Independent school notification day has passed, and families are deciding on schools for the fall. Given that "we are a decade into the largest epidemic of adolescent mental illness ever recorded” (Haidt, 2023), what should you consider when choosing a school?
Some Questions To Ask:
What is the purpose of independent school “A"? Is it to create conformist social justice activists? Or independent-thinking truth seekers? What is prioritized?
First, read the school's DEI plan. How does the school define diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice? Do these words mean what you think they mean? Equity, for example, is in direct conflict with the concept of private schools. Why does the school use the same language and framework as every other “Independent School,” yet none of it is grounded in scholarship, research, or evidence that this “approach” works? Does that sound like an ideology to promote activism?
Is the school trying to be all things to all people and neglecting their core values?
How embedded is DEI in all aspects of school? How much of a priority is DEI?
How does the school approach gender ideology? What is the goal?
How do you know if the school aligns with your family values?
What skills and personal qualities appear to be most important to the school? Integrity? Agency? Persistence? Character? Courage? Intellectual Honesty? Excellence? How do you know if they are living these ideals?
How does a school show a commitment to helping students develop agency? Here is an example.
How hard is it to find the school’s mission and core values? A school's mission and values should be clear and easy to find. Here is an example of a school that does just that:
Enrollment Contracts
Parents, be sure to thoroughly read the enrollment agreement before you “accept” the offer. Know what the school is “promising" your child and what the school expects of you. These contracts are always enforced vigorously, so do not assume you can get out of them if the school turns out not to be a good fit.
Ultimately it is important that you can ask the school honest questions. It will provide a glimpse into how they value their relationship with parents. It will also help inform whether America’s founding qualities and principles, life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the idea that all people are created equal, have been replaced by grievance, division, and guilt.
Resources
This website helps families discern school fit
Joanna Williams explains how a key goal of education used to be imparting knowledge of humanity's collective understanding of wisdom to the next generation and why this is under attack.