Nessie and Other Myths

Art installation of Loch Ness Monster with visiting children in Grand Rapids, MI.

I’ve always been fascinated by myths. I clearly remember when I was in sixth grade and I came across a book in the school library about the Loch Ness monster – or Nessie as I like to think of her – and I became absolutely obsessed with knowing more. Was the monster real? What was it? And I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t believe that the monster was actually Bruce, Samantha’s suitor on that classic television show Bewitched.

The fact is that myths are not only intriguing, but we can often learn more about a subject by analyzing the myths that surround it. Therefore, I’ve compiled the following list and links to sites that address some of the myths surrounding private, independent and charter schools. I’ve also included my favorite from each list. As you research schools for your children, see how many of these you encounter!

• SEVEN MYTHS ABOUT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
  by Patrick Bassett, NAIS President
  My favorite myth: Independent schools are only for the rich.
• MYTHS ABOUT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL TEACHERS
  by Wendy Mogel
  My favorite myth: A SENSIBLE TEACHER realizes that parents with graduate degrees in anything know as much about elementary education, curriculum, and child development as do teachers and school administrators.
• TOP TEN MYTHS ABOUT PRIVATE SCHOOLS
  by Private School Review
  My favorite myth: Private school teachers must wear academic gowns.
• TOP TEN MYTHS ABOUT PRIVATE SCHOOLS
  by Robert Kennedy
  My favorite myth: They are only for students of a certain faith.
• MYTHS VS FACTS ABOUT CHARTER SCHOOLS
  by New York Charter Parents Association
  My favorite myth: Charter schools are answerable to no one.
• KINDERGARTEN VS PRE-K: SEVEN COMMON MYTHS
  by Nannette Richford
  My favorite myth: Children in Pre-K are the result of bad parenting.
• MONTESSORI MYTHS
  by SpringStone Montessori School
  My favorite myth: Montessori classrooms are chaotic; the children are allowed to do whatever they want.
• COMMON MYTHS ABOUT WALDORF EDUCATION
  by Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
  My favorite myth: Is it true that Waldorf students are not taught to read until second grade?
• BOARDING SCHOOL MYTHS
  by Javier Colayco
  My favorite myth: Boarding school is for kids who are having trouble at home or school.

I’ll leave you with one final list of myths that’s just for fun. Check out LOCH NESS MONSTER: DISPELLING THE MYTHS. No, it doesn’t have anything to do with finding a school for your child. However, I find it tantalizing. Enjoy!