The first half of 2025 has been a time of stress and uncertainty for many families in the greater DMV area. This uncertainty has left many families wondering if an independent school is the right choice for them going forward. Independent schools are expensive and public schools are free. Why during this time of uncertainty would you choose for your children to attend an independent school?
School funding is being cut and there are many possible ramifications. Larger class sizes could result creating less chances for each child to have his/her voice heard when there are discussions or the teacher asks questions. Public school teachers sometimes need to use their own money for needed class supplies. There may be cases where some children don’t have their own materials for projects or there simply could be less hands-on projects. The school library may not have the funds for new books or there may not be a full-time librarian. There might not be a full-time nurse to ensure that medications are administered. Art, music and PE may not be offered as often. Some sports teams and other clubs in high school and middle school could be cut. School counselors who are needed more than ever in these stressful times are losing their jobs or being assigned a bigger caseload. This is also happening to college counselors in public high schools. They may not know your child when they need to write recommendations. College counseling often starts earlier, and the counselor meets more often with the students in independent schools. Their caseloads are much smaller.
Funding for special education is on shaky grounds. If your child needs an evaluation, it can take many weeks to schedule, and the testing may not be thorough. It could take longer and be more difficult to get a 504 Plan or IEP. Resource classes could be larger, and teachers may have larger caseloads. They won’t be able to individualize lessons as much or have time to work with each child. Teacher aides in special education classes may lose their jobs. Children could be dismissed for services earlier, when they need the services to ensure they continue to make progress. When there are several special needs children in a mainstream class, it can make it difficult for the mainstream teacher to serve all the students. There might not be enough time for enrichment.
School systems may cut programs for gifted students or decrease the amount of time for each class. Minority children and 2E children could be forgotten when putting together the gifted program.
It is more difficult for a well-behaved, quiet child to fly under the radar in an independent school. There are more adults, which means more eyes on your child, more time for your child to engage with an adult. Children often form deeper bonds with their teachers in an independent school.
There is usually a wider variety of extracurricular activities after school, especially in the elementary school years. Children can participate on school sports teams and play against other schools usually starting in 5th grade. Since there are fewer students, your child could get more playing time. There are more opportunities for leadership roles in all grade levels. Community service is stressed. In the early years classes often do projects together. Older students are encouraged to volunteer through school clubs or form their own projects to help others.
Art, music, and PE classes meet more often in most independent schools. There are usually more materials, so the students can try different types of art like photography or clay at an earlier age. Students have more opportunities to play in a band or use different instruments; for example, Orf instruments or recorders. Independent schools often have more playing fields and equipment for PE.
There are small advisory groups for middle and high school students that meet a few times a week in most independent schools. This time could be used to review the week, discuss/teach issues like bullying, wellness, study skills, current events in our country and world and happenings at school.
Independent schools tend to have science labs and maker spaces for all ages, not just middle and high school students. Research has shown that children learn best by hands on projects where they can test ideas. Project based learning reinforces critical thinking skills.
Students spend less time taking standardized tests once they enroll in an independent school. They may take a standardized test once a year or every other year, but it is usually used as a benchmark. Most independent schools do not take time away from class to prepare for the test. School funding does not depend on standardized test scores.
There are fewer multiple-choice tests in most independent school classes and more essays. Children are assigned more writing and receive detailed critiques about their writing in independent schools. Teachers have smaller class loads; therefore, they have additional time to work individually in small groups on writing.
There are independent schools that serve students with special needs, such as dyslexia or autism. These schools have special curriculums and smaller classes. They focus on the students’ strengths and needs. The teachers have the training and desire to work with these students.
Parents can enroll their children that align with their liberal or conservative values. Parents have the option to send their children to religious schools or secular schools without religion in the curriculum. There is a welcoming community that families join. Many of the bonds formed last a lifetime. There is more room for parent involvement. Parents can use their talents on various committees or serve on the board.
