Filling the Need to Serve

Many of this nation's most respected private schools were founded with a philosophy of contributing to the public good. That spirit thrives.

When private schools begin leverage their resources to the benefit of the larger communities in which they reside, the most beneficial for both parties is the sharing of human resources.

"Private schools are asking how they can best contribute to their communities, and I always respond, 'through education.'  First, it is what they know best. Second, it is a way to involve the entire institution. Third, but not least, it will benefit their students and faculty in both the short and long terms."-Jacqueline Smethurst

Value to Students

Research shows that students who engage with the larger community improve their academic performance and their leadership skills.

"We also see the difference it makes to individual self-esteem. Take one 15-year-old who began mentoring a younger student. Before the mentoring, he didn't see himself as especially bright and wasn't that connected to school. Afterward, he saw himself differently: as a student who understood and a teacher who could teach."-David Drinkwater

Value to Teachers

Many private school teachers tell us that they wouldn't stay at their schools if they didn't have the public school partnerships. It gives their work greater meaning, more challenge, and increases their connections to teachers in other environments.

"When you get teachers from public and private schools to help underserved populations, the benefits are different for each group. The public school teachers say they welcome the opportunity to be creative. The private school teachers say, 'It helped me up my games and pushed me to think more about my pedagogy.' The bond of the relationships is extraordinary."-Jacqueline Smethurst