Ever wondered what private school life is really like? You know, the real thing, not the version your parents and other adults always talk about? You need to read Black Ice by Loren Cary and Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld. Both of these women portray life in the private schools they attended in detail and with great frankness. Books About Private Schools contains a couple of classics you ought to read.
Now, if you prefer to watch a movie, then sample some of these DVDs About Private Schools. Some of them are classics, some just slap-stick comedy. The rest are mostly B movies.
Exploring Schools
Most of the schools you are thinking about attending have pretty decent web sites. Naturally, they show you only what they want you to see. Start with U.S. Schools and branch out from there. A lot of famous people attended private schools for many of the reasons you are thinking about going: the sports, the solid academics, the wide range of extra-curricular activities.
In case you think private schools are just for rich kids, think again. Diversity rules these days.
Getting In
Some schools are easy to get into. Complete the application. Take the admissions tests. Show up for an interview. Voila! You're in. But many private schools are very competitive. You will need great test scores, excellent grades in your previous school, glowing teacher recommendations and, hopefully, a sport or two you are good at. If you are thinking about a highly competitive school, then get your folks to hire a consultant to guide you through the process.
Academics
What will you learn? That depends on the school you attend. But most prep schools offer a pretty solid academic training for college level work. Most schools offer many AP courses. A couple of schools follow the IB program. In either case, do well, and you can be assured of getting into college.
Sports
One of the main features of a private school education is its emphasis on sports. You don't just go to school to learn math and science. Sports are scheduled just like any subject. Everybody has to participate in a sport. In many schools students are assigned to houses which compete against each other. The sports offered vary from school to school but basically are pretty amazing in their scope and variety. Equestrian facilities, rowing, hockey, tennis, golf plus all the mainstream sports are part of what you will find at private school.
What Can I Bring From Home?
If you are going to boarding school, you will receive a very detailed list of all the stuff you need to bring. Read Essential Gear for Boarding School for some reminders about stuff the adults may forget!
