Dr. Carlos Barroso on the Future of Education

OurBlook interview with Dr. Carlos Barroso, Saint Andrew's School, Boca Raton, Fla.

What is the function of a private school, and how does it differ from the function of a public school?

CB: Remember that there are three types of private schools in the United States. There are parochial schools, independent schools, and for-profit schools. Saint Andrew’s School, where I work, is an independent school (there are 1,400 or so in the United States). Independent schools differ from public schools because they are self-governing in mission/curriculum (see our mission below), free from government rule/management (we do not accept government funding), and governed by an independent board of trustees (even though we are of the Episcopal faith).

"Saint Andrew’s School, Boca Raton, Florida Mission Statement: As an independent school in the Episcopal tradition, Saint Andrew's mission is to build a community of learners, to provide excellence in education and to nurture each student in mind, body and spirit."

Do you think most private schools do a better job of educating their students than do most public schools?

CB: I want to tell you that I am a public school product and I thought that I received an excellent education in the state of New York. In addition, my sister teaches in the public school system and I admire the job that she is doing and that her school is "A" rated here in Palm Beach County. However, when I look at the value of the education that a school like Saint Andrew’s offers, it is incredible. Let me give you some specific examples:

Because we are a Junior Kindergarten (Pre-K4) through 12th grade school, we are able to vertically align our curriculum. A public school/system does not have the luxury of having every grade represented on one campus like we do (our campus is 81 acres).

In our JK through 5th grade, we are able to have two full-time teachers per classroom, which I believe most public schools cannot offer.

Saint Andrew’s School is also a boarding school, which means that we have a residential program for our 9th -12th grade. We have students from over 20 countries represented in that program. I have had students from Japan, the Bahamas, Germany, South Korea, Brazil, and the list goes on. As a teacher, this adds to the classroom experience because I can ask some of our international students on their country’s perspective on educational topics.

We have a chapel service for students and faculty twice a week, which is an important aspect of our Episcopal faith as an institution. We have the opportunity to talk openly about religion and about our faiths in an inclusive atmosphere. (Incidentally, we have our Spiritual Journey Week coming up in two weeks, which will include speakers of all different faiths.)

We offer global exchange programs with other top private schools around the world as part of the RoundSquare program (e.g. some of our faculty are going to Peru in June ... we had students go to Canada last year). We even take our entire 10th grade class to Costa Rica during the spring academic semester.

Saint Andrew’s School also has a competitive advantage of having smaller faculty/student ratios (small classes) and the ability to have Math/English/Resource labs staffed by full-time faculty (personal attention). Extra help is always available.

We have a highly individualized college guidance program with a strong record of college placement.

Ultimately, Saint Andrew’s School has the advantage, like many private schools, of being able to choose our own college preparatory curriculum, free from government restraint.

Setting aside the question of money, what kind of student would find a private school most appropriate?

CB: It is important to note that many private schools either offer scholarships or financial aid to help in the total cost of attendance (we offer financial aid … we gave out $2.6 million last year to attract the best and brightest who typically could not afford a Saint Andrew’s education).

To answer your question, the kind of student who would find a private school like Saint Andrew’s most appropriate would be the student who is looking for a college preparatory program with ‘rigor and heart’ and who also seeks a global perspective, experience and education. This student should also enjoy the idea of being part of a campus of self-selected students (academically) and to a school community committed to an honor code.

Are there any aspects of education in which you think private schools could improve?

CB: Yes, good question, we go through strategic planning sessions because we know we need to improve constantly to demonstrate our value to prospective families. We understand that families have a choice and that public schools represent a segment of our competition.

For example, most private schools, including ours, need to offer more financial aid so a private school education is more readily accessible. Without larger financial aid budgets, we are going to miss out on educating some great students.

Your school has adopted the International Baccalaureate program. Could you tell us what that is and why you are using it?

CB: In simple terms, it is a broad-based, international curriculum founded in 1968 in Europe. It is now used in 138 countries. It is represented by three programs: the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. For more information on the IB, please visit http://www.saintandrews.net/ib

According to our headmaster, Dr. Ann Marie Krejcarek (and I agree), the reason that we are adopting the IB is that global involvement and responsibility has been a hallmark of a Saint Andrew’s education since our opening in 1962. Our students have come from the world over, and our graduates are spread through the four corners of the world in every field of business and service. Answering our students’ and parents’ calls for the very best college preparatory education has led to the adoption of a curriculum known for its depth, breadth, and rigor.

What is your general view on the future of education in America ... will it get better or worse?

CB: Speaking personally, I think it will only get better if we succeed in preparing our students for 1) global markets and 2) rapidly changing environments.

This means that education cannot be boxed in to K-12 or college terms. Learning is available 24-7 and should be viewed as a long term process. Think of it as a marathon. I just finished a doctorate in education last year. I also have an international MBA and a bachelor’s in business and graduated college as an officer in the Merchant Marine. Twenty years ago, that was enough. Now, I know that I need to continually learn and develop to be a more effective global citizen. Life-long learning, in whatever form it may take, is the name of the game.

Is there anything else you'd like to say on any aspect of this topic?

CB: In general and as a professional, I tell my students that despite what profession they choose, they need to learn how communicate: read, write, and to be able to speak/present in public. Finally, and most importantly the newest generation needs to learn to "filter." These students have so much being thrown at them on the Internet and TV. They need to learn to discern between information, misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda.

(Carlos is director of marketing and communications and an adjunct faculty member at Saint Andrew's. He has worked in marketing at Motorola and　Siemens and in admissions at Sacred Heart University and Lynn University. He has an international MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University.)