Private schools aren’t as niche as you might think. Did you know that private schools make up 25% of the schools in the United States?
If you’ve been considering a private school education for your child, there are many pros and cons you’ll need to weigh up. Find out the benefits of attending a private school from the obvious (small class sizes) to the less so with our quick guide.
Higher Test Scores
While scoring on tests isn’t the only metric for success in school, it’s certainly the most tangible. When comparing scores of kids in public school with those in private school, data shows that private school students score better in almost every subject. Reading scored 16 points higher in both Grades 4 and 8 while mathematics saw an increase of 6 points in Grade 4 and 12 points in Grade 8.
School Curriculum
Outside of test scores, private schools tend to promote a wider range of subjects for students to choose from. Due to more rigorous guidelines that public schools need to follow, their curriculum has little room to move.
Private schools, however, are not obligated to adhere to legislative mandates in programming and can offer students a more varied curriculum with a wider range of courses to choose from. You will likely find a variety of additional intellectual, philosophical, and religious courses integrated into a private school program beyond the standard public school curriculum.
Smaller Class Sizes
One common draw to private school education is that classes tend to have much fewer kids and a lower teacher-to-student ratio. From early childhood education through to the end of high school, there is a wide range of possible benefits kids can get from smaller class sizes:
- Personalized attention
- A more interactive learning environment
- Greater student participation
- Tailored curriculums
- A closer relationship with teachers
- Tighter community with other students
Teachers Are Well-Qualified
Private schools tend to have strict requirements on the education level of their teachers. At a minimum, a bachelor’s degree is requested along with a thorough background check, while a master’s degree or doctorate is highly desired.
Religion Is Welcome
Due to the separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution, public schools can’t introduce religion into the classroom. If you’re not religious, this might be a non-issue but if you are, a private school could be a clear alternative for your kids. Catholic institutions make up the largest component of the private school universe and they can be a safe space for your child to learn about religion.
Is A Private School Education Right For Your Kids?
Loving parents will always worry about doing the right thing for their kids but the good news is the private education industry is filled with benefits. If these are all ticking the right boxes for you then a private school education could be the pathway to make sure you have a well-prepared and smart student by the end of high school. Find out more about how private school melbourne works and whether it’s the right choice for your kids in our Education section.