We’ve all heard the idiom, “Variety is the spice of life.” The phrase, which comes from a 1785 poem by William Cowper entitled ‘The Task,’ has been applied to many different things. “They can have a tighter, specific, and unique culture, which can be maintained because they are more compact,” says Blake Jensen, founder of SD Higher Scores, and test prep tutor with over 10 years of experience teaching and tutoring high school math and science. Finally, they check out the three or more references from the candidate's previous teaching jobs to ensure that they are hiring the best candidate. One of the top reasons why many parents begin to consider a private high school is that the classes are small. Private schools tend to be on the smaller side, which allows them to more successfully maintain the culture set by the principal and executive board. A teacher who doesn't have to be a traffic cop can teach. What Do Private School Admissions Committees Look For? The following is an edited and reworded version of the list. Public schools are schools funded by either the federal government or the state government while private schools are schools funded by an individual or a group of people. Social forces conspired to make private schools the place where the elite sent their children. This does nothing for the large percentage of youngsters left behind. Find the Right Private School for Your Child. Choirs, orchestras, bands and drama clubs can be found in most schools. Private Schools? Libraries, which are now called media centers, are a focal point of the very best private high schools such as Andover, Exeter, St. Paul's and Hotchkiss. In a private school, it's cool to be smart. Among other considerations to think about as you investigate a private school education for your child, one point to consider is that most private high schools are fairly small, usually 300-400 students. It seems like everyone wants to pass the buck and explain, “it’s not my department,” or “there’s only so much I can do,” or “I wish I could help you, but I can’t.”. “Private schools may be more accountable to parents,” says Adam Cole, co-director of Atlanta based, Grant Park Academy of the Arts. Americans United for Separation of Church and State offers a very good list of 10 reasons why private school vouchers should be rejected. “Parents should consider who their child is, what they want for him/her and their family and then find a school that can respond to that in a close way,” says Alexandra Mayzler, founder and director of Thinking Caps, a boutique tutoring and coaching business located in New York City. Prestigious private schools only hire highly qualified teachers with years of experience, graduate degrees or higher-level awards. I just keep telling myself to only focus on the day-to-day and to feel gratitude for being employed, as this is temporary and I will get to enjoy my job again at some point. Table of Contents. 10 reasons why school was actually a pretty good deal. Combine this with the fact that private schools can be pricey, and diversity can be lost. One more thing it can be applied to is private schools. constantly looking for better-paying jobs in private schools. 8 Reasons Why I Prefer Private Schools To Public Schools. 7. Is private school really worth the extra money? There are several reasons that make Christian schools a good option for young children. You may think of private schools as primarily religious-based schools, and while many of them are, there are plenty of non-sectarian private schools out there as well. I hope that our experience will help to inform you as you make this critical decision about which kind of private school will be best for your child. …, How a Student-Run STEAM School Adapted to the Pandemic, A Teacher’s Perspective on the Pandemic: “This Is All Temporary”. 10. There are two primary reasons why: most students are in private school because they have a strong desire to learn and, secondly, many private schools have more consistent enforcement of codes of conduct. Your child will get the personal attention he or she needs and craves. A high percentage (70-80%) will also have a masters degree and/or a terminal degree. Private schools work hard to diversify their student bodies, but they often remain homogeneous. At private school, children who excel academically will often find that the school they are attending will do its best to meet their needs, with advanced courses, online school options, and more.Â. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Why are small class sizes and low student to teacher ratios important? Private schools can also more readily offer tutoring and college prep for students, providing clarification during a time that is often confusing and stressful. But there's more. But if education is merely a positional good, we need only ask: Are their credentials perceived as more valuable than the credentials possessed by others? Cole, who has taught and attended private school, notes, “Parents may have more success petitioning for change at private school because of the accountability factor.”. At least, I hope it isn’t. Every organization, or even family unit, has its own culture. According to Niche’s data, there were 24,990 private pk-12 private schools operating that have at least 11 students. 10. Public School vs. Success breeds success. Nancy and I choose to send both daughters to boarding schools for the following reasons. Private schools have a great deal to offer. That way, graduates emerge from high school with both a degree (sometimes, two—if there is an IB program at the school you choose) and a greater understanding of their purpose in life and who they are as individuals. Your public school might even offer plenty of extracurricular activities and sports. Again, the teachers guide or coach extracurricular activities as part of their job requirements. Boarding school leads to success later in life — Compared to public and private day school students, boarding school graduates are more likely to earn advanced degrees and achieve higher career goals. Besides professional staff to manage these athletic programs, private schools expect their teaching staff to coach a team. “Because people are in their own little insular world, they may form opinions that are not necessarily accurate.”. On average, private schools pay teachers less and offer fewer benefits than public schools do. February 26, 2019 . Extracurricular activities are a major part of private high school programs as well. Finally, private schools must prioritize innovation and communication with the broader world of education. Because private schools are formed around a specific culture, they a draw particular type of person/family who is attracted to the culture. Most public schools have classes … “Sometimes, there’s a lack of diversity of thought at private school, and you can get a kind of sameness,” says Cole. Private schools seek out and encourage applicants from every social and … Jensen, who also attended private school, adds that such schools have better success at buy in of the culture. Vouchers force taxpayers to support religion . Sometimes that means a Montessori school, or a school with a religious focus, an all-boys or all-girls school, or even a boarding school, just to name a few examples. Finally, realize that there are good public schools and good private schools. 