Book excerpt: Peterson's Private Secondary Schools is everything parents need to find the right private secondary school for their child. This valuable resource allows students and parents to compare and select from more that 1,500 schools in the U.S. and Canada, and around the world. Schools featured include independent day schools, special needs schools, and boarding schools (including junior boarding schools for middle-school students). Helpful information listed for each of these schools include: school's area of specialization, setting, affiliation, accreditation, tuition, financial aid, student body, faculty, academic programs, social life, admission information, contacts, and more. Also includes helpful articles on the merits of private education, planning a successful school search, searching for private schools online, finding the perfect match, paying for a private education, tips for taking the necessary standardized tests, semester programs and understanding the private schools' admission application form and process.