when it comes to educating your child. They have the freedom to promote creative thinking and to introduce students to exciting and challenging subjects. Low student-teacher ratios and programs dedicated to developing all aspects of a student’s growth, both academically, athletically, morally, and artistically, are cornerstones of an independent school education. The goal of an independent school is to work with you as a partner in educating your child.
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Who are the key players in an independent school?
The School Head, Headmistress or Headmaster The School Head is responsible for the school’s overall welfare and the education of your child. Hired to implement the mission of the school, the actual duties of a Head may differ from school to school. In general, a Head will have oversight of school employees, participate in the development and delivery of the curriculum consistent with the school’s mission, ensure that admitted families support the overall school program, manage the budget, oversee the administration of the physical plant and facilities, fundraise, plan for the future, and serve as the school’s ambassador both inside and outside the school community.
The Division Directors Each division in an independent school is designed to serve the needs of children of those specific ages. Division directors take responsibility for daily operations, oversee faculty, curriculum and program, respond to student and parent needs, and often teach. Division Directors ensure that your child’s program is age-appropriate, consistent, integrated, and intellectually stimulating.
The Faculty Faculty members at independent school not only work with your child in the classroom, but will also look out for your child’s best interests in many activities. Often a teacher will coach a sport or supervise a co-curricular activity such as the yearbook or school newspaper. Teachers serve as strong role models for students, often acting outside the classroom as coaches, club moderators, advisors, mentors and friends.
The Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees is charged with having the expertise and vision necessary to keep the school’s mission alive and healthy for generations to come. Board members must keep their eyes on the future, leaving the daily operation of the school to the appropriate school administrators. For example, Board members participate in capital expenditures, long range planning, new curricular initiatives, and financial development of resources to support the school.
The Parent Organization Parent organizations exists to further the schools’ vision through a combination of volunteer work, fundraising, education, and special events. You will get to know other parents who bring diverse perspectives to the community, but who share a belief that education is important and that parents should be active partners in educating their child. Parents support the school’s mission by playing a part in the life of the school and being fully integrated into the school community.
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What types of independent schools are there?
Independent schools offer choices including co-educational, single-sex, religious, non-denominational, day, and boarding schools. Academic programs range from preschool through grade 12.
All independent schools have a distinct mission, but share a commitment to achieving excellence and inspiring your child to being a life-long learner. The schools listed on this website are organized in the following categories: (A school may be listed in more than one category):
*Early Childhood
*Elementary Schools
*Middle Schools
*Secondary Schools
*PS/PK/K-12 Schools
*Boys Schools
*Girls Schools
*Schools with Religious Affiliations
*Schools with Special Programs
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How do I explore an independent school for my child?
Before visiting an independent school, we encourage your family to determine your “ideal” educational community:
*Is it small or large?
*Traditional or progressive?
*Co-educational or single-sex?
*Day or Boarding?
*What athletics, arts or extracurricular activities are important?
*Is a diverse school community important to you and your family?
*Does your child have special needs or interests?
All of these options are available at independent schools. When your list is complete, move to the following steps to narrow and define your choices.
*Browse individual school websites.
*Read school literature.
*Attend an open house.
*Talk with admission officers, faculty, current parents and students and ask questions about the school.
*Attend a sporting event, school play or science fair to experience extracurricular options.
*Talk with the school’s financial aid officer to learn about options for financing your child’s education.
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision in setting the path for his or her life: Important preparation and research can help identify a school choice best- suited to your child’s needs to achieve life-long success.
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How do I learn about the admission process and deadlines for each school?
Visit a school’s website; carefully read the printed admission materials and/or call the admission office at the school to directly request more information. Admission materials will clearly outline the steps in the proces. Although many schools are similar, there may be different deadlines and requirements, so pay special attention to those items.
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Are there tests required for admission to an independent school?
Most independent schools require some form of testing prior to admittance. Testing varies depending upon the age of your child and the school’s requirements. Schools admitting younger students may also administer age-appropriate assessments. Schools admitting older children may require a standardized test such as the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam (www.iseetest.org) or the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test (www.ssat.org).
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Is a personal interview required for admission?
Most schools require that parents and students schedule a personal interview. As an applicant family, it is your responsibility to be sure all requirements are completed by the appropriate deadline.
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How do I afford the tuition at an independent school?
An independent school education is an investment in your child’s future. Providing an independent school education requires careful financial planning and, often, considerable sacrifice for most families. Independent schools are committed to making their education affordable for all academically qualified students. Typically schools have financial aid budgets representing a portion of the schools’ operating budget. Some schools grant scholarships based on need, while others offer merit-based financial awards. Although schools can help finance a portion of the cost, it is important to note that the family has the primary responsibility for financing their child’s education.
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How do I learn about Financial Assistance programs?
Contact each school directly to learn about the full range of financial options available, which may include grants, loans, merit scholarships and/or payment plans. Many Independent Schools use an outside service to help evaluate and process financial aid requests. If a school uses NAIS’s School and Student Service for Financial Aid, information can be obtained at www.nais.org. It is important to adhere to all deadlines for submitting the necessary forms. Remember that an admission or financial aid officer is willing to help you navigate the process.
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What happens once my child is admitted to a school?
After a school has admitted your child, you will be given a certain amount of time to make your decision, usually two or three weeks. All the schools in the Fairchester Independent Schools group have a common reply date, typically early March. Whichever school you choose, please inform all of the schools that accepted your child of your selection. Most schools have candidates on waiting lists, and these students are anxious to learn whether a space will become available. Once you return the enrollment contract with the tuition deposit, your family will be considered part of that school’s community, and there will likely be financial penalties if you subsequently change your mind.
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