Key Features of Our Schools

An independent school is a privately funded, non-governmental institution that operates independently of the public school system. These schools are characterized by their autonomy in decision-making, including curriculum development, governance, and funding. Here are some key features:

Governance and Autonomy

Self-Governing: Independent schools are governed by a board of trustees or governors, rather than by local, state, or federal government entities. This allows them to make decisions based on their own mission and educational philosophy.

Autonomy in Curriculum: Independent schools have the freedom to design and implement their own curriculum, often allowing for more innovative or specialized educational approaches that align with the school’s values and the needs of its students.

Funding

Privately Funded: Unlike public schools, which are funded primarily through government taxes, independent schools rely on tuition fees, donations, and endowments. This financial independence allows them to offer programs and resources that are often distinct from those in public schools.

Financial Aid: Many independent schools offer financial aid or scholarships to ensure that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can attend.

Admission and Enrollment

Selective Admission: Independent schools typically have a selective admissions process, which may include an application, interviews, entrance exams, and consideration of a student’s academic records and extracurricular involvement.

Diverse Student Body: Many independent schools strive to create a diverse student body in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic background.

Educational Philosophy

Mission-Driven: Independent schools often have a clear mission or educational philosophy that guides their approach to teaching and learning. This could be academic rigor, character education, religious instruction, or a particular pedagogical method like Montessori or Waldorf.

Focus on the Whole Child: Many independent schools emphasize holistic education, focusing not only on academics but also on the development of character, creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility.

Accreditation

ISSL member schools are accredited by regional or national accrediting bodies, which ensure that the school meets certain standards of quality in education, governance, and operations.

Types of Independent Schools

Day and Boarding Schools: Independent schools can be day schools, where students return home each day, or boarding schools, where students live on campus during the school year.

Single-Sex or Coed: Independent schools may be single-sex (all boys or all girls) or coeducational (both boys and girls).

Religious or Secular: Some independent schools are affiliated with religious organizations and incorporate religious education into their curriculum, while others are secular.