Lessons from Privilege: The American Prep School Tradition

By Arthur G. Powell

Book Overview

Around 10,000 tax dollars will put a child through many public schools for a year. About 10,000 private dollars will put him through prep school. Why, then, is one system troubled and the other thriving, one vilified and the other celebrated? In this book, a renowned historian of education searches out the lessons that private schooling might offer public education as cries for school reform grow louder.

Lessons from Privilege explores a tradition shaped by experience and common sense, and guided by principles that encourage community, personal relationships, and high academic standards. These "basic" values make a profound difference in a time when popular culture, which mocks intellectual curiosity and celebrates mental passivity, competes so successfully for students' attention.

Arthur Powell uses the experience of private education to put the whole schooling enterprise in fresh perspective. He shows how the sense of schools as special communities can help instill passion and commitment in teachers, administrators, and students alike--and how passion and commitment are absolutely necessary for educational success. The power of economic resources, invested fully in schools, also becomes pointedly clear here, as does the value of incentives for teachers and students.

Though the concerns this book brings into focus--for decent character and academic literacy--may never be trendy or easily applied, Lessons from Privilege presents sensible, powerful, and profitable ideas for enhancing the humanity and dignity of education in America.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0674525531
• ISBN13: 9780674525535
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating Book!

Very thoughtful book. Didn't cover the whole prep universe but how could it. Well written and readable. Thanks seller.

An excellent analysis of independent education

Arthur Powell has once again made an excellent contribution to the analysis of independent education. Deftly weaving the history of the "prep" school, he gives insight into the current attitudes and tremendous evolution of independent schools. Both the parent of future prep student as well as educators in the system benefit tremendously from this book. Powell does not paint an entirely rosy picture; he confronts issues of institutions unwilling to change, sometimes mediocre teaching, and the hairy issues surrounding the college application process. This insight is balanced by utterly devoted teachers and institutions, the benefits of the independent school environment (little to no violence, personal attention that public schools can often not afford, and teache rs and staff highly motivated to know students and expand their horizons). Powell nevertheless provides tremendous insight into the independent school system and paints a picture of hope for a system willing and able to change with people who wish to create the best environment for children.

Extraordinarily brilliant; anyone in Ed should read it.

I went to private school so I picked this up and couldn't put it down. I think it's geared more to professional educators, but anyone interested in the future of education should read the book. Basically, the author observes some things that seem to work in private schools--that justify the expense, that make them different. This is very helpful and informative, but then he goes on to suggest how they can be utilized in the public sector, for everyone. It's a shame more schools and parents don't read this book.