October 20, 1999

"A Private Choice."

• "Uncommon Values.'" In November 1884, America's Roman Catholic bishops assembled in Baltimore for a series of meetings. They debated topics ranging from the appointment of church leaders to the burial of members of their flocks in non-Catholic cemeteries. But none of the questions raised at what was called the Third Plenary Council seemed more urgent than how best to educate the next generation.

• "Public vs. Private." As ferocious as today's debate is over private school vouchers, it may be surprising that early in the history of the republic, American religious schools periodically received generous public funding.

Feature

• "A League of Its Own." Andover has remained true to its mission of building character while preparing students for college.

Perspectives

• "Reflections on a Century of Independent Schools" American schools have long been polite places where no one confronts anyone else too directly.