But can schools truly be ranked? And how helpful are these rankings to anyone, no matter what level or kind of education they are looking for? School authorities themselves insist on cautioning against any kind of rankings.

Several years ago, when his institution was ranked number one in a Fraser Institute Report Card, Headmaster Hugh Burke of Meadowridge School (near Vancouver, BC), was more “appalled” than pleased. Jack Rice, Principal at a Canadian Montessori school, says he tells parents to put away their check book until they tell him why they think his school is right for their child. Gord Allan, one time Principal in Vancouver says, “There’s no such thing as the number one school. But there is such a thing as the best school for your child.”

School open houses allow parents to get a feel for the life of the school. Parents can also take a tour with the principal or another school representative. Events such as the Vancouver Private School Expo allow parents to meet face-to-face with teachers and other representatives from a variety of schools.

The answer to the question, “what is the best educational environment for our child” ought to be treated with the same gravity as the purchase of a new home or a career change.

Arthur Ryan is one parent who was satisfied that he and his wife spent a long time choosing the right school for their daughter. Primary factors in their decision were answers to the questions:

Can the school articulate its vision, values and mission statement simply and with clarity?

Would our child’s needs be best served by a single-gender or coed learning experience?

What values are reflected in the scheduling of academic and extracurricular activities?

Every child and family has unique needs and values. These certainly begin with the academic and social life of the individual child. Other practical considerations that cannot be ignored might include driving distance, tuition rates and boarding fees. Of course, there are many others as well. In the end, school ranking should have very limited influence on parents’ decision, as teachers and experienced parents strongly agree.

J James Huinink is the website editor for Canada’s premier authority on private schools. Ourkids.net features listings of boarding schools, Montessori schools, a private school search and a wealth of advice on choosing the best private school for your child(ren).

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Determine your Child Needs: Before you even start looking for a private school, you should be aware of your child’s particular needs. You want to make sure your child does not end up in a poor quality private school. For instance, you want to know all of the extra curricular activities that are offered to make sure there is a variety that your child can choose from and if the particular activity that your child has an interest is being offered. As well, you have to consider such needs as any learning or physical disabilities your child might have, transportation services, and the distance from the school to your home. There are also general qualities to look for such as the quality of the teachers and education curriculum. You also have to consider the type of school such as boys or girls schools, religious, military…etc. Determining your child’s needs will help reduce the number of schools you will have to look at.

Educational Requirements: You should look at the education programs at the school. Look at how modern the school is regarding such areas as science labs, computer technology…etc. Does the school have large or small classrooms? How involved are the parents with the children’s education. Does the school keep in contact with the parents and give them updates regularly? What type of education programs are offered such as music, theater, art…etc? Are there clubs children can join?

School’s Background: It is important to get an understanding of what the school is all about. Find out such information as the school’s mission, vision, policies, and philosophy. What types of services are offered such as medical, library, and counseling? Find out the background and the qualifications of the teachers and their grading policies. It is very important that the school you choose is accredited.

Visit the School: When you visit the school, assess the environment, school dress code, and how they meet special needs. (Wheel chair accessible) Look for displayed school projects such as art work. As well, look for any awards the school may have received. Try to talk to members of the faculty. Find out what universities and colleges graduates of the private school have attended. Assess the overall atmosphere of the school. Is it warm and inviting? Do the students look happy? Find out what the requirements are to get into the school. (i.e. tests, interview) Look at the school’s resources such as the Library, lunchroom, and physical education facilities. You should also find out the school’s discipline policy as well as its student safety policy.

Every parent wants the best education for their child. When selecting a private school, one is making a large investment in their child’s future. It is important that parents do their research so that they, and their child, are happy with the private school they choose.

Private schools in Toronto, offering a balanced curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten, independent school in Toronto through to University and College entrance.

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The main advantages are high academic standards, good examination results, sound discipline, superior facilities and a commitment to a wide range of sport and extra-curricular activities. UK private education has a long history steeped with tradition and can offer a unique cultural environment for the education of children where the focus is on the development and care of the individual. Pupils are encouraged to develop their talents and to pursue new interests through clubs and societies, sport, outdoor activities and community service. Meetings are often arranged between schools at which pupils can meet and share interests.

A great strength of the private education sector is the choice and diversity it offers. Regardless of their child’s ability, parents can choose “girls” or “boys” only schools or co-educational schools; schools which are boarding or day schools; senior or junior; rural or urban; large or small. Independent schools are available to provide education from age 3 to 19. Many schools provide help for children whose first language is not English, and special tuition is available. Guardianship arrangements are available for those whose families live outside the United Kingdom, and many other practical details such as transport to and from airports are looked after by the schools, working in partnership with the parents.

