Independent Thinking

by Jill Miller Zimon

If the Jeopardy game answer was, "University, Ratner, Agnon, Hawken, Gilmour, Lawrence, Lake Ridge, Grand River, Laurel, Hathaway Brown, Phillips Osborne, Old Trail, Western Reserve and Andrews," the question would be, "What are examples of independent schools in the Cleveland area?"

But could you identify the features that distinguish these educational institutions from any other? To help you decide whether you should consider independent schools for your child’s education, take this crash course in the basics.

Independent schools fall into the category of nonpublic or private schools, as opposed to public, because their primary source of financial support is not tax dollars. They differ from parochial schools, which are also nonpublic, because they are governed by a board of trustees, not by a church, diocese or synagogue. They receive financial support from tuition, endowment and fundraising rather than subsidies from a religious entity, and their independent boards define their mission.

Ohio’s independent schools must be chartered by the Ohio Department of Education ODE). According to Karin O’Neil, executive director of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS), the ODE charters independent schools that achieve and maintain accreditation from the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), a nonprofit group that oversees 200 schools in 15 states.

John Braman, president of ISACS, says that the lynchpin of accreditation is the connection between a school’s mission and how well its operations reflect that mission. The accreditation process reviews student programs, activities and services, teacher development, issues of equity, the emotional feel of the environment, and how the school is administered by its board of trustees. In Braman’s opinion, this approach allows a school to meet its mission without being micromanaged.

The decision to pursue independent schools should hinge on how well these schools can meet a child’s needs.

Holly Scott, executive director of the Cleveland Council of Independent Schools, wants parents to know that "all types of learners and thinkers are accommodated at the wide variety of schools that are independent…. [Independent schools] are not just for the very bight, or for those who need extra help in grasping concepts." The best reasons to consider an independent school, according to Karen O’Neil of OAIS, are low student-teacher ratios, individualized attention, education experiences beyond the classroom, actively engaged parents, and a supportive climate of learning and achievement.

While there isn’t one best time to apply, some schools have fewer openings for entry into some grades compared to others. Parents should ask schools about the number of students they add per grade. Many schools have fall and winter open houses and schedule testing so that admission decisions can be made by early spring. Other schools have rolling admissions. As soon as you think you want to investigate independent schools, begin gathering and evaluating the information you’ll need to make a confident decision.

Karin O’Neil stresses that you should look for a school that matches your child’s needs and interests. You can begin your inquiry with Internet visits. The OAIS website, www.oais.org, provides links to schools in Ohio. Find out when the schools hold open houses and try to attend. If the dates don’t work for you, schedule a visit through the school’s admissions office when you call for brochures. Talk with people you know whose children attend the schools or get references from the admissions office.

Myra McGovern of the National Association of Independent Schools recommends that parents review its article, "Choosing the Right School," which suggests that parents ask pre-visit questions about the type of educational community they desire:

To narrow the choices, examine the philosophy, curriculum, extracurricular offerings, admission process and financing options. Helpful questions include:

No one denies the high cost of independent schools, but most Ohio schools offer financial aid. Karen O’Neil advises parents to first decide whether the school meets the needs of their child. Then they should consult the financial aid officers at the schools in which they are interested.

The NAIS website, www.nais.org, explains several funding options. These choices range from tuition loan or payment programs to need-based financial aid and merit scholarship awards. The site offers a list of companies that offer loan and payment plans and a Scholarship Provider Listing that can be searched by state.

Cleveland Council of Independent Schools, www.ccis-ohio.org, (440-893-9585): Consortium of 13 schools; provides information and programming; website includes FAQs.

Ohio Association of Independent Schools, www.oais.org, (740-965-2739): State membership organization; offers links to member schools throughout Ohio, FAQs and other helpful information.

National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org, (202) 973-9700):

National membership organization; large quantity of information that explains how independent schools function and perform as compared to other school options; includes school search webpage.

Independent Schools Association of the Central States, www.isacs.org, (312-255-1244): Accreditation entity for Midwestern states; includes directory of accredited schools and description of accreditation standards.

Porter Sargent Publishers, www.portersargent.com, (617-523-1670): Independent schools directory available for purchase; website includes links to many relevant organizations.

Jill Miller Zimon is a freelance writer who lives in Pepper Pike with her husband and children, ages 4, 7 and 10.