Why Choose an Independent School?
This is a question parents may well ask. After all, friends and neighbors send their children to local public schools. Why should I consider an independent school for my child?
The most obvious answer is the academic results. According to the NAEP study, “Students at grade 4, 8, and 12 in all categories of private schools had higher average scores in reading, mathematics, science, and writing than their counterparts in public schools. In addition, higher percentages of student in private schools performed at or above Proficient compared to those in public schools.” In addition, a June 2002 NCES report found that private school students who had completed at least eighth grade in a private school were twice as likely as other students to graduate from college as a young adult.
When you consider the factors that make independent schools successful, these results are not surprising. These include:
- Close-knit communities
- Individualized attention for students
- Small class sizes
- Safe and supportive learning environments
- High-quality and committed teachers
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Educational experiences beyond the classroom
- Actively engaged parents
But the benefits offered by independent schools extend far beyond the academics. Millwood parents talk about their children “blooming”, about the excellent behavior, about the strong character development the school promotes, and about the cultural diversity the school offers. Students and faculty treat each other with respect and kindness.
There are more families in the US choosing private schooling than you may realize. One in four schools is a private school and one child in nine attends a private school. Private schools are racially, ethnically and economically diverse, and Millwood School is a good example of this. Our parents come from a wide range of backgrounds and situations, but have one thing in common. They want the best possible education for their children. They want their children to have the opportunity to develop into the best they can possibly be, in all the areas of their lives.
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