Why choose an Independent School?
Independence in the truest sense of the word.
Independent schools are governed by a board of trustees, not a public school board. They are primarily supported by tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment revenue.
-
Independent school teachers have the freedom to create educational experiences that meet each child’s needs, without state mandates on curriculum, textbooks, and testing.
Mission-driven education.
Whether co-ed or single-sex, day school or boarding school, each independent school is driven by its own unique philosophy, values, and approach to teaching.
-
LMAIS Schools represent 40 independent schools in the Chicago metropolitan area and northwest Indiana educating students from 2yrs – 12th grade. Selecting a school
High academic standards.
Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, encourage critical thinking, and promote a lifelong love of learning.
-
Independent schools work to take each student to their highest potential through personalized attention and a commitment to growth.
Small classes that allow for individual attention.
Low student-teacher ratios promote close and lasting connections between educators and students.
-
The average student-teacher ratio at LMAIS schools is 8:1
Excellent teachers.
Independent school educators are afforded opportunities to teach in their areas of expertise. They strive to develop a full understanding of each student’s learning style, interests, and motivation.
-
Expertise and commitment to student-centered learning is a hallmark of independent school educators.
Education for the whole child.
In addition to academics, independent schools also nurture students’ personal and social growth and civic conscience.
-
Outside the classroom, students participate in school-sponsored athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, and leadership experiences. These activities are considered co-curricular not extracurricular as they are important to identity formation and student engagement.
Inclusiveness.
Independent schools foster diverse and vibrant student communities that welcome and respect every family.
-
Students of color represent 33.3 percent of LMAIS schools, with 3.4 percent international students.
A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education.
Independent schools promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals.
-
As a parent, you can actively engage in your student’s education, because the staff and teachers want and value your participation.
NAIS Adaptation – The Independent School Advantage