There are 96 Independent schools across South Australia with a total enrolment of 39,155 students. Enrolments continue to grow at the rate of 2-3% per year.

This trend provides the opportunity for parents to select an Independent school that meets their expectations and the needs of their children. The education of your children is important in laying the foundation for a positive future. Selecting a school is therefore a significant decision.

Independent schools are an integral part of local communities and provide a forward looking, positive, caring and supportive learning environment. They promote excellence and high standards in academic performance, community service and mutual respect for others.

They aim to provide a broad curriculum that is challenging and provides a foundation that will enable young people to pursue their individual interests.

They cater for students and families from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and work with parents to equip their children to achieve their aspirations. Partnerships extend beyond the school with business and the wider community so that young people have a variety of educational experiences. Some of these partnerships extend to other countries.

There are a number of fundamental decisions for parents to make about their child's education. Some initial questions to consider include:

• Is it important that the school is single sex or co-educational?
• Is the size of the school important?
• Do you want a preschool, a primary school, a secondary school, or a combined primary and secondary school? Does the school have boarding facilities?
• What are the school values? Is it important that the school has a particular religious affiliation or educational philosophy?
• Is it important that the school is close to where you live? Is transport available? Is out of school hours care and vacation care available?
• What fee levels are you prepared to pay? What are the arrangements for paying fees?
  Are there particular school subjects that are essential, such as access to study of a specific language?