BENCHMARKS OF QUALITY INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
- School sets own philosophy and mission, standards, and programs, clearly stated and reviewed periodically.
- Independent governance - an autonomous board of trustees.
- Accredited by one of the six nationally recognized regional accredited bodies : PAIS requires
accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or by the Southern
Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).
- Accountable to trustees, to parents, to alumni, and to accreditation agency.
- Responsive to parent questions, suggestions and concerns. Families kept fully and frequently informed
as to students progress.
- Independent financially through tuitions, voluntary gifts and endowments. Supported by parents, teachers
and administrators, trustees, alumni, friends and patrons, corporations and foundations.
- Tax exempt status.
- Parent involvement encouraged and welcome on the premise of a shared responsibility to
educate children.
- Professional, dedicated, talented faculty with requisite teaching credentials; encouraged to earn
advanced degrees.
- Favorable student/teacher ratios which promote greater individual attention.
- Guidance and counseling systems in place, particularly at the high school level for
college counseling.
- Commitment to open admissions and seeks to enroll a socio-economic, cultural, ethnic
diversity of qualified students.
- Need-based financial aid offered to encourage an economically diverse student population.
- Ambitious academic goals coupled with high expectations.
- Rich and challenging curriculum, reflected at the high school level by honors and AP courses,
complimented by senior projects and independent studies.
- Athletic and intramural opportunities offered throughout the three seasons.
- Fine and performing arts classes available to all grades.
- State of the art technology in classrooms.
- Emphasis on character and leadership development; respect for others; values; citizenship.
- Sense of community - "A community of learners."
- Every child involved, participating, contributing.
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