The credit crunch has made some headteachers apply the brakes and limit their increases so that they hover around the rate of inflation. Others are storming ahead, though, with St Paul’s School for Girls leading the pack with an increase of a 14 per cent for 2008/2009.

This year Vicky Tuck, head of Cheltenham Ladies College, has restricted her fee increase to four per cent “in anticipation of harder times to come”. With inflation running at 3.8 per cent currently, it’s a competitive move. The City of London School for boys is one of the few top schools to keep its current increase below the rate of inflation, with a rise of just two per cent. The school is based in the Square Mile and educates a large number of bankers’ sons, so with rumours of jobs in jeopardy and falling bonuses, it’s a prudent move.

Prestige comes at a price
To send your daughter to Cheltenham Ladies’ College in 2008 will cost £28,735 for the year or £9578 per term. These figures are representative of the cost of the famous, exclusive and long-established independent boarding schools in Britain, such as Eton, Roedean and Harrow.

Small class sizes mean more attention Search within a slightly lower price range and you’ll find a wealth of boarding schools that may not have the kudos of the famous schools but offer a superb all-round education. For instance, in 2007 at St Catherine’s School in Bramley 93.7 per cent of pupils achieve grade A/B at A level and the school is ranked 43rd in The Sunday Times league table of independent secondary schools. In 2008, fees for boarders are £6840 per term (or £20,520 per year), which is a significant saving on the more famous independents.

To get a great education at a competitive price you have to weigh up what is important to you and your children. For instance, Talbot Heath School in Bournemouth may not have the dreaming spires of Charterhouse and the heritage of Eton, but it has a strong academic record and is priced competitively at £2150 per term for boarders.

It’s interesting to note that in the 2007 Sunday Times league table for independent secondary schools, Talbot Heath was placed joint 79th with Benenden, which costs £9180 per term.

Day schools that don’t break the bank
Private day schools can be a more affordable alternative to boarding schools. Fees tend to start at around £2500 per term and some schools will allow you to pay monthly from your salary, which many people find more manageable than three hefty bills a year.

Fees at the prestigious inner London day schools range between £3500 and £6700 per term, but outside the capital costs tend to inflict less damage on the wallet. Plus, the further north you go, the lower school fees tend to be.

For instance, the High School of Glasgow, ranked joint first in The Sunday Times league table of independent Scottish secondary schools, charges fees of £2460 per term in senior school. The oldest school in Scotland, it dates back to 1124 and includes two prime ministers in its alumni (Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman and Andrew Bonar Law), as well as broadcaster and ‘Grumpy Old Woman’, Muriel Gray.

In the Midlands and the north of England, many former grammar schools that are now independent day schools offer similar value for money and an excellent all-round education. For instance, fees at the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle are £2354 a term in junior school and £2793 in senior school, and can be paid at the beginning of term or by direct debit in 10 installments. Results are impressive, with 90.5 per cent of pupils gaining grade A or B at A-level.

Savings for families
Some private schools offer a reduction in fees of between 10 or 20 per cent if you send several children to the same school. There are caveats, however. The reduction may only be applicable to the third child in a family and all of your children may have to be in attendance at the school for you to qualify for the discount.

Scholarships and bursaries can make private education affordable to some families, and 30 per cent of children in independent schools receive some form of assistance. Read our articles on scholarships and bursaries for more information.

Once you’ve budgeted for fees it’s so important to bear in mind the extra costs, such as uniform, school trips, sports kit and club membership. A typical bill shows all these extras in our feature on how to cut costs.

School fees: 2008/9

Boarding schools

Cheltenham Ladies College £28,734
Eton College £28,080
Charterhouse £27,480
Day schools

Abbey, Reading £10,980
Leeds Grammar £9594
Manchester High School for Girls £8634

Abigail Hunter is a contributor to http://www.tom-brown.com – the essential guide to choosing a British school

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abigail_Hunter

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Sanders

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Kress

But let’s face it, private school in education is not cheap. And in some cases it is almost twice as expensive as public education. But the major benefit when it comes to our private education is a better learning experience. It is also a major plus that future employers see that you attended a private education that is listed on your resume.

