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Home Page > Academics : Why an Independent School?

WHY AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL EDUCATION?

Staten Island Academy is proud of its unique status as the only independent school on Staten Island. How do independent schools differ from other schools? We are independent in governance. Staten Island Academy is a not-for-profit institution governed by a Board of Trustees. The school is not affiliated with any religious, governmental or for-profit entities.

Independent schools are independent in finances. Staten Island Academy is privately supported by tuition payments, charitable contributions and endowment income.

This freedom in governance and finance, allows independent schools the freedom to define their unique missions and curriculum, selectively admit students who will benefit from their programs, and hire outstanding teachers. At Staten Island Academy, our faculty develop innovative curriculum to meet our high educational standards and philosophy, rather than follow a mandated syllabus or textbook.

Independent schools encourage excellence, set high standards and motivate students to be enthusiastic and creative about learning in an academically rigorous environment. The outstanding faculty at Staten Island Academy teach students how to develop critical thinking skills and problem solving. Educational opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletics, visual and performing arts, school leadership, and extra-curricular activities.

Why Staten Island Academy?
Recently the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) commissioned a study with 34 other educational organizations to develop questions that would help parents determine whether or not a school is good. The study identified five questions, More...

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