School choice may have become an increasingly hot topic politically; however, beyond the Beltway noise is an important decision for every parent — where do you want your child to attend school, and what do you envision their future to look like? Independent schools are rooted in the idea of choice, and each one offers a unique approach to learning. So what are some of the advantages of an independent school education? Let’s take a look.
Choices, choices, choices
A primary advantage of independent schools is choice. Whether you prefer coeducation or single sex, religious or secular, day school or boarding school, K-12 or simply high school, there is an independent school for your child.
In addition, some schools focus more on a rigorous academic approach, while others look to expand a student’s creative pursuits. For those parents with children with learning differences, there are also schools with faculty who have specialized training in these areas.
Unique values
Independent schools provide the opportunity for parents and their children to find a school where the school’s philosophy aligns with their values and approach to teaching. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org, “The wide diversity among independent schools allows you to find a school that is a great fit for your student. Independent schools are mission-driven. You can choose a school that reflects your family’s values, whether religious, cultural, or philosophical, and emphasizes character, leadership, creativity, or global citizenship,” as stated on its website.
Academic success
Of course, as with any school, having students achieve academic success is a keystone goal of independent schools. “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 other private schools,” according to NAIS.
Independent schools’ hallmark is aptly preparing students for college readiness through Advanced Placement (AP) and custom-designed programs that not only allow students to thrive academically but also help students’ college applications stand out from the pack. Counselors help students chart a path of success, assist with applications and essays, and counsel them on which college may be best for them. Engaged alumni can help recommend certain colleges. Leadership opportunities, confidence building, internships, and service learning provided by schools will also help students when applying for college.
Personalized attention
Students can thrive in independent schools due in large part to small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios that provide individualized attention and close connections between teachers and students.
In 2024-2025, the median ratio in NAIS schools was 8.2 students to each teacher, according to NAIS. “Independent school instructors usually teach in their areas of expertise. They strive to develop a full understanding of each student’s learning style, interests, and motivation,” according to NAIS. Typically, independent school teachers hold advanced degrees or significant professional experience in their field.
Faculty, counselors and staff at independent school can also help students find what interests them outside the classroom, whether it’s the arts, theatre, athletics, leadership, debate, robotics, or civic engagement. No matter what they choose, parents are always involved as partners in their child’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,” according to NAIS.
Independent schools are known for being tight-knit communities where groups of parents bond over their children’s academic endeavors, and students can make lifelong friends.
Inclusiveness
We live in a global society where schools are made up of students from different backgrounds, religions and life experiences. According to NAIS, “Independent schools foster diverse and vibrant student communities that welcome and respect every family. In 2024-2025, students of color were 34.1 percent of independent school enrollment, while 5.7 percent of students were from other countries.”
To help foster inclusiveness and diversity, independent schools work with parents to help them pay for their child’s education, including monthly tuition payment plans, need-based financial aid, tax-advantaged Coverdell education savings programs, loans, scholarships and merit awards, and discounts for families with more than one child enrolled at the school. In 2024-2025, NAIS member schools awarded nearly $3.6 billion in need-based financial aid.
Most independent schools have dedicated financial aid offices who can assist parents in finding ways to pay tuition and other related costs.
Independent School Guide
Below is a sampling of the many independent schools in the Baltimore metropolitan area sorted by county. For parents looking for additional information, AIMS, a nonprofit association of independent schools in Maryland and Washington, DC., is a great resource. For more information, visit www.aimsmddc.org.