Everything You Wanted to Know About PrivateIndependent Schools

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Everything You Wanted to Know About
Private/Independent Schools

But were afraid to ask
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Private IndependentWhats The Difference?

• Private
• Usually refers to schools that are privately
  owned and operated by one or more individuals.

• Independent
• Usually refers to schools that are not operated
  for gain
• A volunteer Board that operates at arms length
  from the day to day administration of the school

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History of Private Schools in Canada

• Religious affiliation
• British/French models
• Preparation for higher education or joining the
  firm
• Single sex

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Today Choice/Variety of Schools

• Non-religious
• Religious affiliation
• Day
• Boarding
• Single sex
• Coeducation
• 2nd Language schools
• Specialized programs (International
  Baccalaureate Montessori, Waldorf, the arts
  sports)
• Learning differences special needs

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The language of the independent school
world!What does all this mean???

• CAIS
• CIS
• QAIS
• OFIS
• CESI
• ACIS

• ISABC
• FISC
• IB
• AP
• SSAT
• SAT

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Choice Things to Consider

• Location Urban? Suburban? Rural?
• Size
• StudentTeacher ratios
• Single sex or co-ed?
• Grade levels
• Cost
• Credentials
• Policies and procedures
• Culture and fit
• Program offerings and fit

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Partnership School and ParentExpectations

• Parents
• Support the mission
• Communicate about your child
• Provide quiet study time/environment
• Seek involvement in appropriate ways
• Attend conferences / meetings as scheduled
• Support values and discipline
• Seek the facts

• School
• Fulfill mission
• Provide safe, caring learning environment
• Regular Communication - about your child
• - about the school
• An invitation to be involved
• Consistent values and discipline
• Open ear

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Cost

• Wide range of fees
• What do the fees include?
• textbooks? uniforms? transportation?
• meals? class trips? co-curricular programs?
  technology? health care?
• Payment options
• Scholarships
• Bursaries
• Loans

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Why Choose an Independent/Private School?

• Academic excellence
• Values Character education
• Safety
• Breadth of programs
• Sense of community family partnership
• Individualized attention
• Structure

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Where Can I Find More Information?

• Websites
• Directories
• Associations
• Religious groups
• Other parents
• Consultants
• Please feel free to visit www.cais.ca