This sector achieves the highest academic standards. Evidence from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) suggests that pupils at all levels of ability do better in private schools. More than 80% of pupils at private education gain five or more GCSE passes at grades A-C compared to a national average of 49%. Independent school performance at A-Level is equally impressive and 90% of leavers from independent schools go on to higher education.

Why Choose Private Education

• Independent education offers many advantages:
• excellent academic results and high expectations, small class sizes and attention to individual needs
• high degree of specialisation
• a wide range of extra curricular activities: opportunities for sport, drama, music, and special activities
• high levels of investment in facilities
• the option of boarding – full, weekly or flexible
• good discipline and the encouragement of a responsible attitude to work
• diversity, catering for differing ethos and philosophy
• help for special needs
• traditional values
• private education often boosts earning potential because pupils benefit from smaller classes and better teachers.

Disrupting a child’s private education midway through a vital stage would be very unfortunate, so it is important to prepare for the commitment of paying fees for several years.

It is in most cases possible to significantly reduce the financial burden of school fees with professional advice on planning strategies, SFIA would typically save parents tens of thousands on the cost of private education.

Reduce the cost of education by 50% or more! Specialists at providing School Fees Advice to parents to help plan fees to ensure continuous & independent education for their children. For more details visit us at http://www.schoolfeesadvice.org

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Step one: make a list. Any shopping endeavor, and that is exactly what looking for a private school is at its most basic level, starts with drawing up a list. In the case of big-ticket items, such as a private education, one would be wise to draw up a list of their needs and wants. Does one need boarding, on-campus cafeteria, a specific program with a high reputation, or perhaps a school with a religious affiliation is desirable. Make a list that includes what one needs and wants, and it may also be worth pointing out things that one does not want in a private school or private education.

Step two: get help. Start by researching these schools online, but realize that savvy organizations of all kinds might be using advertising agencies, in house staff, or both to craft their online image. Try to verify each and every statement possible rather than simply taking someone’s word for it, regardless of how positive or negative the comment(s) may be. It may also make sense to consider hiring an educational consultant that knows the industry well and is able to point to case studies, comparative scores on standardized tests, or other factual information that may be of interest.

Step three: take time to make visits. Any schools that meet the criteria laid out before the background checks and/or consulting took place are worth a visit, even if they are in another state. In fact, the tendency for boarding to be part of out-of-state private schooling experiences is actually a great argument for visiting the school rather than a reason to cross such schools off of one’s list. Of course, some people will already know at the end of step one whether or not boarding is something that they are interested in.

Step four: admissions and testing. It may be worth taking the admissions tests for multiple private schools before making any decisions. Each private school reserves the right to maintain its own admissions process, so be prepared for a lot of paperwork. The more schools that one chooses to apply for, the more paperwork one should expect.

Some might argue that a fifth step applies as well, that of being financially prepared. While financial preparation is certainly advisable, it is difficult to plan for without knowing the specifics of the case, the school, or the fees involved. That being said, learning to save is a critical part of being able to afford private schools.

Tim Kress writes articles about Lake Forest real estate, Behrens Ranch homes for sale, and Anderson Mill West real estate. Other articles written by the #1 REMAX Team can be found online. Tim Kress, a Mayfield Ranch Realtor, and team are with REMAX 1 in Cedar Park, Texas and specialize in Cedar Park real estate.

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Public School Problems

Federal laws such as IDEA and ADA as well as state and local statues mandate that children with special needs must be allowed access to the public educational system and the public schools must accommodate their needs. As parents soon discover, what sounds good on paper doesn’t always work out in reality.

Parents naturally expect that teachers and administrators already are familiar with the regulations governing special education, but that’s not always true. Many public schools don’t know the laws and will not provide needed assistance. It is up to parents to learn their child’s rights and educate the educators. Unfortunately this may not solve the problem.

Public schools are notoriously underfunded and overworked. Special education school expenses are much, much higher for the schools than those for traditional students and, though there are state and federal programs to defray the costs, some schools are hard pressed to provide help needed even when spelled out in an IEP.

Private School as a Transition to Public School

Another challenge to public education may be the child’s capabilities. Many children with disabilities haven’t been able to learn the skills needed to function in public school, even in a special education program. Then find public school very stressful and may perform poorly. As they grow frustrated, the educational process becomes a nightmare.

Private special education schools are able to instill these children with the capabilities necessary to flourish in a public education setting. Special needs student who have done poorly in public schools may thrive after spending a couple of years in a focused special education school that focuses on building the social, physical and academic skills they need to do well in school. As our children change, so do the education options available to them.

Private Schools for Focused Education

Many parents of special needs kids find private special education schools are their best option. These facilities are able to concentrate on each child’s unique needs to provide a customized educational experience unlike what schools in the public are able to offer.

