Independent schools boast well-balanced faculties with an even distribution of experience--from recent college graduates to very experienced master-teachers. This range of tenures on independent school faculties provides a healthy balance of fresh, new perspectives and classroom-tested experience.

Researchers at the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, have identified four factors that draw teachers to independent schools: the autonomy and empowerment associated with independent schools, the unique atmosphere of an independent school, the quality of students, and the school facilities. Teachers value their curricular freedom; small class size; and close-knit relationships with students, faculty, and administrators.