Independent schools in Hampton Roads, Virginia, are a lot like the private schools that are in existence in the area, primarily because they are not part of the public school system so they receive funding independently from parents, philanthropists, and others across the community. However, they differ in some key areas. For one, they are less concerned with specific principles or philosophies embodied by the founders of these institutions. For another, these independent schools in Hampton Roads are free to focus on the key areas that educators, staff, and faculty members believe will help these students to thrive.

Thus, most independent schools in Hampton Roads are financially more affordable than most private schools in Hampton Roads and even private schools in Suffolk nearby too. Suffolk private schools normally are grouped together with independent schools in Hampton Roads because they are so close to each other geographically and because there are some independent and private schools that have locations in both towns. In any case, these schools tend to be less expensive than their private school counterparts, which is helpful for parents looking for different options for their children without the exorbitant costs.

Another thing that differentiates independent schools in Hampton Roads from private schools in the area is that they tend to not be affiliated whatsoever with any other particular organization or religious group. Thus, they are completely and entirely independent of any outside influences, including the people who are contributing financially to these schools. Some parents would love to put their kids in private schools but loathe the idea that they will be given any sort of religious instruction or any type of influential decision making. But with these independent schools, that really is not much of an issue, if it is an issue at all.

A third factor that differentiates independent schools in hampton roads from other schools in the region is the parent participation that is found in these schools. Often, parents who send their kids to independent schools are far more involved in the day to day activities and long term planning strategies for these schools, since they feel a stronger sense of ownership and community within these schools. Their parental participation is warmly welcomed and even encouraged in an attempt to foster an internal community of students and their families who are very interested in giving these children the formal education they so rightly deserve.
More research here.