Admissions : Why choose an independent school?

As a parent, you have an opportunity to choose a school with a mission that is right for your child. The school’s philosophy, values, and approach to teaching can mean that the school becomes your partner in helping your child learn and grow. Finding a school that fits your child’s needs and your family’s values is one of your most important decisions.

What is an independent school? [top]
Independent schools are private institutions with unique missions. They are nonprofit institutions that are primarily supported through tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment income. They are governed by independent boards of trustees.

What is the National Association of Independent Schools? [top]
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) is a voluntary membership organization of more than 1,200 independent schools in the United States and abroad. Fox River Country Day School is a member of NAIS, as well as of a regional branch called the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS). These organizations strengthen a school by articulating and promoting high standards of educational quality and ethical behavior, by working to preserve their independence to serve the democratic society from which that independence derives, and by advocating broad access for students in affirming the principles of equity and justice. To be eligible for membership in NAIS, schools must be nonprofit organizations that are fully accredited and nondiscriminatory in hiring and admission.

What do NAIS schools have in common? [top]
Each school has its own unique place in the spectrum of educational options. However there are a few common denominators.

• A close-knit community and supportive environment provide a positive learning experience for your child.
• Small class sizes ensure individual attention and make it difficult for children to hide from challenge or get lost in the shuffle.
• Curriculum is often adapted to address the diverse learning needs of individual students.
• Students are generally encouraged to reach for higher goals than they might otherwise achieve.
• There is a focus on mastering core knowledge at an earlier age, and then progressing to advanced skills.
• NAIS schools provide educational experiences beyond the classroom. By participating in weekly school events, group projects, team athletics, extracurricular activities, and community service, NAIS school students learn the value of cooperation, the importance of reaching beyond themselves, and the value of building relationships with others.
• There is often an engaged parent community who share a commitment to providing their children with the best education available.

What does accreditation mean for a school and for our family? [top]
Through the accreditation process, schools hold themselves publicly accountable to all who seek assurance that they meet generally accepted standards of educational quality, operation, and staff confidence. A school that is accredited is one that goes through a rigorous self-study on a regular basis, during which it outlines its strengths and weaknesses in the context of carefully articulated standards set by the membership organization.

Following the self-study, a team of educators from other member schools spends several days on campus to validate the study and to provide an outside perspective on the goals the school has set for itself. In the case of Fox River Country Day School, we are on a seven-year accreditation cycle through ISACS, our most recent certificate dating from 2005. This system of accreditation means that member schools are constantly refining and updating their goals and reviewing their educational philosophy and approach.

What kind of training and background do your teachers have? [top]
Our Preschool teachers all have degrees and/or certificates in early childhood development, as well as teaching experience that directly correlates with their current assignments. Teachers in Kindergarten – Grade 8 have four-year degrees in the fields of education, childhood development, or their particular specialty, such as history or environmental science, and a number of our staff hold graduate degrees. Most of our teachers also have Illinois certification. All take part regularly in a variety of professional development opportunities such as conferences, seminars, and internet presentations. Teachers are also encouraged to present workshops to our faculty on a regular basis and keep abreast of best practices in education.

Members of our community are expected to demonstrate a love for children and a passion for their profession. Colleagues maintain a high standard of interpersonal interactions, professionalism, and character, realizing that, in their capacity as role models, children learn valuable life lessons from them every day.

My child is in Preschool. Why should I be looking ahead to independent school possibilities at this early point? [top]
Parents want to give their children the best possible start in life. By sending your child to a preschool that is part of an independent school, you are joining a community that places special value on the long-term benefit of a nurturing, challenging education. The early years are “prime time” for building a strong foundation of confidence and for nurturing a life-long love of learning.

An independent school can be quite expensive. What if I’m not sure my family can afford this kind of education? [top]
Start with the question of value. What do you want for your child? How will your choices affect your son or daughter’s well-being and his future? What are you willing to do to help him or her learn to love learning, to thrive? There is a question of priorities to consider. Get to know the school or schools that you are considering. Then talk to the admissions office about the various possibilities for financing your child’s education, including scholarships, loan programs, and financial aid. At Fox River Country Day School there are a number of possibilities we are happy to discuss, once we get to know you and your family.

How can I learn more about independent schools? [top]
Visit www.nais.org or www.isacs.org. And we invite you to speak with the Head of School or the Director of Admissions at our school. Call 847-888-7910, ext. 167, to make an appointment.