To offset the cost of private education it is very essential to apply for as many scholarship for private schools that you can. But as you know, that feat is easier said than done. Each scholarships for private schools organization have their own separate standards. But what some people don’t know is that there are free scholarship offers for private schooling available with easy to attain requirements.

Some of the free scholarship of private schooling merely need you to achieve satisfactory GPA requirements. The Scholarships For Private Schools is free and the sign-up form is relatively easy to fill out. This scholarship program is different because all you need it to fill out a short form and you’ll be entered into the drawing. It is really that simple and if you do win the scholarship offer, you can get up to $10,000 every year you apply.

Enter into the Scholarships For Private Schools today before it’s too late.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jazmine_Young

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Harrell

Why Choose a Private School Education?

Those sending their children to private schools have a variety of motives behind their decision. For some the decision is based on moral values and religion. Others feel that a private education offers better academics and want their child in a smaller class that will offer the benefit of more personal attention.

It is important to have a list of education priorities before you start looking for a school. For example, if academics are more important to you than religion, but religion is more important to you than extracurricular activities, have academics be number one on your list, religion be number two on your list and extracurricular activities be number three on your list.

Private School Considerations

As part of choosing the right private school for your child, you will have to go through a process of elimination to get the number of schools you are considering down to a manageable number.

You might want to consider:

* Finances. What can you afford to pay for an education at a private school? Ask if there are any financial aid or scholarship programs available to you. In addition, some states, including Arizona, Florida and Minnesota, offer breaks on income taxes if you send your kids to a private school.
* Grade Levels. Do you want your child to have the option to stay through high school? Not all private schools offer grades kindergarten through 12.
* Location. You will have to decide how far you are willing to drive. As you get closer to selecting a school, you can also inquire if there are any other students at the school who live in your area. You may then be able to carpool.

Questions to Ask

Additional questions to ask include:

* Accreditation. Is the school accredited? If so, who is the accreditation body?
* Instruction Model. What is the school’s education philosophy? Does it have a traditional or alternative approach to education? What is the school’s policy on homework, grading and testing?
* Service Staff. What kind of staff does the school have? Is there a school nurse on location? Does the school have a psychologist or counselor? Is there a librarian on staff?
* Principal or Headmaster Turnover. If the school burns through principals, the school may have a problem.
* Teacher Turnover. What is the teacher turnover rate at the school? Typically speaking, private schools have higher teacher turnover rates than do public schools. In addition, smaller private schools have larger turnover than do larger private schools. However, a teacher turnover rate of 40% or more may be an indication of problems at the school.

Plan a Visit

As you get closer to choosing a private school, you should schedule an appointment with your candidate schools’ headmaster or principal.

* Ask about student attrition. The longer that students stay at a school, the more likely the school is to be well-run.
* Ask for names of parents who have children at the school for references.
* Are the school’s textbooks up to date?
* Does the school have enough computers? Does the school use the latest in technology in teaching?
* Does the school have programs for parent involvement?
* How does the school feel? Are children interacting, smiling and participating?
* How does the school qualify their teachers? Does the school offer teachers additional training?
* If your child has special needs, what types of programs does the school offer that will help?
* Look at the grounds and facilities. How new are the facilities? How well are the facilities and grounds maintained? Is the library well-stocked with books?
* What type of relationship does the school have with local businesses and the local community?
* When are applications accepted? Is there a waiting list? If so, how long is the waiting list?

Making the Choice

You will have to narrow down your choices to a select few and then visit each school before you make a final decision. Do not get discouraged if the process takes a little longer than you would like. It is important to get an education for your child that matches the your requirements as closely as possible.

