Parents and guardians today have an extremely wide range of options when considering what type of education they want their child to receive. Outside of basic public schooling, other options include homeschooling, boarding school, and private schools such as charter schools or religion-based academies. With so many options, it is understandably confusing and even overwhelming to make decisions. It can be tempting to go with the most obvious and cheapest choice in public education, but there are several important facts to keep in mind before making a decision.
Private schools are surrounded with many stereotypes and assumptions. We naturally picture higher costs, “snobby” classmates, and challenging academics when the phrase “private school” comes up in conversation. Many wonder if private school is really worth it in the end. However, stigmas such as these often distract from legitimate benefits that impact children in significant ways. Statistics reveal that nearly 83% of parents were satisfied with their child’s educational and social experience within a private school versus the majority ofparents with children in a public school setting. Private school is worth it.
Smaller classrooms
Picture your child walking down a hallway to a classroom where there is plenty of room. The teacher knows each student by name and even has the time to get to know them on a more personal basis. Rather than feeling like just another faceless number or statistic, your child feels comfortable and at home in this classroom. The crowding isn’t overwhelming and they have a safe, healthy learning environment.
Private schools are well-known for having a smaller student population. Classrooms are smaller and more manageable for teachers. Because of this, many teachers have the added time and ability to invest in their students. Teachers and school leadership are more attuned to the atmosphere of the school and discipline problems are often caught quickly. A smaller, more welcoming environment allows your child to focus on positive relationships and greater academic success.
Tools for Learning
Every child has a unique learning style that determines how quickly and effectively they absorb material that is taught. Although public schools teach the basic educational necessities, not every lesson is presented in such a way that allows every student to comprehend the material. Private schools allow teachers a unique opportunity. With smaller classrooms, teachers have more time and ability to find out exactly what type of learning style their students possess. Some students may learn better visually with more pictures and visual aids. Other students absorb lessons better kinetically by physically doing and acting out what they are being taught. No teacher is perfect, but private school teacher have a greater opportunity to adjust their lessons in such a way that more students learn in the way that suites them best. A Harvard study corroborates this academic excellence with private school students coming out ahead in 11 out of 12 student comparisons.
Morality and Community Spirit
The bare basics of education are nearly always present regardless of what type of school your child is enrolled in. However, schools that rise above the bare minimum of education are truly striving for excellence. It is rare for schools to spend valuable time teaching and enforcing genuine moral lessons and explaining what it means to be part of a healthy community. Schools that do present these types of lessons are the schools we want our children attending. Although public schools desire this level of moral success, private schools as a whole are better known for this type of moral education. Greater teacher and parental involvement allow a healthier school atmosphere to grow and pervade. Statistic reveal much lower school crime and violent disciplinary issues within a private school environment. Although no school is perfect or discipline-free, private schools generally offer a safer, peaceful atmosphere in comparison with some public schools.
Educational experiences are as unique as each student experiencing them. For this reason, there is no set formula for determining what type of education is best for your child. However, by examining statistics and the experiences of others we can best decide exactly what our child needs to succeed. Private schools are not perfect, but they are far from the ugly stigmas often foisted upon them in ignorance. Before making set decisions, examine the benefits they provide. These types of benefits are worth the research. For more information on public and private schools, please contact us today.