These are a few of the reasons for sending your children to an independent school. Admission season is opening for the 2026-27 school year. Some schools may have a space or two for this school year. If you would like some help determining what is the best environment for your child, I’d be honored to help you identify the best school fits and work with you on the admission process.
School funding is being cut and there are many possible ramifications. Larger class sizes could result creating less chances for each child to have his/her voice heard when there are discussions or the teacher asks questions. Public school teachers sometimes need to use their own money for needed class supplies. There may be cases where some children don’t have their own materials for projects or there simply could be less hands-on projects. The school library may not have the funds for new books or there may not be a full-time librarian. There might not be a full-time nurse to ensure that medications are administered. Art, music and PE may not be offered as often. Some sports teams and other clubs in high school and middle school could be cut. School counselors who are needed more than ever in these stressful times are losing their jobs or being assigned a bigger caseload. This is also happening to college counselors in public high schools. They may not know your child when they need to write recommendations. College counseling often starts earlier, and the counselor meets more often with the students in independent schools. Their caseloads are much smaller.
Funding for special education is on shaky grounds. If your child needs an evaluation, it can take many weeks to schedule, and the testing may not be thorough. It could take longer and be more difficult to get a 504 Plan or IEP. Resource classes could be larger, and teachers may have larger caseloads. They won’t be able to individualize lessons as much or have time to work with each child. Teacher aides in special education classes may lose their jobs. Children could be dismissed for services earlier, when they need the services to ensure they continue to make progress. When there are several special needs children in a mainstream class, it can make it difficult for the mainstream teacher to serve all the students. There might not be enough time for enrichment.
School systems may cut programs for gifted students or decrease the amount of time for each class. Minority children and 2E children could be forgotten when putting together the gifted program.
It is more difficult for a well-behaved, quiet child to fly under the radar in an independent school. There are more adults, which means more eyes on your child, more time for your child to engage with an adult. Children often form deeper bonds with their teachers in an independent school.
There is usually a wider variety of extracurricular activities after school, especially in the elementary school years. Children can participate on school sports teams and play against other schools usually starting in 5th grade. Since there are fewer students, your child could get more playing time. There are more opportunities for leadership roles in all grade levels. Community service is stressed. In the early years classes often do projects together. Older students are encouraged to volunteer through school clubs or form their own projects to help others.
Art, music, and PE classes meet more often in most independent schools. There are usually more materials, so the students can try different types of art like photography or clay at an earlier age. Students have more opportunities to play in a band or use different instruments; for example, Orf instruments or recorders. Independent schools often have more playing fields and equipment for PE.
There are small advisory groups for middle and high school students that meet a few times a week in most independent schools. This time could be used to review the week, discuss/teach issues like bullying, wellness, study skills, current events in our country and world and happenings at school.
Independent schools tend to have science labs and maker spaces for all ages, not just middle and high school students. Research has shown that children learn best by hands on projects where they can test ideas. Project based learning reinforces critical thinking skills.
Students spend less time taking standardized tests once they enroll in an independent school. They may take a standardized test once a year or every other year, but it is usually used as a benchmark. Most independent schools do not take time away from class to prepare for the test. School funding does not depend on standardized test scores.
There are fewer multiple-choice tests in most independent school classes and more essays. Children are assigned more writing and receive detailed critiques about their writing in independent schools. Teachers have smaller class loads; therefore, they have additional time to work individually in small groups on writing.
There are independent schools that serve students with special needs, such as dyslexia or autism. These schools have special curriculums and smaller classes. They focus on the students’ strengths and needs. The teachers have the training and desire to work with these students.
Parents can enroll their children that align with their liberal or conservative values. Parents have the option to send their children to religious schools or secular schools without religion in the curriculum. There is a welcoming community that families join. Many of the bonds formed last a lifetime. There is more room for parent involvement. Parents can use their talents on various committees or serve on the board.
These are a few of the reasons for sending your children to an independent school. Admission season is opening for the 2026-27 school year. Some schools may have a space or two for this school year. If you would like some help determining what is the best environment for your child, I’d be honored to help you identify the best school fits and work with you on the admission process.
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