Nicholas Falletta - McGraw-Hills SSAT/ISEE

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The Lawrenceville School If you or your parents have purchased this book, then you are most likely hoping to be admitted to an independent school.

This short introduction will tell you more about independent schools. Youll learn about some of the benefits and advantages that an independent school can offer you, and youll find out some important facts about the admissions process.

When asked why they wish to attend an independent school, many students say they want to get a better education or to attend a good college. Parents often say they are looking for a school of the highest quality to give their children the best opportunity for success. Statements like these help explain how much students and parents value education, but they offer little insight into the advantages that independent schools offer their students. By definition, independent schools exist as an alternative to public schools as well as to one another.

Independent schools come in all shapes and sizes, coeducational and single sex, and day and boarding. They are free to specialize in anything and everything from academic rigor, to performing or fine arts, to character and leadership development, to helping students with learning disabilities. For you as a student, that means that you can choose an independent school that shares your values and allows you to focus on what is important to you. By choosing a school that has a mission and purpose closely aligned with your own principles, you can move closer to achieving your own goals. Faculty Above all, independent schools pride themselves on the quality of their faculty. Independent school teachers often boast degrees from top-flight academic institutions, years of classroom experience, and a commitment to educational research and curricular development.

They have been involved with many cutting-edge programs that are reshaping American education. For example, it was at independent schools that the Harkness method of teaching, sometimes called the Conference Plan, was originally introduced in the 1930s. Prior to this innovation, nearly all instruction took place in the form of a lecture. Now it is commonplace to see students seated around oval or round tables actively discussing the days lesson. The Advanced Placement Program, known better as the APs, was originally initiated in the 1950s through collaboration between three independent schools and three leading universities. Small Classes One of the greatest benefits that youre likely to find in an independent school is the small class size. Small Classes One of the greatest benefits that youre likely to find in an independent school is the small class size.

Independent schools create student-to-teacher ratios that enable small classes and greater personal interaction. In these classes, teachers are able to give students the kind of individual attention that promotes student achievement. When the classroom experience includes discussion, active participation, and debate, students are much more likely to be actively engaged in the learning process. Just imagine yourself in this kind of classroom: If you and your classmates know you will be called upon in class, you will be far more likely to arrive in class better prepared and more willing to engage in the lesson. Many independent school faculty value student participation so much that it becomes a factor in assessing performance and assigning grades. Class size becomes even more important when you consider the total number of students each teacher meets with daily.

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