Why Choose an Independent Education?

Why look now at independent education? Because the most important investment you can make is in your child's future - and the future is what independent schools are all about.

Connecticut's independent schools excel in the education and development of children of all ages and backgrounds. They discover possibilities -and help possibilities become real.

If you've a desire for something more for your son or daughter...and want to consider options, Connecticut has 88 great ones! An Independent School may be the key to fulfilling every hope you have for your child.

What are independent schools? They are Connecticut's first educational "system." The history of independent education starts with Connecticut's beginnings. One school, Hopkins, in New Haven, has been in continuous operation since 1660.

Long before tax-supported public schools existed, the educational needs of each community were served by privately funded, locally administered academies. Today's descendants of these schools, members of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, continue to serve communities that are not only local, but national and international. All are accredited and non-profit. Each is someplace special; many of them would be on any informed person's list of the world's best schools!

Independent schools offer a range of options, from pre-kindergarten and elementary grades through high school. Some are day schools; others are boarding schools. Some serve just boys, or girls, though most are coeducational. They range in size from under 100 to over 2,000 students. They can be found in most parts of our state.

Rich in variety, independent schools do have characteristics in common. They are free from dependence on government support and from all but a minimum of government control. Each is overseen by a board of trustees. Strong school heads and equally strong teachers run things. And each school is racially and culturally inclusive; this helps every child learn how to understand, respect and work with others in the complex real world they'll inherit - and to approach management and leadership of that world with hope and skill.

Independent schools see every child as a person - a unique individual. Strengths and weaknesses are recognized so each child can discover his or her own potential, in a stimulating, supportive, and challenging environment. While every CAIS school has a commitment to education in the broadest terms (intellectual, moral, physical and emotional) strong emphasis is placed on mastery of basic skills - reading, writing, mathematics, and the arts. At each there'll be athletic and nonathletic extracurricular programs to stimulate and challenge every youngster. And each school will expect something more than "good behavior" - active, responsible citizenship, a readiness to serve others and to stand firm for what's good. Such qualities will become values driving tomorrow's best leaders.

Why look, then? Because truly fine options exist in Connecticut...and because, when you decide to choose, you will be stepping up to a key parental responsibility: to guide, support and encourage your child toward the very best that his or her life may offer.