Find the Right School for Your Child
in MA, VT, ME, RI, and NH
"At independent schools, teachers care so much more about what they’re doing and about me. They really want me to understand what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. I really do have fun in class every day because the teachers are amazing."
Four Great Reasons
Great Teachers
You remember forever the great teachers, the ones who went out of their way to know you, support you, and encourage you to do things you didn’t think you could do.
Tremendous Opportunities
At its root, "opportunity" means “favorable wind.”More than anything, you want your children to have opportunities in life.
Nurturing Every Student
Ask parents with kids in independent schools what they most value about the school, and they almost always say that they love the personal attention their child receives.
Welcoming Communities
Families go to independent schools not because of an accident of geography, but because they identify with the school's mission, beliefs and dedication to excellence in education.
Answers to Important Questions
Great Teachers
You remember forever the great teachers, the ones who went out of their way to know you, support you, and encourage you to do things you didn't think you could do. We still feel, even decades later, the affection and gratitude they inspired in us. Of course, there are good and great teachers everywhere, but independent schools intentionally create an environment where good teachers can become great teachers.
How does a school do that? You start by hiring the best teachers you can find and then you…
- Create small classes.
- Give teachers the autonomy to shape the program to suit the needs and interests of the particular group of students within the structure of your mission and values.
- Provide funds for professional development.
- Reward innovation and growth.
- Nurture the qualities you prize, such as deep knowledge of subject and teaching, dedication, passion, and the capacity to engage and inspire
- Free them from the constraints created by over-dependence on standardized testing to measure achievement and aptitude.
- Help them build real partnerships with parents.
Independent school teachers understand that knowing their students is a prerequisite for becoming a great teacher.
See What Independent School Community Members Have to Say
“You feel you’re part of something special and you enjoy the work that you do and you feel proud of it, you want to be sure that it continues to be good and special and significant. There’s a huge amount of personal investment in the school.”
Rosanna S., Independent School Teacher
“I love working with students who are as passionate about their studies as about their sports or their friendships.”
Helen S., Independent School Teacher
I’ve been very impressed with the teachers' patience and their ability to be very positive all the time.
Erica C, Independent School Parent
“Here teachers are free to do as they see fit and do what’s best for student learning.”
Alesdair M, Independent School Student