3. 25 March 2003 • 00:01 am . The truth is, the private school vs. public school debate is a popular one. There are so many different kinds of people that each bring something really special to contribute to the school which makes it so unique. The nation’s 33,600 private schools offer parents the ability to be more selective about the students that their child will spend their days with. Participation, while optional, is expected. According to The Condition of Education 2001, from the National Center for Education Statistics, “Private high schools typically have more demanding graduation requirements than do public high schools. When education journalist Janet Murray became a mother, her views on private schools changed. In addition to serving as an adjunct and tutor, Larry is a freelance writer who focuses on education, construction, and retail. An Abundance of Options As already stated, there are numerous private schools to choose from. 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. Here she explains why … Here are the top 10 reasons public schools are the best choice for children, families and communities 1) Public Schools Attract the Best Teachers When choosing a school for your children, you want them to have the best teachers possible. All things considered, private schools offer a better quality of education than their public counterparts. Most public schools do a very good job; those that don’t should be fixed, not abandoned. Private schools thrive on their reputation and so strive to create the best possible learning environment. I am a student that my professors know about and I like knowing that my professors can watch my progress. In addition, parents/guardians are paying for their child to be there, so they rightfully expect to be heard. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why. In the end what matters is choosing a school that best suits your child, as well as the entire family. 2. Private school is more expensive than public school. Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘Your school years are the best years of your life’? Debates continue about whether students should wear uniforms in schools; however, when you read about schools around the world, a high percentage of those surveyed support school uniforms. 1. Because they mean that your child will not get lost in the shuffle. “Parents should consider who their child is, what they want for him/her and their family and then find a school that can respond to that in a close way,” says Alexandra Mayzler, founder and director of Thinking Caps, a boutique tutoring and coaching business located in New York City. While successful leaders strive to create a particular culture, doing so becomes more challenging as the grouping expands. Finland's education system is consistently ranked best in the world. Market forces conspired to drive the cost of education up. “Private schools can’t be everything for every family and every child,” says Mayzler. “Numerous studies have shown that private schools, on the whole, offer a more positive peer environment,” says Dynarski. My school is incredibly unique. With each school choosing its own direction, that means their approaches to education and goals will vary. With each school choosing its own direction, that means their approaches to education and goals will vary. Many schools offer horseback riding, hockey, racquet sports, basketball, football, crew, swimming, lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, archery as well as dozens of other sports. “Everyone chooses to be there and does so, at least partially, based on the culture.”, Ever take up an issue with a large institution? The sheer variety of types of private schools give parents more ability to choose an environment based on their child’s strengths, interests, learning style or even personality. on September 24 | in Uncategorized | by | with No Comments. In tough economic times, the first programs to be cut in public schools are the extras such as sports, arts programs, and extracurricular activities. The academics, the athletics and the extracurricular activities are just a few of the considerations. Top 10 Reasons School Choice Is No Choice In reality, it’s just a scam to make private schools cheaper for rich people. Because they mean that your child will not get lost in the shuffle. But even if cost is not an issue for your family, there can still be potential issues when it comes to private school: While so many options for private schools may seem heavenly, the devil can be in the details. graduates into good colleges and universities. Previous; Next; Magazine topic: Life around the world. Money has never been an object at those and similar older schools when it comes to books and research materials of every conceivable kind. Innovative and exciting curriculum Because independent schools are not as burdened by bureaucracy and regulations as public schools are, they have more freedom to be nimble and experimental in their educational approaches. The most obvious drawback to private schools is that they often come with heavy price tags, whereas public schools are free. 10 reasons why private schools are bad . The teacher to student ratios are typically 1:8, and class sizes are 10-15 students. Private School: Diversity. Tuesday, 21 August, 2012 - 21:22. Thus, the students in private school tend to come from families with more disposable income. Your child will get the personal attention he or she needs and craves. because they give people a higher education and more class attention from teachers. Conventional wisdom holds that private schools generally perform better than … Larry Bernstein lives in North Jersey with his wife and two sons. 0 2 minutes read. He has been seeing green rainbows since his beloved Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl. There are many factors that go into a positive education experience. Our … You might not think private school is worth a second look, especially if the public schools in your area are pretty good, the teachers are qualified, and the high school seems to get lots of graduates into good colleges and universities. There are many reasons to go to boarding school. Many schools agree that uniforms help remove economic barriers, build feelings of community, and reduce instances of bullying. So, for parents who are considering sending their child to private school, options abound. Robert Kennedy has extensive experience in the private school educational setting as a parent, teacher, administrator, and reviewer. Successful adults breed successful students. In other words, if a student misbehaves or breaks the rules, there will be consequences, and those may include expulsion. 