5 Reasons to Choose a Private School

Choosing the right educational path for your child is one of the most significant decisions a parent makes. At Sayre School, with our rich 170-year history and commitment to preparing students for 21st-century careers, we understand the weight of this choice. 

Here are five reasons why choosing an independent school like Sayre could be the best investment in your child’s future.

1: Personalized Attention and Smaller Class Sizes

One hallmark of an independent school education is smaller class sizes. At Sayre, our average class size is 14, and our student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1. Small classes mean more opportunities for seminar-style class discussions, extensive writing assignments, and individual help from teachers before, during, and after school.

Our teachers have the opportunity to truly know each student—their strengths, challenges, and unique learning styles. They celebrate each achievement, whether it’s successfully conducting DNA analysis in a chemistry lab or earning national recognition as an AP Scholar.

2: Dedicated, Passionate Educators

Independent schools often attract highly qualified and deeply passionate educators. At Sayre, our faculty members are mentors, advisors, and role models who are invested in each child's holistic development.

Our teachers are experts in their fields, with over 80% holding advanced degrees. Many have garnered state and national awards, and our fine arts teachers are also accomplished artists and performers. 

During summer break, Sayre faculty embark on enriching journeys to places like Ellis Island and Australia,returning with fresh insights for their students. This dedication and passion for their craft translates into a more engaging and inspiring learning experience.

3: Enriched Curriculum and Extracurricular Opportunities

Independent schools typically offer an enriched curriculum that often goes beyond state-mandated requirements. At Sayre, we provide a challenging and comprehensive academic program, including honors, AP, and customized courses. 

This rigorous academic foundation, along with our commitment to individualized and project-based learning, ensures our graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for the demands of higher education.

Many schools are known for their STEM programming. We take that a step further by offering an interdisciplinary STEAM curriculum, which synthesizes the arts with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

By intentionally connecting these disciplines, we nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only technically proficient but also imaginative, empathetic, and effective communicators – qualities that are increasingly sought after by universities and future employers.

Furthermore, we have the flexibility to offer a wide array of extracurricular activities in visual and performing arts, sports, and clubs. Self-discovery is fundamental to the Sayre experience, allowing students to explore their interests, develop new talents, and discover their passions, preparing students to thrive in college and beyond.

4: A Strong Sense of Community and Belonging

The smaller size of private schools fosters familiarity among students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni. At Sayre, our close-knit community provides a sense of belonging and encourages meaningful relationships. 

Sayre students have the opportunity to develop strong bonds with their peers and teachers, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth. Ultimately, we aim to inspire our students to be engaged and responsible citizens in an interconnected world.

5: Emphasis on Character Development and Values

Many independent schools place a strong emphasis on character development. At Sayre, we teach our core values of wisdom, integrity, respect, and compassion through mentoring, service learning, and cultural awareness initiatives.

• Mentoring: Our Lower School Buddies program connects preschool 4 through 4th-grade students, fostering community and individual bonds through pairings of younger and older classes.
• Service learning: Students engage in volunteer work across all grade levels. Lower and Middle School students actively participate in various community projects throughout the year, while each Upper School student contributes at least nine hours of service annually.
• Cultural awareness: In the Lower School, Sayre students explore diverse cultures, discovering their foods, folklore, dances, music, and traditions. Middle School students begin studying world languages and host events like International Night. In the Upper School, students develop cultural competency and proficiency in other languages for interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational  communication.

The Sayre Difference  

Every school has a unique flavor. At Sayre, our continuous PK-12 experience allows us to truly know each student, nurturing their cognitive and emotional development from preschool through high school. We meticulously assess and enhance students’ progress, personalize our resources to meet their individual needs, and build meaningful, long-term partnerships with both students and parents.

Beyond a challenging curriculum and high expectations, we empower students to think for themselves, even when their ideas differ, and to speak their minds, even when others are silent. 

As the only PK-12 school in the heart of downtown Lexington, we seamlessly integrate our progressive learning environment with the city’s cultural resources. Students display their artwork in local galleries, sketch 18^th- and 19^th-century historical buildings in Gratz Park, and learn about sustainable agriculture through food cooperatives. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing an independent school education is a significant investment, but the benefits – personalized attention, dedicated educators, enriched opportunities, a strong sense of community, and character development – can provide your child with a distinct advantage and set them on a path for lifelong success.