What's the difference between Private & Independent?

[Anonymous]

I hope I don't sound ignorant, but I really don't know. Is there a difference?

[Anonymous]

"Independent" is the new-ish way of saying private -- sounds less snooty, etc. No one really uses the term (independent) other than educators.

[Anonymous]

A private school is one not run by the government. "Independent" means a school has its own governing board. A "parochial" school (like many but not all Catholic schools) would not have its own Board and would be just a part of the parish or the Archdiocese or whatever it's a part of. So for example, Blessed Sacrament is a private parochial school, Stone Ridge is a private independent school. Most schools discussed on this board are independent schools.

[Anonymous]

Stone Ridge is a private independent school

I am confused. I thought Stone Ridge was a Catholic school, so its not a private school, its parochial/Catholic. Why does it matter if its run by the Archdiocese or not, Catholic is Catholic and not the same as private because there is a higher power (the Catholic church) that has influence over what is taught?

[Anonymous]

Catholic does not equal parochial. A parochial school is attached to and run by a particular parish and diocese. An independent Catholic school is independently established and operated. Typically the quality of education is considered to be higher in an independent Catholic school than in a parochial one.

[Anonymous]

Yes and more expensive. parish schools are around $7K per year. Stoneridge is around $18K or so for elementary school. I consider any school that requires tuition payment private. Perhaps parish schools are not independent as they do have a larger governing body but i don't think that compares to something like mcps in control, financing etc.

[jhuber]

Anonymous wrote:"Independent" is the new-ish way of saying private -- sounds less snooty, etc. No one really uses the term (independent) other than educators.

Indeed. The effort as I understand it is to emphasize our independence (independent governance, independent financing, independent curricula) rather than exclusivity. Hence the 'I' in NAIS, AIMS, AISGW, etc.

When asked about where I work by friends and acquaintances, I will often say "private school", because the term "independent" hasn't reached common public usage. In open houses, I'll go into greater lengths to discuss the features and importance of independence.