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As you research private schools, you will find yourself coming back to a handful of websites again and again. Why? Because they are informative, useful, and easy to use. Here are my picks for 'must have' websites when it comes to finding out about private K-12 schools.

The Association of Boarding Schools

The Association of Boarding Schools site is dynamic and clean. I want to find information quickly with as few clicks as possible. The TABS site is one of those well-designed sites which allows you to do just that. You can drill down to member boarding schools, learn about recruiting fairs, financing, boarding school life, and just about anything to do with boarding schools. This site is a 'must have' for parents living outside the United States who are thinking about sending their children to American boarding schools.

Google Maps

I included maps.google.com on this list of 'must have' websites because it allows me to zoom in and look at the street view. That is not important for schools and locations I know. But when I am researching a school in another state, Google Maps allows me to get the lay of the land quickly and efficiently. Also, because it is available as an app, I can plug the address in on my smartphone and get directions to the campuses of the schools which I am visiting.

SSAT

Standardized admissions testing is an important component of your child's admissions profile.

Many parents search for an answer to the question "How do I provide the kind of religious education I want for my child?" Religious education is a very personal, subjective matter. When it comes to religious education one size most definitely does not fit all. Each of us has a very clear idea of what we expect. Much of our thinking is driven by the obvious reality that religious education is not an option in our public schools. Religion and Public Schools from the Center for Public Education explains the legal reasons why. So, with this requirement in mind let's explore your options.

Three Categories of Religious Schools

I have been in your shoes when it comes to deciding what kind of religious education our children should have. We are Episcopalians so we wanted schools which embraced that denomination's teachings. Kent School fit the bill for eldest daughter. Youngest daughter attended Westminster School which again fit our needs at the time. Our sons attended St. Anne's School in Nassau, Bahamas when we lived there. That was an Anglican school, Anglican being the British version of the Episcopal church.

To make things a little easier for you I have divided religious schools into three broad categories or strengths if you will: light, medium and strong. Essentially all I am doing is categorizing the intensity of the religious instruction and observances which schools in each category offer. Obviously there will be some overlap because private schools are intrinsically unique. That's

Myths, urban legends, and just plain misinformation abound concerning private schools. That doesn't help parents who are thinking about sending their children to private school. So, let's shed some light on the facts you may not have known about private schools.

1. ²ÝÁñÉçÇø schools existed before public schools.

That's right! Back in colonial times, education varied from colony to colony. The common thread that I was able to find is that . Children from poor families were taught skills so that they could do a manual job and survive. Children from the upper classes received a basic education in literature, mathematics, and religion. If their families could afford it, the boys might be sent off to boarding school in England. This stratification of education persisted until the late 19th century.

This video looks at the beginnings of Colonial education: dame schools, Latin grammar schools, church schools, and pauper schools.

In those times upper-class girls were given enough education to be able to run a household. But amazingly enough colonial families did have daycare. They could leave their children at Dame schools, so-called because a dame or lady would teach their children the basics such as their letters and some prayers while she tended to her household chores.

2. ²ÝÁñÉçÇø schools are set up in three main ways.

Many parents assume that all private schools are set up in

The A to Z of ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Schools

²ÝÁñÉçÇø schools are often seen as exclusive institutions with a reputation for rigorous academics and select admissions criteria.

• But beyond the surface, they offer a diverse range of educational opportunities tailored to individual student needs.
• From specialized programs and extracurricular activities to financial aid options, understanding the full scope of private education helps parents make informed choices.

This guide breaks down every essential aspect—from A to Z—so you can confidently navigate the world of private schooling.

Canva generated this picture.

A - Applying to a private school

• Applying to most private schools has become infinitely easier in the last 10-15 years.
• That's because you can apply online at most schools.
• When schools don't have online applications, they usually have all the application forms you need online so you can download them easily.
• You can also apply to many schools via the .

B - Be aware that diversity is an important part of private schools in the 21st century.

• Yes, back in the 1950s and 1960s, you might have been able to say that private schools were elitist.
• At least, that was the general public's perception of private schools.
• This perception, of course, was reinforced by the media.

In the 21st century, private schools have made the center of their mission and philosophy, as most schools seek to prepare their