INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
EDUCATION
Independence in the truest sense of the word.
Independent schools are governed by a Board of Governors, 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.
- The wide diversity among independent schools allows FIA the intellectual and moral freedom to offer unique philosophy, values, and approach to teaching.
High academic standards.
Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, encourage critical thinking, and promote a lifelong love of learning.
- More students in independent schools enroll in advanced courses than in public, parochial, and all other private schools.
Small classes that allow for individual attention.
Low student-teacher ratios encourage close connections between instructors and students.
- In 2015-2016, the median ratio in NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools, USA) schools was 8.6 students to each teacher. FIA’s current ratio is 4:1.
Excellent teachers.
Independent school instructors usually teach in their areas of expertise with a depth of specialized learning. They strive to develop a full understanding of each student’s learning style, interests, and motivation.
- Graduates of independent schools have a greater likelihood of completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree than public school counterparts.
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, service projects, internships and leadership experiences.
Inclusiveness.
Independent schools, especially international schools like FIA, foster diverse and vibrant student communities that welcome and respect every family.
- Both staff and students in independent schools are drawn to the diversity of thought, ethnicity, religion, nationality and tolerance that makes them inherently more inclusive.
A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education.
Independent schools promote regular communication and events among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals.
- Parents actively engage in their student’s education, because the staff and teachers want and value their participation.