| An independent or 'private' school is a primary or | | | | reputation of a private school can also help pupils |
| secondary school that has independent finances | | | | later in life. |
| and governance and one that is funded by tuition | | | | Because private schools don't receive government |
| charges and gifts. It is governed by a board of | | | | money, they are free to create their own |
| directors. Independent schools may have religious | | | | curriculum, fund programs however they see fit, |
| affiliation and some schools may offer boarding | | | | establish their own admissions process for pupils |
| facilities. | | | | and set their own requirements for hiring or firing |
| Special assistance private schools aim to improve | | | | staff. |
| the lives of students by providing services tailored | | | | There are drawbacks to private education that |
| to the specific needs of their individual students. | | | | should be considered before enrolling a child in |
| An example of this is a dyslexia school or school | | | | private school. The main one is usually cost. Even |
| for severely handicapped pupils. | | | | with financial help, the fees can be too steep for |
| Independent schools retain the right to select their | | | | some parents. |
| students, who usually have to pay full fees. Some | | | | Also you should consider that your child may not |
| pupils get a scholarship into a private school, which | | | | live near their friends. If the selected private |
| makes their fees cheaper. Scholarships depend on | | | | school is a long way from home, your child may |
| the talent of the student (sporting, artistic or | | | | have to board, which doesn't suit everyone and |
| academic). | | | | can be a very lonely experience for a young child. |
| Tuition and fees vary between specific private | | | | Because each school chooses its own curriculum |
| schools. Many offer need-based financial aid or | | | | and teachers without government controls, |
| monthly payment plans. The schools can also help | | | | parents must make sure that they approve of |
| parents identify potential sources of financial help | | | | the selection processes. |
| from outside agencies. In some instances fees | | | | Fear of snobbish influences at school is a valid |
| may be paid for the student - this is true in the | | | | concern and pupils may face discrimination outside |
| UK of forces children (army, navy and air force). | | | | school for being a 'rich kid' or snob. |
| Independent schools generally pay higher salaries | | | | Parents should consider these disadvantages |
| for the best teachers and also provide enriched | | | | carefully, especially the fee side of things if they |
| learning environments, high academic standards | | | | have more than one child! |
| and a low student to teacher ratio. They also | | | | Choosing a school for your child is one of the |
| offer close-knit communities, individualised learning | | | | most important things you can do for them so |
| and hand-on learning opportunities. The good | | | | choose wisely. |