Why Choose An Independent School?

Why Choose an Independent School?

You may be wondering how the benefits of enrolling your child at an independent school like Prairie may compare to the initial costs of the education.

Prairie is “independent” in two extremely critical ways:

  • Independent in governance:  TPS is organized as a not-for-profit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees with legally-mandated fiduciary duties and responsibilities;
  • Independent in finance:  TPS charges tuition and raises money to operate as opposed to being supported primarily by public monies.

It is the independence of independent schools that offer the four essential freedoms that make them strong and highly effective:

  • The freedom to define their own mission and values (why they exist, whom they serve) and their approach.  
  • The freedom to regulate admissions (admitting students who will best benefit from the school’s mission and approach). 
  • The freedom to define teacher credentials, expectations, and performance. 
  • The freedom to teach what the teacher decides is important (free from state curricular and textbook mandates). 

Research conducted by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) shows that families choose independent schools primarily because they perceive the quality of teaching to be exceptional and the character education or moral climate to be appropriate. On a national basis, the typical independent school often has more diversity (ethnically, socioeconomically, racially) than neighboring public schools. The Prairie School’s student body is 21% diverse.

The socioeconomic diversity at Prairie is supported by a significant commitment to financial aid. Prairie students come from a wide range of family income levels and 52% of our current students receive financial/scholarship assistance.

Prairie is also different in terms of the effectiveness of our partnership between our parents and the school. We speak in a unified voice about a common set of goals, values, and desired outcomes – and it is this coalescence between parental and school voices that points students toward achievement and guides them toward commendable behaviors and good citizenship.

It is easy to see and feel the difference at Prairie as soon as you walk in the door. Our hallways have small groups of students walking purposefully, respectfully, and happily. Our lively classrooms are brightly-lit, well appointed with state-of-the-art technologies and robust discussion. Rarely will you see TPS students slumped in their seats; rather, you will see them drawing on whiteboards, circled up singing on the floor, participating in a science experiment, or standing at the front of the room addressing their classmates. Culture like this and experiences like these are what distinguish Prairie from our educational counterparts.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Parent’s Guide to Selecting an Independent School

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) describes the following attributes typical of its member schools – and in response to the question:  “What makes an independent school worth the investment?” *

High Academic Standards

Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial, and other private schools.

Small Classes & Individual Attention

Independent schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage and foster close connections with students.  The median ratio in NAIS-member schools in 2012-13 was 8.5 students to 1 teacher – well less than half the median ratio in public schools.

Excellent Teachers

Independent school instructors characteristically teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do.  With more autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop a full understanding of how each student learns and what interests and motivates each student individually.

Greater likelihood of a student going on to a college or university and completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree.

Education for the Whole Child.

Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual ability and curiosity but also their personal and social growth, leadership capabilities, and civic conscience. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, experiential learning, field trips, school leadership experiences, internship opportunities, etc.

Inclusiveness

NAIS-member independent schools recruit and maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family.  Member schools strive to achieve ethnic, socioeconomic, and racial diversity.  For example, in 2012-13 students of color comprised 26.2% of total independent school enrollment nationwide.

A Community of Parents who Participate Actively in their Children’s Education

Independent schools promote and foster regular and frequent communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure that everyone is working toward the same goals and outcomes for the student.

The Opportunity to Choose a School with a Mission

You can select a school whose mission, values, educational philosophy and approach is right for your child or children.

Most Important of All

An education that will pay dividends for a lifetime!

*  National Association of Independent Schools report, 2013.