GOOD READ
An Investment for a Lifetime
The Value of Independent Education for the Youngest Learners
BY PAYTON HOBBS, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION, LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL, LA JOLLA, CA AND JENNIFER BACCUS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, RAVENSCROFT SCHOOL, RALEIGH, NC
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t’s just kindergarten, right? Why invest in an independent school education at such an early age? From the East Coast to the West Coast, this is a question we often hear in our role as admission professionals. And it is probably the question that evokes the most emotion for us. As educators and leaders who have served in both public and private schools and as parents of children who graduated from or currently attend independent schools, we can’t think of an investment that better safeguards a child’s future. Independent school education builds a strong and positive foundation that will impact the habits of their hearts and minds for a lifetime.
IMPORTANCE OF EARLY ENTRY In early childhood and elementary school, children begin to develop their identity as learners and young leaders. They develop social and emotional skills that will strengthen their ability to communicate, connect with others, and build relationships. In these early years, they establish habits and behaviors and an overall approach to school and the learning process. It is the most important time to invest in a child’s educational journey so they come to see learning as a joyful process where their curiosity and interests are welcomed. During the preschool years (ages 3-5), children begin to form their identities. They start attaching labels to people and putting themselves and others into categories. During the elementary school years (ages 5-10), children start to assign meaning to those groups which ultimately results in assigning value and worth to characteristics inherent in themselves and others. During this stage of development, children begin to establish who they are and how they see themselves in the world. For identity to develop in the most positive and healthy manner, children must have the individual time and attention that assures them they are seen and known. School communities play an important role in this development. Children thrive in environments where student-teacher ratios are low, schedules are flexible and honor the needs of each child, and high-quality resources and mentors are
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Early childhood is the most important time to invest in a child’s educational journey so they come to see learning as a joyful process where their curiosity and interests are welcomed.”
SPR ING 2019 │ SAI S .O RG
available. Rich and robust programs that include visual and performing arts, instrumental and vocal music, science and technology, physical education, health and wellness, reading and writing, engineering and math, research and design, character education, and more allow students to explore a range of interests and issues. They are further supported when the surrounding community (students, parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, etc.) share expectations and are committed to the same mission and core values. These qualities and more define the independent school experience. Providing this support and exposure at the earliest possible age helps foster positive identity development and allows young children to appreciate their inherent value and worth, while at the same time understanding they are part of something bigger than themselves.