by Zach Young, Headmaster, Wesleyan School, 11/01/07

Independent schools are a growing presence in Gwinnett County, although they remain a small minority among schools both county and nationwide. In America, about 5% of the nation’s students attend independent schools. Nevertheless, these schools have produced many of the leaders of our nation and our society.

Having choice in education benefits our families, our schools, and our communities. Educational options allow parents to assess the needs of their children and decide which type of school works best for them. Both public and independent schools become better when there is an increasing focus on high caliber education in their communities.

There are a variety of reasons that parents consider independent schools for their children. These reasons completely depend on the priorities of the parents. Safe to say, most consumers of independent school services do so because they perceive that the school of their choice will somehow give their child an edge in life. Many parents feel that independent schools give children exposure to an enhanced academic environment, a more extensive web of resources, and a stronger sense of community.

The academic environment in independent schools is frequently a draw for parents of students who attend them. Independent schools can control their enrollment and avoid the overcrowding that has been prevalent in suburban schools over the last 20+ years. Average SAT scores are often higher at an independent school which, of course, is partially the result of selectivity in the admissions process.

In addition to academics, independent schools are known for providing a wide web of resources that support a student and their family beyond just the classroom. Independent schools may choose to take a position on the worldview from which their curriculum and instruction flows. Religion, therefore, may play a more prominent role in an independent school than it can in a public school. Additionally, independent schools traditionally have strong counseling (including college counseling), physical education, and arts programs. Independent schools are able to establish 24/7/365 rules on drinking alcohol and drug use for their children that their public school counterparts cannot.

Finally, in a city the size of Atlanta, being a part of an independent school can enhance a family’s sense of belonging to a close community. In some cases, the single most attractive aspect of independent schools is their small size. One grade level in a large suburban high school is often larger than the entire student body at an independent school. In theory, a smaller student body translates to greater ability for teachers to spend more time with their students both inside and outside the classroom. Children, too, may have a better chance of playing on a team or standing out from the crowd than might be the case in a much larger environment.

Independent school education can be prohibitive due to the cost of tuition. However, most private schools attempt to create socio-economic diversity in their student bodies by making financial aid available for children from families that would have trouble affording an independent school education.

Gwinnett County is blessed to have a good public school system as well as several outstanding independent schools for its population. As parents of students in Gwinnett County become more and more discerning and involved in their children’s education, the caliber of both its public and its independent schools will increase. Appreciation for well rounded, high caliber education is yet another reason why “Gwinnett is Great”!

Zach Young came to Wesleyan in 1996 to serve as Headmaster. Originally from Atlanta, GA, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Virginia and Master’s in Education from Harvard. Young also teaches eighth grade Bible and assists with the eighth grade boys Bible study. Prior to coming to Wesleyan, he was Vice President/Assistant Headmaster at Westminster Schools of Atlanta.