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Unlike public schools, private ones aren’t paid through taxes but tuition. While this can make them more expensive, it can also provide higher-quality education. Here are a few of the main benefits of a private school.
1. A Safer Environment
Private schools often hold kids to higher standards and emphasize personal responsibility. Plus, with a lower-student-to-staff ratio kids can be more closely monitored. Many institutions have an average of a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. With more faculty involvement parents and kids can feel safer.
2. A Sense of Community
Private schools can have a stronger sense of community and school pride. Since you have to fill out an application, there is a higher standard associated with the school. You can apply through the Standard Application Online (SAO) to save time. Also, with the smaller school size, students can get more involved.
3. Personalized Attention
Since there is a lower student-to-teacher ratio kids get more individualized attention. This can help them succeed academically without getting lost in the crowd. Plus, kids also feel more comfortable sharing ideas in a smaller classroom setting. The smaller size allows teachers to get to know their students better. They can then tailor their teaching style to individual pupils as well.
4. More Opportunity for Co-curricular Activities
More access to co-curricular activities and the arts is one of the benefits of a private school. This is because they have higher funding and are a smaller size. This allows kids to get involved in more activities and find their passions.
Extracurricular clubs or sports are also a great way for people to make friends and stay active. Plus, they may also feel more connected to the school. Through these activities, people can gain new skills and add them to their resumes.
5. Some Schools Offer Tuition Assistance and Grants
Most private schools will offer some form of financial assistance. In fact, about 28% of private school students receive financial aid. To find these options, start by checking with the institution. See if they offer full-tuition grants or scholarships.
Some scholarships are available through private organizations like the Children’s Scholarship Fund. Another option is a 529 plan, which is a tax-advantaged saving plan.
6. They Provide More Flexible Learning
Access to resources is one of the main benefits of a private school. Private institutions often can afford more technology for remote learning. This is especially beneficial with COVID-19. However, online classes still need to foster a sense of connection, so students don’t feel isolated.
Plus, these schools have a lower student-to-teacher ratio to easily break kids into smaller groups. This can help with social distancing guidelines and provide more personalized attention. Professors can also use technology to create more interactive and engaging lesson plans.
7. Higher Academic Expectations
Since you fund and enroll in a private education they enforce higher standards. These may include more rigorous programs or more coursework. This helps to better prepare kids for standardized tests and college applications.
The average private school mean mathematics score was 12.3 points higher than the average public school. Then these students have a higher chance of getting into a better college.
8. Parents Can Choose a School That Aligns With Their Values
There are multiple types of private institutions to choose from, such as boarding schools or religious affiliations. Unlike public ones, many private institutions have their own philosophy. So, you can find a place that matches your values and those you want to instill in your kids. For example, some institutions may emphasize individualism or student leadership.
9. Educating Children as a Whole
Besides just academics, students in private institutions are more well-rounded. They learn traits such as respect, empathy, and self-control. These are often built in the curriculum instead of an afterthought. Students also will feel more confident knowing their classmates respect them. Then kids often perform better on tests and thrive outside the classroom setting.
10. Higher Parental Involvement
Since parents pay for their child’s education, they are often more involved. There may be more open communication through parent-teacher conferences and fundraising events. With this sense of involvement, parents may feel more comfortable speaking up. Helping advocate for their child can prevent any issues before they arise.
Here are some of the main benefits of parental involvement in education:
- Higher grades and test scores
- Grade promotions
- Higher student attendance
- Improved social skills
- Higher self-esteem
The Benefits of a Private School
Where to send your child to school is a big decision. Public institutions are cheaper and easy to enroll in. However, private schools have their advantages, such as more personalized learning. Plus, they provide higher quality and safer environments. So, consider these benefits of a private school before making your choice.