For more information on private school, visit the parenting section of Life123.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Evans

Students who attend private schools can be more academically challenged, exposed to clearer value systems, given greater access to teachers, and may simply feel safer than local public school options. If you do decide to pursue private schooling for your child, start the research process early. Admission to private schools can be competitive, and finding a school that is a perfect fit for your child where he or she will be also be accepted, may take some time.

A Higher Bar:

A major advantage to private education is that your child will likely be challenged to a higher academic standard. Private schools can be more academically rigorous than public schools, and private school students may have to meet more criteria to keep up their grade point averages. According to The Condition of Education 2001, from the National Center for Education Statistics, Private high schools typically have more demanding graduation requirements than do public high schools.

Compared with public schools, private schools required more coursework (in 4-year high school programs). More can be expected of private school students in terms of quality of work, course workload, and special requirements such as community service or Arts participation. In some schools, what would normally be considered extracurricular activities, are prerequisites for graduation, which ultimately round out students’ high school experience. The push to meet this higher standard often results in a greater level of student performance. In a recent NAEP report it was found that, ‘Students in private schools scored significantly above the national average in grades four, eight, and twelve.

As the report put it, ‘Performance results in 2002 show that, at all three grades, students who attended nonpublic schools had higher average writing scores than students who attended public schools.’ In general, a student given the opportunity to attend a private school will most likely reach a higher level of academic achievement.

Student Teacher Ratio:

Private schools also tend to focus on controlling their class sizes. The NCES Schools and Staffing Survey found that, ‘Private high schools on average are less than half the size of public schools. In central cities, for example, the average size of a private high school is 398, compared to 1,083 for a public school.’ Students of private schools may have more opportunities to form relationships with their teachers, which can lead them to greater academic success. In such cases, a student is given help for his or her specific academic problems, which can allow the issue to be resolved quickly and correctly.

Once any issues inhibiting a student’s progress have been addressed, the child can go on to achieve at his or her highest level. In The Condition of Education 2002, it was found that, ‘Placing students in small groups tends to foster close working relationships between teachers and students, thus enhancing learning, particularly among at-risk students and those in the early grades.’

Also, small classes allow the teachers to have a better sense of who your child is, and what his or her specific strengths and weaknesses are. Your child will also have more opportunities to speak up and participate in class discussions. In addition, students may be offered office hours during which the teacher will be available. Students who have worked closely with their teachers are less likely to feel intimidated about using such time to actively seek help from their teachers directly.

Exposure to the Arts:

Private schools have the ability to create their own curriculum. Although, they must ultimately prepare students with the same basic course as any other school, private schools also have the option to add various elements to their programs. Private school administrators often develop programs that emphasize the Arts, perhaps more so than local public schooling options.

Schools may choose to produce elaborate plays and musicals, giving students unique opportunities to explore their talents and express themselves. Government regulations on public schools prevent them from spending more than a certain percentage of school funds on the Arts. Private schools, however, are not subject to the same regulations, and they have more freedom to develop and expand these programs as they wish. Some private schools may even offer filmmaking or video production courses which are opportunities normally reserved for college students.

Potentially More Funds:

The tuition that you and the other parents of a private school contribute often will go toward developing and funding special programs that would be restricted in public schools. The school may be able to offer other activities such as special field trips that reinforce the school’s curriculum. Such trips can give your child opportunities to form close friendships and build independence. The school may have more funds available to provide supplies to student-run clubs. The school also may create programs that better tie the arts or sciences into the overall general curriculum.

A Push Towards College:

Private high schools can instill their students with the expectation of attending college. Data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, ‘Fourth Follow-up’ (NELS: 1988/2000) show that, ‘Students who had attended private school in 8th grade were twice as likely as those who had attended public school to have completed a bachelor’s or higher degree by their mid-20s (52 versus 26 percent) and far less likely to have had no postsecondary education.’

With college as a focus, students can be more goal oriented, and often elements of the schools curriculum will be specifically aimed at preparing your child for college. Many private schools are even referred to as ‘college preparatory.’ Private schools often encourage their students to take an active role in their own college admission process. Students may be given more access to information about college options, and they may be made more aware of the requirements they must fulfill to qualify for a specific school.

