You have decided to explore a private school education for your child. Whatever your motives, the research is compelling. Researchers at Harvard say private school education can give students a measurable advantage over those who attend public schools, which challenges a study by the U.S. Department of Education, which did not statistically find differences between the effects of private schools over public schools on student academic achievement.
But there are a multitude of benefits to a private school education, regardless of how it compares to public programs. Here are some to consider as you explore the option of a private school education for your children.
Advantages to Private Education
Private schools set the bar high and emphasize character, so they are dynamic learning environments where children thrive, helping them reach their highest potential. In fact, 90% of students who attend private schools go on to higher education and most score higher on standardized achievement tests, take advanced classes and engage in community service projects.
Private schools are challenging yet nurturing, so kids feel safe and can focus on learning. High expectations and the emphasis on academic excellence motivate students to achieve. Often, private schools teach a child how to think, not merely what to think. Educators can provide individual attention, and difficulties can be identified and remedied quickly.
Classrooms are small, and the student-teacher ratios allow teachers to get to know students on a personal level. Students feel supported academically and connected to an educational community, developing strong bonds, which boosts confidence.
Funded privately, these schools have larger budgets to work with, so they can offer greater access to innovative technology, the arts and sports. Most expect frequent parent-teacher collaboration and will go to great lengths to foster this all-important partnership. Once elitist, many private schools are now offering financial aid, striving for economic and cultural diversity.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Before making the investment, understanding what you and your child want to get out of private schooling is the first step to finding the perfect match. Establish your wish list, along with your child’s unique developmental and scholastic needs. If your child is old enough, in all fairness, ask for their input. Ask your child which factors are most important to them. By doing your homework, you will discover a quality educational community where your child will be happiest and most successful. Choosing the best school is all about finding the program which offers the best fit for your child, but you might find yourself asking how to determine what is a good fit for your child. First, consider how your child learns best. Learning style affects how a school teaches and interacts with your child in and outside the classroom. Ask yourself what kind of environment your child learns in best.
Does your child do well in a very structured environment or one with a few rules that is more relaxed? Does your child do well under pressure or would a less rigorous curriculum work better? Ask yourself if this private school will cater to your child’s individual strengths and help address their weaknesses. Also, consider extracurricular activities, especially if your child is gifted, demonstrates outstanding leadership or shows talent in a particular way. Traditional or progressive program? Coeducational or single-sex? A prep school or a more well-rounded program? Religious or nondenominational?
Decisions, Decisions
Making an informed decision might seem daunting. Selecting a school is one of the most consequential decisions you will make for your child. Bear in mind, you will be entrusting your child to the institution for years to come, so it pays to be a savvy consumer. After reviewing catalogs and going on school visits to get a feel for the campus, you are ready to start narrowing down your choices.
Whether you are looking at middle schools or high schools, here are some questions to start with as you hone in on each private school to get a full picture. It’s also important to talk to students, administrators and other parents to get a well-rounded impression. Take note of the academic curriculum, extracurricular activities, school culture and atmosphere.
Cut schools that do not meet those fundamental prerequisites. It is important to check to see if students get a designated academic advisor, what kind of resources exist if a student is struggling and if teachers are available to meet outside the classroom.
Parents are in the best position to know and pursue what is best for their children, and expanding quality options and educational opportunity will increase the likelihood of the best fit between children and the education they receive, ensuring that they succeed. In the checklist below, some questions might be more relevant to you and your child than others, but all should factor in as you evaluate private schools.
- Is the school accredited, and if so, by a well-respected organization?
- What is the school’s mission, and does its philosophy align with your values?
- What are the teacher’s qualifications? Are they certified?
- Does the school have a stellar academic record? How many students graduate and go on to competitive colleges?
- Does the school have a diverse student body and faculty?
- Is the school eager to collaborate with parents? How much contact does the school have with families?
- How is the atmosphere? Is it positive? Do the children and staff seem energized and happy? Are the classrooms inviting? Do they display students’ work with pride? Is there a sense of order?
- What is the teacher-student ratio? What is the staff turnover?
- What are the facilities for arts and science, athletics, music, technology? Are there clubs and a wide range of extracurricular activities to choose from?
- Can you see your child growing in this learning environment?
