Ever wondered why they are called Ivy League? These schools are in a league of their own. Private exclusive and the education received there is ‘supposedly’ Top Class.
Here are some insights into the functioning of these schools.
Some Background
My son was getting D’s in Math and Physics in Grade 3 and because I was an educator I knew that social mobility depends on merit in modern society. So to break the cycle of poverty which was my family’s legacy, My wife and I did some interventions and he graduated 2nd in his grade 7 level, with 90’s in Math and Physics.
We applied to several high schools with strong Maths and Physics Departments. I had heard of one particular school but had never given it much thought. Whenever other educators mentioned this school, their tone changed and also their body language. Their voices were “hushed”, like they were in awe. A school is a school is a school, is what I thought. I was focussed on the Math and Physics departments, but we applied to the school (out of our league). To our surprise and delight our son was offered a scholarship for five years, which would cover half of his tuition every year.
I was the “scholarship parent”. But I was there.
The school he attended is the very first school that was started in my country. It gave rise to the very first university. Even today, if one of the learners goes to university he qualifies for an automatic 25% discount in fees. So immediately there is a benefit to being “an old boy”.
Ivy League schools are old, so old ivy grows up the walls. The advantage is that they have worked through all academic and admin systems and these are very refined.
Ivy League schools monitor class size. Max 25
The parents are high functioning and therefore make a valuable contribution to the school in terms of intellectual capital and funds.
They are usually single sex. This allows focus and minimal distraction during school hours. Competition is usually academic and sport or skill oriented.
The school praises and rewards achievement. It does not only discipline negatively but allows many opportunities for learners to develop positively in various leadership roles.
The environment is beautiful, rich, comfortable and conducive to learning. Whenever I walked on the campus I felt inspired and motivated. I wanted to achieve and I wasn’t even a learner at the school.
The whole school is an achievement machine.
I am privileged to be able to share these insights from an outsider’s perspective.
If you would like more stories like this please let me know.