THE VALUE OF AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL EDUCATION:
5 REASONS
IT’S WORTH IT
What is an INDEPENDENT SCHOOL? Before we start, you may be asking: What is an Independent School? An Independent School is driven by its own unique philosophy, values, and approach to teaching. Independent schools are considered private schools but are run by a board of governors or trustees that is independent of any other entities. Private schools can be run by a for-profit company, a non-profit company, or a church or diocese or some other non-governmental organization. So, all independent schools are private schools, but not all private schools are independent schools. Independent schools are funded by tuition as well as charitable contributions. However, despite not getting money from the government, independent schools are accredited by the state. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) there are about 2,000 independent schools in the United States. Perkiomen School is proud to be a member of NAIS.
1
FREEDOM & FLEXIBILITY
An Independent School has the flexibility and the power to make its own decisions – decisions that benefit students directly and maintain consistency in delivering education. When a crisis like COVID-19 hit, Independent Schools could pivot to an alternative way of delivering instruction, with resources that can be quickly accessed and implemented. In Spring 2020, Perkiomen School’s History and Social Science’s Department Head Amanda Mock, shared her personal perspective on how online instruction was working in independent schools. Across the country, independent schools are doing what we do best, hitting the ground running and employing all of our resources to make sure our students continue to learn. We have a number of unique advantages that allow us to maintain essential programming and to innovate across the board in ways that maximize learning during these unsettling times. Because much of my teaching career has been in public schools, I have many contacts in the public setting who are lamenting the ways instruction has been reduced to a mere semblance of education. In the independent school world, we know every child. We are already aware of their unique situation and can proactively and compassionately work to circumvent challenges. Whether my students are in Pennsylvania or Hebei, I know they are still learning and engaged; they are excited to actively participate in Zoom, post lengthy and enlightened thoughts to discussion boards, and are responsive to emails. For the few of my students who were not as responsive at first, a quick conversation with their advisor or Learning Center teacher has created productive momentum. Why are my students so invested when my friends and family members in education face seemingly insurmountable issues? Honestly, I believe the answer is directly tied to the environment cultivated at Perkiomen School. Perkiomen has always been dedicated to the growth of each individual. The relationships we have with our students and department members remain strong. The expectation is that advisors, teachers, and department heads are fully invested in shepherding each person through the learning process. Now that we are online, our foundational programming remains in place and is occasionally even enhanced. In my role as History and Social Science Department Head, I have found more time to have those all-important check-ins with students and teachers on my team. I can meet with my advisees individually or in pairs, which allows for longer and more authentic conversations. I have also had time to open up ongoing text and email conversations with each history teacher as opposed to a fleeting interaction in the hall. Perkiomen expects engagement.
“When faced with a global pandemic, the Perkiomen School community came together in ways that inspired and encouraged me - but that really was no surprise. After all, it is in our nature to be unafraid to shift gears, try another way, look from a different angle, think outside the box. Even from homes across the world, connected through our devices, the essence of Perkiomen remained.” Mark A. Devey, Head of School
We are a “participation required” school and always have been. Students know I will contact them repeatedly, engage the help of the team, and follow through until they meet or exceed expectations. In the virtual environment, just as in the school building, there is no hiding. Having strong structures in place has allowed Perkiomen to quickly get students rolling in a new environment. I am proud that we were able to implement our virtual programming with only four days of teacher preparation. As we continue to pull together and strengthen our ties, we remain connected to our students, families, and the broader Perkiomen community. No school was ready for the challenges of COVID-19, but of all the educators I have spoken with, I have concluded my school was the most prepared.
2
SMALL SIZE = BIG SUPPORT
Student and Teacher Low student-teacher ratios in Independent Schools encourage close connections between instructors and students.
In 2019-2020, the median ratio in NAIS schools was 8.5 students to each teacher. Many Independent Schools also have Advisory programs, where a faculty member acts as a personal guide and confidant to a small group of students. The Advisor provides one-on-one attention and mentoring for each child, providing the student with academic guidance, character education, and personal development advice they need to excel during the middle or high school years. Many advisors also meet with their students in groups, creating a built-in a network of peer support. Advisors are often a liaison between the school and the parent, acting as a family partner playing an important role in their child’s education.
Private Testing Sites Some Independent Schools have been named private testing centers, which means the opportunity to register to take a standardized test on that campus is restricted to the current students of that school.