1. 02/18/2017 06:15 pm ET Updated Feb 19, 2017 10 reasons why this Delhi government school topped India School Rankings Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya (RPVV) in Dwarka, which topped the India School Rankings 2019 for government day schools in the country, is not only focusing on its students' development but also putting a spotlight on its teachers with Teacher Innovation Programme. Considering private schools for next year? Like many teachers, the high school students who run Spectrum Robotics have made major changes to their courses for students with autism. Yet, they have their negatives as well. As well as the teaching discipline is more enforced.I go to a private school and the opportunities are amazing. Part of the reason for this phenomenon is the fact that private schools can screen who they allow in, and can ta… All parents want their children to succeed in life, and that begins with enrolling them in the right school environment. Private schools can be more academically rigorous than public schools, and private school students may have to meet more criteria to keep up their grade point averages. Yet, before they get to that point, parents need to consider if private school is right for their child and their family. Here are the 10 top reasons why you should go to boarding school. Private schools also have first-rate athletic facilities. For those parents/families that find the right private school for them and their child, the pros will almost certainly outweigh the cons. Why are small class sizes and low student to teacher ratios important? Compared with … Finding the right school for your child can be challenging, and selecting the wrong one can lead to a difficult situation. Since private schools tend to be small, there are fewer levels of bureaucracy to deal with. In short, despite any media or political propaganda to the contrary, public schools come out on top. That's much smaller than the typical public high school which will have 1,000 students or more. What is the Difference Between Teaching in Public vs. What Are the Pros and Cons of Private School? 10 reasons why Finland's education system is the best No standardized tests, no private schools, no stress. by : JenniferO. Well, it’s not true. Private schools generate billions of pounds for the UK economy, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to tax revenue. While the major focus at most private high schools is getting your child ready for college, the student's personal maturation and development go hand in hand with that academic preparation. At the time we were considering sending our children to private school we were fortunate to be living in an area which had good schools. At private schools, especially boarding schools, the expectation is that teachers are more readily accessible to students, often coming in early and staying late to accommodate extra help sessions with groups or individual students.Â. I am not just a number at my school. As already stated, there are numerous private schools to choose from. Most public schools have classes numbering 25 students or more, and teachers are not always available for extra assistance outside of normal school day hours. And while many might think religion when they consider private school, nearly 30.5% of private schools are non-religious. What are Good Reasons for Wearing School Uniforms? They also have the facilities to house and support all these activities. That culture is typically the reason the school in the first place. So they may be surprised to learn that superior student growth in literacy and numeracy is not one of them. Why independent schools are bad. When a private school dean of faculty and head of school hire teachers, they look for competence in and passion for the subject a candidate will teach. Popularity of Private Schools According to the National Center For Education Statistics, in 2015 there were 5.8 millions students (or 10.2% of the student population) enrolled in private schools. Private school teachers rarely have to worry about discipline. Here are 10 reasons why Charlotte Country Day School should be at the top of your list Students know that if they cause problems they will be dealt with swiftly and without recourse. Pin It . Mayzler, who works with pri… It's very difficult to hide or just be a number in a private high school. Then they review how the teacher actually teaches. Private high school teachers usually have a first degree in their subject. This post is from a student, parent, or professional contributor. The teacher to student ratios are typically 1:8, and class sizes are 10-15 students. Let us list them for you so that you can take an informed decision. In the 21st century egalitarian ideas once more have the upper hand. Bolarinwa Olajire Follow on Twitter Send an email. In many public schools the kids who want to learn and who are smart are branded as nerds and become the objects of social ridicule. They are better prepared not just for college, but for their careers and their lives as citizens in our world. Like any major decision, it’s wise to consider the pros and cons of private school before moving forward. But media or learning centers are also the centerpieces of just about every private high school, large or small. Private schools are built around open communication between parents and administration, and they make it a priority to involve parents in the community. They believe their kids will be better prepared as adults. Reasons Why You Should Consider Private School, 5 Major Differences Between Public and Private Schools, 6 Factors to Help You Choose a Public or Private Education, 7 Ways Private School Prepares You for College. 10 reasons why school was actually a pretty good deal. “Because private schools are so focused and specific, it can be a problem when a mismatch happens.”  Children grow and change and can go from fit to misfit for a particular school, leaving them on the outside looking in. Much more. “Some private schools have trouble getting and keeping good science and math teachers,” says Jensen, “since the pool of qualified applicants is smaller.” Adding to the potential uneven quality of teachers, qualification standards are looser as private schools generally do not require teachers to be certified. A top-notch education is why you go to private school. Not everyone considers attending private school. John Clare. Once you have done your research, relax! This can lead to uneven quality of teachers at private schools for hard to staff subjects. One of the top reasons why many parents begin to consider a private high school is that the classes are small. Mayzler, who works with private school children and has consulted on curriculum and study skills for private schools, adds that parents should look for a school that will further their child’s development. I encourage you to read the entire list and the full arguments here. 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