Community Service and a Sense of Values:

Private schools often put a major emphasis on personal values. When choosing a private school for your child, it is possible to find a school that incorporates a great deal of your own values into its everyday curriculum. Private schools often have honor codes and stricter behavioral standards that help students develop into mature adults.

According to The Condition of Education 2001 from the National Center for Education Statistics, ‘At private schools, a greater percentage of children had parents who were very satisfied with order and discipline than with the school or teachers in 1999.’ Parents are often given greater say in school policies at private schools.

Many private schools require that their students complete a mandatory number of community service hours. This not only provides the obvious benefit of instilling a sense of respect for the community and the importance of making a contribution to society, but it also happens to be something colleges especially favor. Students may also find possible career options while fulfilling this service requirement such as political involvement to aid the community or counseling for endangered teens. Community service experiences teach students that education goes beyond the walls of the school, and that it sometimes requires action and initiative.

Discipline and Safety:

Beyond the fact that smaller classrooms are by their very nature easier to control, most private schools put special emphasis on discipline. Even if your child does not have discipline problems, disruptive peers could take away from your child’s valuable learning time. The Condition of Education 2002 states that, ‘Private school teachers were more likely than public school teachers to say that they had a lot of influence on setting student performance standards (63 versus 38 percent) and on student discipline policy (48 versus 30 percent).’

The push for discipline in private schools teaches children self control, which will ultimately be a requirement in college where the student will be far more responsible for his or her own attendance, and achievement. Also, stricter disciplinary policies mean that any major problems will be handled and eradicated quickly. Typical crimes that plague public schools are less common at private schools. The School Crime and Safety Report found that, ‘Students in public schools (37.3 percent) were more apt to see hate-related graffiti at school than their counterparts in private schools (16.8 percent).’

A Word About Teachers:

Because teachers at private schools are not required to earn the same certifications as public school teachers, some parents worry that the teachers are not as qualified. This is not necessarily true. Private schools must maintain their reputations and create positive word of mouth to survive. Toward this end, private schools are generally very selective about who they place in front of their students, and they choose educators with training specific to the subject they will be teaching.

A Community in Itself:

When you decide to enroll your child in a private school, your family becomes part of a network of families with the same goals. Parents at private schools are more involved in the lives of the students and various school events. As a parent, you may have the opportunity to connect with other parents to discuss the lives of your children. Such relationships allow parents to learn from each other and support each other.

The students also benefit from the community atmosphere of private schools. The very specific personalities of private schools often lead the students to have a strong sense of pride and loyalty to the school and its community. The student may also benefit from affiliation to the school far beyond graduation day. Many private schools have alumni mentoring programs that connect older alumni with newer ones. Recent graduates may find internship opportunities with alumni who have been working in their field of interest.

Every Family is Different:

Despite the numerous benefits of private schooling, it must be said that private school is not for every child. Some children would benefit from the diversity a public school can offer. Some parents would prefer their children to be more focused on the core subjects rather than the arts and extracurricular interests. And, of course, the financial burden that a private school brings is considerable. No student is exactly the same as another, and only a parent can know what the best option is for his or her child. Any child, whether in private or public school, will need the active participation of his or her parents in order to achieve true success.

School Choice:

The major advantage of private schooling is choice. Rather than sending your child to a public school that is required based on geography, now you have opened up a selection of several schools that may have very different educational styles and emphases, simply because you are deciding on private education. Every private school has a unique personality, and with a little research, certain schools will emerge from the pool as having more features than that will benefit your child.

Perhaps the school is affiliated with your family’s religious faith, and your child can be given a religious education along with his or her core studies. Perhaps the school emphasizes writing, or it pushes self-expression. With the vast variety of private schools available, it is easy to select a school that will help your child to shine and develop the values you find most important.

