My husband and I were happy with how our children, Matthew and Emma, were doing in our local public schools. They were both excelling academically and socially. My husband, a product of independent schools, had raised private schools as a consideration, but we felt satisfied with the education our children were receiving. However, we eventually came to realize what was missing at our local public school. What attracted us to Peck was the Upper School curriculum and how it is intentionally designed around building the specific skills that are critical to develop both from an academic and character perspective in preparation for secondary school.  Even though our son Matthew only started at Peck in sixth grade, we felt his growth in three years exceeded our wildest expectations. Here are the five reasons we wish we had considered private school sooner:

1. Academic rigor: At Peck, rigor is not measured in the number of math problems done or the hours of homework assigned. It’s measured in questions asked, ideas shared, and limits pushed. We found at Peck, Matthew was always challenged, but in a way that was always positive, balanced, and with the full support of his teachers. Matthew always looked forward to school, and it never was too much.
   
   
2. Focus on character values: Consideration of others and community responsibility are two of Peck’s core principles.  From day-to-day behaviors like holding the door for someone to the importance of being good citizens, from setting and clearing the tables in the dining hall to leading initiatives like the Hunger Walk and Pasta for Preschool, Peck teaches our children to give back to the broader community and those in need. The celebration of diversity and the belief that we as a whole are better together coupled with the Harkness approach in English, History, and Math, teaches our children to listen and respect other views, even when they are different from your own.
   
   
3. Preparedness for High School: The Peck School does an incredible job preparing their students for secondary school through developing critical behaviors that become the foundation for success as the students garner more independence in high school, specifically focusing on the importance of:
   1. Self-advocacy
   2. Time management and organization
   3. Accountability
   4. Building relationships with your teachers and peer group
      
      
4. Development of Strong Leadership Skills: One of the main focus areas of the Upper School curriculum is to develop strong leaders. The students have so many opportunities to become leaders and set a positive example for the rest of the school. Matthew was able to develop strong leadership skills through his experience in the Student Council and serving as captain of the baseball team.  Matthew also practiced his leadership skills delivering his Eighth-Grade Speech and in designing and executing his own capstone project.

1. Building Confidence: Matthew’s confidence grew in his years at Peck through the nature of the curriculum, the support of his teachers and peers, and the foundational belief to branch out of your comfort zone to try new things. Peck also creates a safe and nurturing environment where students can learn from failure. Matthew went into high school trying a new sport, with no experience, knowing no one, and never once questioned his ability to succeed.

BONUS REASON: 

Parent involvement: One of the hallmarks of an independent school education is how involved the parents not only get to be, but are expected to be. Independent schools like Peck view a child’s education as a partnership between the school and home. Through opportunities to volunteer with the Parents Association, as a class parent, or by proctoring lunch, parents have myriad opportunities to not only support the school but also participate in the life of it. 

Learn more about how a Peck education could be the right fit for your child. The right school | right now.