Description of this type of school/schooling method:
Private schools offer your child a more individualized approach to education. Having a smaller class size can enable the teacher to reach each child in a personal way. Most private schools place emphasis on students developing self-esteem, responsibility, self-discipline and the love of learning and most have a higher success rate of students continuing on to college.

Every private school has its own standard on how structured/unstructured it is. You will need to decide whatÆs right for your family. Talk to parents and students about schools of interest. Compare schools, read the schoolÆs mission statement and about its philosophy. The more informed you become, the easier it will be for your family to make a decision.

Advantages:
Caring, nurturing environment for learning

Individualized attention

Wide variety of activities

Development of the whole child

Challenges:
Tuition costs

Transportation to and from school

Time commitment to school meetings, committees and projects

Tuition/Costs:
$5,000/year or less
$10,000/year or less

Other comments regarding tuition/costs:
Some private schools may have a tuition less than $5000. Usually this is for pre-k and kindergarten classes.

Most private schools average about $6000-7000 a year (keep in mind that this is an average--if you live in a city like New York or Los Angeles, you might pay more).

Most private schools are culturally diverse and have assistance programs for financial aid and sibling discounts.

Additional comments or suggestions:
For information on a specific school of interest, search on the web typing æindependent schools plus city nameÆ or contact your local parent league for information on private schools in your area.