A common obstacle for families considering private special education schools is the cost of tuition. Unlike state funded schools, private educational institutions are not free. However many tuition assistance programs exist to help families cover the associated expenses, and the high quality education the children received is truly priceless.

The public vs. private school debate is not a situation with an easy answer. While many families find private education preferable, each family must consider how each educational option fits best with their child’s abilities and needs.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about special education, please visit http://www.aaronacad.org/admissions.php.

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Do Not Focus on Rankings

You can find publications that rank Toronto private schools, but do not focus too strongly on these rankings. Remember, regardless of the school you choose, research has shown that the fact that you choose to put your child in a private school is, in and of itself, enough to help him have better test scores upon graduation. Consider these rankings, but do not make your decision based entirely on which school has the best test scores. Remember, your child is a unique individual, and the environment that works best for the majority of students may not work best for your child.

Consider Your Child’s Learning Strengths and Weaknesses

Does your child learn well through visuals, or is he one that needs to touch and feel objects to learn about them? If you have your child in preschool, ask his teachers about his apparent learning style. If not, you have probably already learned the best ways to teach your child. Choose a school that will work with your child’s learning strengths. A visual learner will not do well in a school that learns almost entirely through written projects, but an auditory learner will not do as well in a project-based learning environment.

Consider the Philosophy You Want

Whether or not you choose a religious education for your child, each Toronto prep school has its own philosophy about education and values. As you visit schools and look at curriculums, make sure the educational philosophy and values are in line with your goals as a family. You are not going to change the values of a school just because your children are enrolled there, so choose a school that is a good fit.

Visit the Campus

On paper a school may seem perfect, but you may visit only to find that it has outdated technology or an unfriendly staff. Before you choose a school to enroll your children in, schedule a visit. If you can, take your children with you and participate in at least part of a normal school day. This will give you a feel for the way the staff members interact with each other and with the students. It will also help you see what type of educational activities are performed, and your child will be able to see the environment and give you any input as to her impressions of the school and the kids.

Consider the Extra-Curriculars

Large preparatory schools tend to have all of the extra-curricular activities that a public school might have, and sometimes even more, but smaller private schools may have a limited number of choices. If band is important to you, make sure the school you are considering has this option. For some families a foreign language component is important, but the number of languages you can choose from may be limited if you enroll your children in a small Toronto independent school. If you want your children involved in sports, find a school with a nice variety. However, if sports are not important to your family, make sure the school does not have a compulsory sports program.

Remember, choosing a private school represents a significant financial investment, so make the decision after careful thought and research. Toronto has many private schools for your consideration, so take your time. Soon you will find the school that is the perfect fit for your child’s needs.

Co-ed Toronto private school affiliated with the Anglican Church of Canada, has over 700 students currently enrolled from Junior Kindergarten to university entrance. Accredited member of the Canadian Assoc. of Independent Schools.

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As a first step, parents need to answer some questions themselves, such as “Is it all about prestige, or is it about finding and getting accepted to the school that is best for your child?” Being frank with yourself about your child’s prospects at any particular private school can be difficult, but will serve you better in the long run. Rather than applying to only the most “prestigious” schools, or, conversely, putting an application out to every private school in sight, consider getting the help of an educational consultant to help you examine your options and winnow them down to what appear to be the best options for you. Of course you have to be prepared to accept a professional’s considered opinion, advice and assistance, every step of the way.

Introducing a variety of schools and winnowing down the final list is perhaps an advisor’s most important function. Any educational consultant should help keep the process organized and make sure everything gets done and submitted well in advance of deadlines. There is no doubt that private school application essays should get a careful review and edit, but resist the temptation to have someone else write them for you. You want your application to ‘read’ the way you speak during your interview with the private school admissions representative.

When weighing your private school options, here are some key ideas to keep in mind:

* You and your partner need to agree on – or at least discuss – your goals and your ideas about good educational programs.
* Understand who your child is and how s/he learns. What might be a good match in a school? Why? This is an ideal time to talk to your child’s preschool teacher and preschool director, and get detailed feedback on what they would see as a good fit.
* Whenever you visit a school, in addition to seeing the lower grades, visit the class with the oldest children. Can you imagine your child in that class?

So what are some of the things you’re looking for when you consider private schools?

* Teaching is designed to enhance development and learning.
* Teachers respect, value and accept children, get to know them well and treat them with dignity.
* There is a small student to teacher ratio, not more than 15 students to any one teacher. This should stay consistent throughout the grades.
* The school as well as the individual classroom teacher creates a range of enriching and engaging learning environments, using a wide range of teaching methods to promote children’s achievement and intellectual curiosity.
* Teachers strengthen children’s sense of competence and motivation and facilitate the development of responsibility and self-control.
* The school encourages the development of reciprocal relationships with families in which all parents feel welcome.
* The program creates a sense of community.
* The school encourages consistent, positive relationships with other children, where social relationships are seen as an important area for learning.
* The school sees diversity as a strength.
* The learning environment is designed to protect children’s health & safety.

