Is Private School Right for Your Child?

Nowadays education is a compound and complex subject in our national dialogue. Matters about school quality, responsibility, curriculum, and teacher education arise each day, and we see them in the news, during political debates, and around kitchen tables in our country.

It may not always seem like it, but selecting a school for your child (whether public, or private) is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. To do a great job, you have to be a savvy and wise person. That means exploring, networking, and making certainty that you know all the choices available for you and your child.

Even the difference between public and private schools is no longer as straightforward as it used to be. It might be that your nearby public school is a better educational institution for your child than a private school with a good reputation and high cost of education.

To help you in your decision, here are the main differences between public and private schools, as well as advantages of both.

The Advantages of Public Schools

• Students spend more time studying primary subjects. The same study research shows that public school students spend more time studying 'primary' subjects — including English, math, social subjects, and science. And they study those subjects more hours per week than private school students.
• Teachers tend to have higher qualifications and more experience.
• Public schools usually run more extra-curricular activities. When it comes to providing extra-curricular sports and circles, academic support, and greater supplies and learning equipment, public schools have the advantage. Why? The majority of public schools are simply larger than private schools and have many students to start a science fair or power a computer club.
• The pupils tend to be more diverse. If you want your child to know and communicate with a variety of different children, then a public school is probably your best choice.

The Benefits of Private Schools

• Schools and classes tend to be a lot smaller. Consequently to the National Center for Education Statistics research, private schools tend to be half as big as public schools. A big number of experts feel that children are to a less degree likely to get lost in school rules if they attend a small school, which naturally train a sense of community and belonging. In complement, the teacher-pupil ratios in private schools trend to be more conducive as well, says the National Association of Independent Schools.
• There's usually less bureaucracy. As private schools don't have to stick to some state regulations, they spend less time on "boring paperwork" and more on regulations. They also do not put the focus on marks. As a result, teachers tend to have more freedom in a class and have more constructive control on their teaching models.
• Parent participation is strong. Not only do private schools promote parents' participation, but it's likewise true that parents of private school pupils tend to be very committed to having a word in their child's studying.
• Diverse curriculum. Private schools aren't restricted by state guidelines in building their curriculum, so they can suggest classes that differ a lot from public schools. That said, the majority of private schools choose to use the same curriculum and stick to the same classes that public schools use.

More to Know About Private Schools

While it can be tough for parents to know if a certain private school is proper for their child, the best way to know is by visiting the school and having a conversation with school administrators. Parents and children can simply be overwhelmed by the process, so this definitely makes it easier.

Don't shy away from asking probing questions about the school's rules, culture, and disciplinary politics, as well as how it retains parents involvement and what it expects from parents – either in terms of time or money. We recommend preparing your questions beforehand when visiting a potential school for your child.

Private Schools definitely have their advantages, and if they are suitable for you and your child, such a school will be a good choice. If you have already decided to send your child to a private school, you need to pay attention to some important details:

• First and foremost, the most important thing are the teachers in the classes your child will be attending. While most private schools offer a classroom type environment, Brightmont is different and has one-to-one instruction with one teacher, one student, period.
• The reputation of a school. Talk to some parents of existing students if you get the chance, they'll be able to give you better reviews than any website or publication.
• Tuition fees. Every school should have a financial assistance office or manager that can help you and show programs that help to pay for tuition. Keep in mind that applying for entry to a private school and applying for financial support are two different processes, and the time-limits can vary.

Still not sure if Private Schools are right or not for your child? We're here to help! Brightmont Academy works collaboratively with both public and private schools, especially when students are attending Brightmont part-time or taking additional courses in the evening or summer hours. Talk with us to explore your options!