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Facts about Schools

Why Small Class Sizes Work

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Why Small Class Sizes Work
You want your child to receive plenty of individual attention. That's one of the reasons most parents send their children to private school.

One of the primary reasons parents send their children to private school is for the individual attention students receive. ²ÝÁñÉçÇø schools can provide that sort of attention because their class sizes are small. Small class sizes work. Small class sizes are one of the main reasons you send your child to private school. With that in mind, let's look at why small class sizes are so important.

1. There's nowhere to hide in a small class.

Imagine your child in a large high school class of 30-35 students. She's not good at math. Most of the students in her class don't understand math and could care less about it. So your daughter hangs out in the back of the room, keeps quiet, and tries to pay attention. The distractions and cutting up around her mitigate against any meaningful learning. Consequently, your daughter falls further and further behind in math. Sadly, public school class sizes increase as school districts struggle with budget deficits. As a result, class sizes of 30-35 students are common.

Contrast that learning environment with 12-14 students seated around a Harkness Table in a boarding school. A Harkness Table is an oval table. The teacher sits at the table with his students. This arrangement places students in a situation where they have no choice but to engage and interact with each other and with their teacher. A Harkness table creates a climate for learning.

This video discusses teaching in large versus small classes.

Implicit in the

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Books Set In ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Schools

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Books Set In ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Schools
Enjoy a range of subject matter from recollections to murder mysteries, all set in private schools here at home and abroad.

It's exciting to discover a veritable treasure trove of books set in private schools published recently. The United States, United Kingdom, and Peru. You can find most books at your favorite bookseller or library in both traditional paperback and electronic format. In addition, I have given you links to the authors' websites wherever possible. Happy reading!

by Maureen Johnson

Truly Devious

ASIN: B07252X6ZH

The Vanishing Stair

ASIN: B078LXZ8CS

The Hand On The Wall

ASIN: B07QVL5SLT

The Box In The Woods

ASIN: B08CRBSN2R

"The Agatha Christie-like ecosystem pairs with lacerating contemporary wit, and alternating past and present scenes makes for a multilayered, modern detective story." -- New York Times Book Review

From the pen of Maureen Johnson comes a series of murder mysteries set in famous Ellingham Academy in Vermont. Stevie Bell solves the murders with great aplomb.

This video offers a recap of Truly Devious.

by Lili Anolik

ASIN: B00KVI9DH2

Lili Anolik's first novel tackles a murder disguised as a suicide. The murder victim's sister signs on to teach at the prestigious Connecticut boarding school where the murder took place. We suspect that this will not be the only murder Grace solves.

by David Sklar

ASIN: B07HGFSNC7

"…a haunting, mesmerizing story about coming-of-age, of innocence lost and the search for redemption."

— Hedy S. Wald,

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Where Did the 115th Senate Go to High School?

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Where Did the 115th Senate Go to High School?
After conducting a survey of the educational backgrounds of current U.S. senators we were able to draw some interesting conclusions. Keep reading to learn more.

Since the year 1913, American citizens have voted to elect state senators, but that has not always been the case. Up until the mid-1850s, senators were appointed by the legislatures of the state they represented in a system that worked quite well. The idea behind this method of selection was that allowing state legislatures to elect their senators would strengthen their ties to the national government and allow them to conduct business without the distraction of pressure from the general population.

Upon the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913, however, things changed. Senators are now elected by popular vote with each senator representing a single state, and each state is represented by two senators. Senators play an important role in the U.S. government by writing and voting on bills, and legislation that affects the people in their representative state.

Because U.S. senators have the power to approve or deny legislation that directly affects their constituents, it is important that each senator be a fair representation of the people and the politics of each state. Problems arise when there is a disconnect between politics and the people – when a senator votes based on his own agenda rather than the will of the people. Each senator’s educational background and upbringing bear significant weight in the decisions he makes for his state.

We recently conducted a survey of all U.S. senators to collect some information about their educational background. After collecting this information, we analyzed it and were able

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Which Schools Did Our Presidents Attend? Part 2 - Johnson to Taft

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Which Schools Did Our Presidents Attend? Part 2 - Johnson to Taft
Depending on their family circumstances, our Presidents received a wide range of primary and secondary schooling.

In the nineteenth-century education for several of our presidents was strictly hit or miss for a variety of reasons. On the other hand, a couple of presidents enjoyed what you and I know in the 21st century as Ivy League educations. Fortunately for our young nation, most of these men were leaders who were able to guide our country through so uncharted waters and perilous times.

17 - Andrew Johnson

President from April 15, 1865 to March 4, 1869
Born: December 29, 1808, Raleigh, North Carolina
Died: July 31, 1875, Carter County, Tennessee, Tennessee
Political party: Democratic Party

North Carolina native Andrew Johnson succeeded Abraham Lincoln. He had no formal schooling as his family was very poor. His meager educational background notwithstanding, Johnson apparently was a skilled public speaker.

Book Scrolling has about our 17th president.

18 - Ulysses S. Grant

President from March 4, 1869 to March 4, 1877
Born: April 27, 1822, Point Pleasant, Ohio
Died: July 23, 1885, Wilton, New York
Political party: Republican Party

Ohio native Hiram Ulysses Grant appears to have had formal schooling from the age of five. He attended a subscription school, i.e., a school which his parents paid for him to attend, as well as two private schools, the Maysville Seminary, and John Rankin's Academy. He matriculated to West Point. Ron Chernow's was #1 on the New York Times

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The A to Z of ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Schools

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The A to Z of ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Schools
²ÝÁñÉçÇø schools offer far more than just academic rigor—they provide students with a well-rounded, immersive experience that shapes their futures. This comprehensive A-to-Z guide explores every facet of private schooling, from admissions and curriculum to extracurricular activities and financial aid. Whether you're a parent considering private education or simply looking for a deeper understanding of how these institutions work, this article breaks it all down in a clear and insightful way.

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.

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 students for life and work

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