The good news is that you will survive the private school admissions process. Fortunately the cliché is true: There is a great school for everyone, and things are going to work out just fine.

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http://laschoolscout.com
School Tour Calendar on the website.

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877.877.6240

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The private schools are mostly run from the funds accumulated from the tuition fees collected from the body of students. It is necessary to note that in case of government schools, the provincial or national governments may have a role to play in the selection of the student body and also in the election of its teachers and are funded totally by the resources of the state or the nation. Much on the contrary, in private schools there is no such interference from the government in matters of recruiting students or teachers and no aid is received in the form of grants from the state. It is to be noted that the term private school has been restricted fro usage only in relation to primary and secondary level educational institutions and are under normal circumstances not used for higher educational institutions in several countries of the world.

One of the striking features of most private schools are its mammoth tuition fees. Most of the private schools that function in the world often ask for very high tuition fees and these include boarding schools as well. The location of the school, donations and several other factors are responsible for the rising tuition fees. The private schools on their part justify this rise in the form of promising the best qualified teachers, better resources for learning and enriched library facilities, healthy interaction between the teachers and students and individual care meted out to them etc. Some private schools may also be affiliated to religious concerns and thus include the study of religious codes and norms along with academics.

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Parochial schools in the United States were, in the past, non-public. In fact, Catholic elementary schools were often attached to local parish churches. But nowadays, parochial schools are no longer just Catholic parochial schools but also refer to schools operated by different religions. These include Protestant, Jewish and Muslim, among many others. Parochial schools are independently established and operated by a religious institution and run by lay trustees or the members of the religious order. These institutions may or may not operate under public school standards depending on the differences of laws which differ from state to state. Parochial schools include religious education into their curriculum that aim to teach students their beliefs, doctrines, rituals, customs, rites, and personal roles.

Private schools are independent schools which are not run by the local, state or national government. They have the right to choose their students and to design their own curriculum. They are funded in whole or in part by their students’ tuition but can also be subsidized by a private company or institution. The tuition fee varies from school to school and whether the private school is boarding or day. Boarding schools in general are more expensive due to the board and lodging fees that are included with the tuition. The tuition also depends on the location of the school, the willingness of parents to pay, peer tuitions, and if the school is subsidized by another institution.

Parochial schools are subcategorized under private schools since they are privately financed and are also funded by the students’ tuition fees. Both parochial and private schools design their own curriculum and regulations but often comply with the Department of Education’s regulations related to the educational content of classes. Parochial schools often just add religious instruction to the curriculum provided in public schools while private schools can include special classes such as those related to languages, arts, and sciences among others. Both, however, provide better classroom conditions such as smaller number of students per class, low student to teacher ratio and facilities such as libraries, science laboratories, and computers, among many others.

Zipcodez.com is a widely-used local business listings service and search engine. It features a complementary collection of useful topics and resources from “Arts & Entertainment” to “Wireless & Telecommunications.” If you are interested in “Parochial & Private Schools,” you might also want to read “Open Up & Understand A New Whole World – Language Schools,” and “Student Selection, Tuition, & Benefits – Private Schools” available at http://www.zipcodez.com/article/featured-articles.htm

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1. Private Schools have the best specialized and trained teachers.
This is one of the most crucial differences between public and non-public school. With better teachers, thus, one can infer that a private school will deliver a higher standard of education

2. They tend to have smaller class sizes than most non-private schools.
The average class size for a public school is around 30 students while the class size for a private school is around 18 students. With budget cuts sweeping down various states including California, class sizes are expected to rise with many layoffs.

3. State budget cuts don’t affect schools that get money from the state.
Most public schools are making concessions to try and reduce their overall expenses, cutting down useful programs and teachers. However, schools not funded by the state are hardly making any reductions in their overall economic budge.

4. Also, Students are motivated to preform higher in independent schools than in state funded schools.
Because parents and guardians are paying for their student’s education, the students are pressured to preform well and impress their parents.

5. Private Schools typically have better built schools and more funding for sports.
Although this may not be true for all private and independent schools, most have modern or upgraded infrastructure and better funding for sports. With a better looking school many parents and students feel a sense of pride and school spirit. Also, increased funding for sports helps school spirit as students are more likely to enjoy a winning team.

However, some private schools are difficult and extremely prestigious in the way they recruit future students. They often require exams such as the ISEE and the SSAT, which as an SAT for college.

If you want your child to be well prepared or want to learn more about these exams, click here, and discover how you can help your child with their education and let them into the private school of their dreams

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