Conclusion:

No choice can guarantee that your child’s formative years will go smoothly. Parents should always remain highly active participants in the education of their children. Still, in the interest of giving a student the most advantages and opportunities possible private school can be an attractive option.

Private schools can reduce worries about safety, increase a child’s exposure to discipline, offer reduced class sizes, and offer a good environment for high academic achievement. In many cases, a private school can prove to be much more than that, providing a community environment for your family and special opportunities that your child would not have otherwise.

Javier Colayco is the founder of Private School Review (http://www.privateschoolreview.com), a site that profiles of K-12 private schools across the USA. The site evaluates schools relative to each other and provides community data to help families make better educational choices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Javier_Colayco

Once parents have decided that their child needs more than the public elementary schools in Ottawa can offer, they have the decision of which Ottawa private school best suits the needs of their child. Parents must begin the process of identifying the schools they think are suitable, evaluating them, selecting the ones they like and sending in the applications.

When considering Ottawa’s private schools, there are a number of factors parents should consider beyond the obvious question of tuition rates.

Ottawa offers a variety of French language schools, of course. In addition, there is a rich variety of private school philosophies and religious affiliations to choose from including several Christian schools, Montessori schools, Muslim or Jewish schools, Waldorf Schools and even a virtual private school based in Ottawa.

Location may be an important consideration. There are many private and independent day schools throughout the Ottawa region, such as Ashbury College, Counterpoint Academy, Elmwood School, Joan of Arc Academy, Lycée Claudel, Macdonald-Cartier Academy, Westboro Academy.

When evaluating the various schools, also make sure that you know and understand the reputation of the school, the principal or headmaster and its teachers.

* What reference points can the school offer to convince you that it is the right Ottawa-area private school for your child?

* Meet with teachers to find out their philosophies and their commitment to children.

* Consider how up-to-date the technology, sports and education facilities are.

For Ottawa parents interested in acquiring a private education for their children there are few places in Canada that can offer more than the nation’s capital city of Ottawa, Ontario.

If you have made the decision to enroll your child in an Ottawa private school, you have taken a step towards providing your child with the best possible education. The next step is to choose the right Ottawa school, and you have many private schools to consider. To learn more about the different options available for your child, visit http://www.ottawaprivateschools.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Markus_Wong

My introduction to private school started at the age of 12, when I entered 7th grade at an all-girls’ private prep school called Laurel in Shaker Heights, Ohio. It was scary at first to leave the familiarity of friends from my former school, a large, public school in another town. Every day I had to be driven by my parents to my new school, which was nearly an hour from our home. Plus, a new school meant making new friends in new surroundings, pretty terrifying for a shy girl like I was. Kids can be a bit tough on the new kid, I got teased a little at first. And, to top it all off, I had to wear a uniform. No more jeans, t-shirts and casual attire. I thought it was the end of the world at first.

Truth of the matter was, it changed my life for the better in infinite ways. First, the classes were smaller, meaning each student would receive more attention from the teacher. This was good for learning, but bad for slacking off. Oh yes, we Laurel girls were masters of girlish pranks and silliness at times, but we knew we had to behave ourselves and saved the fun for study hall. It meant getting down to work, being a more disciplined student. If I had trouble with a subject, it meant summer school if my grades weren’t up to par. Only once did I need to go to summer school, the following summer after 7th grade. It was actually a pleasant experience but a great motivator not to return there the next year.

It became clear to me even as a teen that wearing a uniform every day was a break from worrying about what to wear every day. It gave me the opportunity to focus on other things than fashion. The uniforms were comfortable, tasteful and nobody made fun of anyone else’s fashion sense , since we all wore them. We had the choice between blue tartan, solid green or light green herringbone; along with either white, blue or yellow oxford shirts (long or short sleeved). I became a master at shirt ironing, since it needed to be done every morning. So, we did have a little control over what we wore, just a little. If we wanted dress more trendy or fashionably, we saved it for after school get-togethers with friends.

