It is a frightening time to be a parent. Our public education system is not only failing our children academically, but is increasingly indoctrinating them in immoral subject matters.
Many families struggle with sending their children to public school — they are unhappy with the decline in the quality and direction public schools are taking, but feel they have few other options.
What then can we do when we are unhappy with our child’s school and looking for an option that will maximize their potential?
For many parents, homeschooling is their first choice as an education option – but it is not always possible for a number of reasons.
The next-best alternative? Private schooling.
When parents hear the words “private school,” they often think, “we could never afford that.” But there are so many private school options nowadays that with a little planning and research, you can find a good fit for your child and your wallet.
There are many benefits to private schooling and many ways to make it possible for your child. OurKids.net reports on some of the unique aspects of private school:
- Parental involvement
Private schools are built around open communication between parents and administration, and they make it a priority to involve parents in the community. From frequent parent-teacher meetings, social events such as parent breakfasts and family camping weekends, and the participation of parent committees in fundraising initiatives, families become an integral part of the child’s education. This common ground also helps strengthen parent-child relationships.
- Dedicated teachers
In a study completed by the Fraser Institute in 2007, 91 per cent of parents surveyed said the dedication of the teachers was their main reason for choosing private school. Instructors are both qualified and passionate about their subjects, often holding advanced degrees in their field. Within the tight-knit school community, students have close relationships with their teachers who commonly act as role models. In addition, small class sizes make staff members more readily available for extra help or to further challenge individual students.
While this is not to say that there are not dedicated public school teachers, private schools often have smaller class sizes that allow for more individualized attention that strengthens the teacher/child bond.
Private schools are also more financially able to hire teachers with advanced degrees, as well as not stretching their staff thin by requiring one teacher to teach multiple classes of dozens of students each per day.
And in this smaller school setting, the teachers often coach sports or teach other extracurricular activities, enriching the sense of community within the school.
Small class sizes… “allow teachers to forge very solid, close relationships with students. These relationships are reinforced by teachers’ extensive involvement in co-curricular and athletic programs outside of school.”
- A safe[r] environment
Private schools have reputations for maintaining high standards for discipline and respect. Lower staff-to-student ratios allow for more effective observation and control of school grounds. The strong sense of community found in private schools also discourages dangerous behavior. The discipline they learn also improves their rates for success in post-secondary education, when they are in control of their class attendance and achievement.
- Shared educational philosophy
There are innumerable approaches to education, and finding a school or preschool that matches one’s own perspective can create a positive, productive academic experience for your child…choosing the right private school will not only allow students to thrive in a supportive environment and build independence, but also gain unique skills that fit their learning style.
This is perhaps the most important advantage private schools hold over their public counterparts.
Parents can choose a school that upholds their family’s values. They can meet the teachers and administration prior to enrollment to see if they are a good fit and can pick a school based on its focus on a particular learning style.
None of these options are available to parents in the public school system. We are forced to take what we get, have our child in an overcrowded school with underpaid and overburdened teachers, and receive very little communication due to the sheer number of families the administration must interact with.
Because private schools are often close-knit communities focusing on an individual’s strengths, they typically encourage leadership and accountability in their students.
Private schools are also able to offer more specialized subjects because they don’t have to follow state-mandated guidelines for curriculum.
Still don’t think you can financially afford to send your child to private school? There are more options than ever to make private education available to everyone.
The school administration will be able to offer guidance on financial aid, possible scholarships, grants, and payment plans. There is often a discount for having more than one child in the school, and even customizable schedules to fit a limited budget.
With parents removing their kids from public schools in droves, private schools are changing with the times to be more flexible for families. Private school administrators are often willing to sit down with parents and find something that works for every budget – some even accept parent volunteer hours towards tuition expenses.
There are even private schools for homeschoolers which offer a part-time option at a per-class rate. Parents who would like to homeschool but must work outside the home can choose a schedule that meets their needs, including a portion of the day being taught online at home by the school’s teachers.
While having a child in private school may require some financial sacrifice, there are many new opportunities available to make it work.
For those parents who cannot abide keeping their kids in an institution that is corrupting their values and causing frustration and confusion in their child due to lack of individual attention, private school may be the answer.
Does your child attend private school? What are some of the benefits you have observed? Leave us your thoughts.