An independent school is free from any financial or governing support from local or national government resources. It receives its financial support from tuition, endowments and gifts. A board of directors is the governing body of this type of educational institution which offers education mainly at the primary and secondary school level.

The independent school is free to create their own mission statement according to what the board of directors feels is the main focus of the school. The mission statements will vary for the schools but a shared goal for all is to provide a safe educational community where a love of learning is nurtured. There is typically an emphasis on building a strong foundation in the basics where an all around education is deemed important.

In the UK the self-regulating schools are not required to follow the national curriculum but their course material must prepare the students towards passing the standardized public exams. More schools in Britain are offering the International Baccalaureate. Independent schools tend to add more into the curriculum especially with a focus on the creative and performing arts. The visual arts, foreign languages, music, computer skills, research skills, leadership skills, physical fitness and critical thinking skills are all considered important components for a strong educational foundation.

Most students are day students though many are electing to board on a weekly basis to save on commuting costs. When both parents work they come home on weekends when the family will be together. The schools provide opportunities to live in rural areas or the inner city. Students learn how to live with their peers and have greater opportunities to make new friends.

Living on site little or no commuting so there is more time available to participate in sports or musical activities as two examples. Each school has their own program of courses but many students learn how to do orienteering, speak mandarin and create pottery. The freedom to choose interesting elective programs is one of the cornerstones of the independent educational institution.

The schools have the freedom to experiment and teach in innovative ways since they are free from the bureaucracy of the traditional educational authorities. Many teachers prefer to teach in these schools since there is a strong focus on discipline. Teachers can concentrate on teaching rather than becoming involved in behavioral issues as tends to be the case in non-independent schools.

Parents or the legal guardians who are making the financial commitment to invest in their child’s educational future are more inclined to work together with the institution in a partnership that will create a strong educational community for everyone. Smaller classes allow teachers more preparation time and students benefit from more one on one instruction time. The school is a vibrant, friendly, learning community.

The independent school basically owns and governs itself. The nature of the institution can vary where some are military schools and others are boarding schools. The legal guardians may feel that their child’s needs include discipline and independent living. When parents work closely with the schools they will ascertain the best schools that come within their financial means for the child’s educational development.

Toronto private schools offering a balanced curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to grade 12.