Also, my new school had (and still has) a great area for art, which was my main focus as a kid, in being an artist. Laurel School had a whole art floor! We were allowed to pursue all types of art that previously, I’d only read about such as enameling, Raku pottery-making, wheel-thrown pottery, color theory, and more. Plus, we were encouraged to be creative in other arts such as dance, theater and music as well. They had a summer theater camp, which I participated in. There wasn’t a band (I’d been in the school band in public school, and missed being able to play an instrument) but there was glee club, and choir. I got into both, and enjoyed those thoroughly. My new school had a true appreciation for the arts that has led me to carry on my interest in all venues artistic throughout my adult life.

Being painfully shy, in private school, there was no way to blend into the wallpaper. They drew me out, whether I liked it or not. It was good for me, because that shy child is not a shy adult at all. The teachers were caring and supportive, welcoming contact with their students. It was lovely to be invited to my teacher’s Christmas party one year, and being shy, she had me stick with her to feel more comfortable. Mrs. Priscilla Ford was my algebra teacher, and totally a class act. She tutored me in math, which was my nemesis in school, and was a painter on the side, so she related to my artistic endeavors. My art teacher, Mrs. Helen Biehle, too, was a friend as well as teacher. It was wonderful to have such powerful, wholesome influences during turbulent teen years. I sorely needed confidence, and as an adult owe my lack of fear of public speaking to my former Speech teacher, Mrs. Schenk. Four years of having to get up on stage and sweat profusely while giving every kind of speech imaginable can really force the shyness out of nearly everyone.

All in all, private education is a wonderful experience, a quality protection from a busy, crazy world. It was a sheltered existence but that is good during the formative years of a young, impressionable child. There were no boys for us girls to flirt with, and clear boundaries to what was accepted of us both socially and academically. It taught us all manners, and respect for not only each other but the world around us. We took trips nearly every year to educational and interesting places such as Toronto and Washington D.C. Our chaperones sure did have their hands full watching over a bunch of excited girls, but we always had an appropriately good time, wherever we went (no major mishaps or craziness).

Even in private school, we were able to have prom, formal or informal dances of different kinds, and we had friends who were from other schools. Being in a private school doesn’t mean you no longer have your former school friends. I kept in touch with some of my old friends, and gained new ones, too. We worked hard, but had fun, too. After school, I spent most of my time with my horse, boarded at a local stable. I saw my friends there, and my horse. Then, went home and studied hard. It was a balance of hard work and fun, in a structured way.

Leaving the security of my small school (our graduating class had 54 girls in it) was a bit of a culture shock. I went to a large university, Rochester Institute of Technology, that was predominately made up of young men. It took a little getting used to, but I felt at no disadvantage. It was an adventure to try something new. Laurel School had accomplished its objective: to turn out a confident, disciplined young lady who wanted to further her education. I wholeheartedly recommend private schools, because it always helps to have guidance as we grow as children and young adults. It helps to shape our futures, and promote confidence. Plus, colleges and universities love well-rounded applicants from schools they receive students from every year. Our full-time college counselor at Laurel worked hard to educate us on what colleges were out there to pursue. We even had a class trip to a few Ohio colleges and universities, from Ohio State to Denison, and others. It was fun seeing the different styles of colleges and learning which best suited our individual needs.

For anyone considering a private education for their children, go visit the campus, take a tour and read the different biographies about the staff. Talk to teachers and students. Look at different schools, as each has their own feel to it. Explore financing options with the financial counselor, there are usually scholarships for those in need. By giving your child a quality education, this sets him or her up for a bright future. Public schools are great, too, it all depends on your child’s individual needs. Where would he or she best be happiest and prosper? Smaller class sizes will allow the teachers to help bring a shy child out of his or her shell. It did for me. It’s worth the risk, if you take it.

Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio. Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist and photographer. She has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico, among other interesting excursions in other countries. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. Her focus is on realistic, natural artwork and illustration through her agent and her website. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues. Her website can be seen at: http://www.zazzle.com/twopurringcats.

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