What is an independent school? Private or non-public are two umbrella terms that generally apply to the whole universe of non-public schools, including independent, parochial or religious, Montessori, and even for-profit schools. Independent schools are distinct from other private schools in that they are independently governed by a board of trustees and they do not depend on church funds as parochial schools do, or on tax dollars as public schools do. Are all independent schools alike? While independent schools have certain features in common - high standards, an emphasis on strong teaching, individual attention, and values education - they are very different from one another. Independent schools range in size from a few dozen to nearly 4,000 students. They can be old or new, and may or may not have a religious tradition. They are boarding and day schools, single-sex, coeducational, and coordinate schools, elementary, middle, and upper schools with various combinations in between. Independent schools are found in urban, suburban, and rural settings across the country, each with its own distinct mission. In curricular terms they are quite diverse: some traditional, others experimental, some with a specialized educational focus. Certain schools offer a highly competitive atmosphere, others a more nurturing environment. Why do parents choose independent schools? Individual attention, small classes, and high academic standards are the reasons cited over and over again by families who choose independent schools. Parents want their children to be part of an educational community with high expectations of every student, where each young person is known and treated as an individual. The Country School 341 Opening Hill Road Madison, CT 06443 203/421-3113 Member, National Association of Independent Schools Prepared by NAIS for use by member schools and associations