Your child’s education is one
of the most important decisions you will ever make. Now more than ever, families are choosing to entrust
their children’s schooling to independent institutions. Lifestyle explores some of the benefits of sending your young scholars to study
privately.
In the
Family
Independent schools offer classes to children as young as three years old to seniors exiting in Grade 12.
Students grow up in an institutional “family,” which allows them to feel comfortable and develop lifelong
friendships with their peers and educators. It’s no surprise that most junior students continue into the
senior programs at their respective schools.
Along with the familiarity and continuity this provides, younger students are able to observe and take
examples from the senior students on campus before stepping into leadership roles themselves as they grow
older.
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Uniformed
Mornings
More often
than not a private educational institution requires its students wear a uniform. This uniform usually
consists of a kilt, blouse, tie and blazer, with male students wearing co-ordinating pants and dress shirts.
There is more to this traditional clothing than how adorable they render the three-year-old pre-kindergarten
student, however. Uniforms contribute to the sense of community on campus and dramatically reduce the time
required to prepare for school in the morning.
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An
Accelerated Education
While adhering
to the curricular requirements of the province they are located in, private institutions have the added
advantage of being able to offer additional programs of study. These additional classes are invaluable in
post-secondary education preparation, particularly the advanced placement (AP) classes that offer students
the opportunity to take a university-level course in their senior year of high school.
Other accelerated programs include the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, which prepares senior
students for university by exposing them to six rigorous classes, an extended essay and a year-long course
dedicated to the theory of knowledge.
These enhanced academic
programs allow independent school students a smoother transition into their post-secondary education. In
addition, as most universities recognize both IB and AP courses as university first-year credits, students
can enjoy an accelerated education from as early as their entry years.
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Fluent
in Success
The addition
of a second or third language to your child’s standard education program provides them with the opportunity
to shine in future career situations. Many private schools offer more intensive language programs than the
standard introductory courses offered in the provincial programs.
The Calgary French and International School, for example, practices “maximum immersion” to guarantee their
graduates are completely fluent in both English and French by the time they reach their final years (though
it is often far earlier).
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The
International
Classroom
Many private schools offer exchange programs that allow students to immerse themselves completely in their
languages and cultures of study. Programs range in duration and proximity to offer younger students the
opportunity to take a short, national trip, and older students a semester-long adventure abroad.
Students are also encouraged to take part in international service projects and conferences. International
service projects and conferences, such as the Round Square Conference and Habitat for Humanity, offer
students the unique opportunity to meet with young men and women from across the globe to discuss critical
issues. On international service trips, students can participate in such significant activities as building
homes, classrooms and schools.
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Living
and Learning
Boarding
schools offer a complete range of student life outside of the classroom, including sports, extracurriculars
and social activities. This opportunity to be completely immersed in secondary education encourages students
to be actively involved in their community and to develop strong relationships with their teachers and
mentors.
Boarding students are most often paired with another student in a dorm-room setting. Many schools make an
effort to pair local boarders with international boarders, or international boarders with international
boarders from different countries. This turns the student’s bedroom itself into a classroom, where roommates
can learn each other’s languages and explore the diverse aspects of their unique cultures.
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Individual
Attention
Independent
schools tend to have smaller class sizes than their public counterparts, guaranteeing a higher level of
attention dedicated to each child.
Class sizes of private schools tend to range from 10 to 15 students, roughly half the size of the 20- to
30-student classes one encounters in public institutions. This student-teacher ratio is also beneficial in
terms of discipline. Smaller class sizes allow for order and organization in the classroom, and as classes
run smoother, students enjoy higher levels of efficiency without the distraction of disciplinary
corrections. Furthermore, smaller classes are often broken down into smaller groups that cater to
several different learning speeds.
In addition to the smaller class sizes, many private schools are able to offer students an advisor — a member
of the staff who keeps parents updated on the student’s progress and acts as a mentor for the student in
times of need. Regular updates home to parents also ensure that there are no surprises come report-card
time.
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Sponsored
Scholars
Of the dozen
schools Lifestyle contacted, all boasted a minimum of 99% university acceptance, with a significant
majority of students being granted admission to their first-choice programs and institutions. This is largely
owing to the recognition that comes with the name of an established independent institution, as well as to
the university counseling programs set up for senior students. These counselors offer students the
opportunity to explore all of their program and scholarship opportunities. As a result, private school
students are more likely to be granted bursaries towards their university education.•
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PULL QUOTE
Of the dozen schools Lifestyle contacted, all boasted a minimum of 99% university acceptance, with a significant majority of students being granted admission to
their first-choice programs and institutions.