DID YOU KNOW?
This gives us the Independent School the ability to take extra steps to ensure a comfortable and familiar testing environment, with current faculty or staff as test proctors. Schools can also uphold
Perkiomen School has been recognized by Educational Testing Services (ETS) and the College Board for
the highest standards in testing integrity, allowing those students who wish to test the opportunity
the exemplary ways the school conducts standardized testing, and was invited to participate in the trial
to do their very best.
and development of the TestDay Toolkit, a digital registration and test day administration program that is now used for all SAT test centers in the United States.
3
GLOBAL, YET PERSONAL, COMMUNITY
Independent schools draw students from a wide area – extending much further beyond the local geographical region most public school districts can serve. Limiting potential students to one specific region can often mean the school will be racially or economically homogenous. That is not the case in an Independent School, especially with a boarding population. Because students reside on campus, the geographical location of the student’s primary residence is not a factor.
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) reports that 59% of boarding school students describe their schools as having students from many races and ethnic groups as opposed to 19% of private day and 39% of public school students.
Institutions which offer both boarding and day options may provide the greatest opportunity to attend school with both local and international students. Students can attend the school if they live 20 minutes up the road, or 200 - or even 2,000 - miles away. Students whose families do live a distance away often spend a weekend or special occasion with local families, further creating a sense of community through shared experiences, like eating a home-cooked meal together, decorating for a holiday, or sightseeing.
“Perkiomen is an amazingly diverse environment; for an international student as I was, not only was I able to learn about American culture, I also had the opportunity to meet students from all the continents - except Antarctica!”
DID YOU KNOW? Perkiomen School is home to students from 24 different countries and nine states.
Xueyan (Adeline) Rong ‘20, New York University
4
BOARDING BUILDS BRIDGES
Boarding students are ready to embrace independence while building a supportive network. They desire to be the best version of themselves, embrace academic challenges, exceptional opportunities and adventure, while thriving in a diverse, caring community. Dorm life creates opportunities for students to take care of their own chores, be responsible for their own actions, and learn time management, important skills that bridge the gap between high school and college.
TABS research shows that 78% of Boarding School students were prepared for college, versus 23% of public school and 36% of private day school students. After the academic day ends, there is still a lot of activity on campus with freedom to explore particular interests or simply have fun. Students have options for a wide variety of arts, athletics and specialized extracurriculars to engage in during the afternoon. Then they head to dinner with friends and faculty, and most weeknights, have an evening study hall to focus on their homework. Ordering take out, walking to town, sharing s’mores around a fire pit, and pick-up soccer games provide opportunities for social connections and moments of joy. Dorm parents become influential mentors for students, guiding them through daily life and in defining moments. The relationships built in boarding environments are strong and the dorm parents play an
“Boarding at a high school definitely provided a unique experience. We were given a lot of freedom and treated more as adults. My favorite part about boarding was that I was with my friends all the time. Whether it is going into town, working out, or playing baseball, I was constantly spending time with my friends.” Kyle Silbert ‘19, American University
integral role in helping with the feeling of family, as they live with their partners, children, and often pets, in every student dorm, available to talk to every day and evening.
5
A NETWORK FOR LIFE
Independent school alumni networks run deep, providing an advantage for graduates while searching for job opportunities, career advice, mentorship, or even a friendly face in a new city. There are many opportunities for students to connect with alumni and for alumni to connect to one another. Schools often host annual alumni gatherings on campus, which may include awards ceremonies, athletic and arts events, fundraisers, or exhibitions. Some schools also host regional social events at various locations throughout the year. Perkiomen School hosts a Young Alumni Panel each January, inviting recent graduates back to share their first-year college experiences with current students. Active social media groups keep alumni connected to each other as well as what is happening on campus now.
“I am forever grateful for the education, guidance, love, and growth I experienced at Perkiomen School. While I attended during the early 2010s, it is clear that the same spirit of risking to become your best is ever present, and I am so proud to be an alum. Best decision of my life was transferring to Perkiomen!”
DID YOU KNOW? There are six Perkiomen School alumni who are currently members of the faculty and administration. As our alma mater says: “Perkiomen, we are loyal - loyal, tried, and true.”
Abigail Rose-Craver ‘13, Development Writer and Stewardship Coordinator
Perkiomen School 200 Seminary Street Pennsburg, PA 18073
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