Preparing Students for University and Beyond
A preparatory
school is the ideal option for parents who are committed to the academic
excellence of their children; providing benefits that will be enjoyed long
after they graduate from high school. While most schools focus on helping
students achieve the grades required for acceptance into the post-secondary
institution of their choice, prep schools go further than that. Prep schools
devote resources to provide each student with the life skills needed to ensure
their continued success, long after they graduate.
Preparatory
schools focus on the values of a balanced and healthy lifestyle, the importance
of strong peer and teacher relationships as well as reaching the height of
academic potential by overcoming personal learning obstacles. Unlike public
schools that rely on tax-funded budgets, prep schools are privately funded
independent secondary schools. Prep schools have a very selective admissions
process to ensure students who attend reflect the values and culture of the
school. It also allows the school to identify highly-motivated students who
will thrive in a challenging curriculum. Prep schools offer a challenging
curriculum to prepare students for top-tier post-secondary schools.
Preparatory vs Public Schools
The difference
between a public and prep school is felt almost immediately. It all begins with
a team of devoted and specialized teachers and administrators who are greatly
committed to the success of each and every student. Preparatory school teachers
are well qualifiedand sought after due to their impressive credentials. Specialized focus on
important subjects allows teachers to connect with students and work through
problems together. It is important for students to establish relationships and
open communication with their teachers.
Smaller Classes, Larger Focus on Student
Success
Smaller class
sizes in prep schools bolster two-way communication and help staff members
pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of each child so that they can help
students overcome personal learning obstacles. Smaller class sizes also ensure
no student is simply a "face in the crowd.” A reduced number of people in the
classroom aids in engaging discussion and helps the learning process. There is
an emphasis on the concept of "learning by doing,” making active listening
and participation a means of ensuring that lessons are understood and
information is retained.
Another benefit
of smaller class sizes is the flexibility this offers teachers to assign
complicated and thought-provoking assignments. Teachers have time to dedicate
to comprehensive analysis of each assignment and can provide in-depth feedback
to help develop their students. This is worth far more than a simple letter
grade! Schools can also offer students specialized elective classes that public
schools just cannot offer with larger class sizes. Teachers, in short, have far
more time to invest in communicating with students and parents to ensure the
true value of each lesson is fully understood.
Building Character
Preparatory
schools aim to instill the following traits in their students:
- A sense of
personal responsibility
- A sense of
social responsibility
- Confidence
- Leadership
skills
- A grasp of
technology
- Excellent
study habits
- School
spirit and morale
- Respect for
one other, for teachers and administrators, for society and for themselves
Preparatory schools are committed to the continued success of each and
every student. Through specialized classes and engaged partnerships with
teachers, graduates of prep schools are confident and have socially developed
into team players with natural leadership and c
ommunication skills. These skills will take
students well beyond a post-secondary education and into the "real world.”