Posted by QuickReadAbout.com Staff in Each state has a compulsory education law that requires students between certain ages to attend public school or a private school or home school alternative. While the majority of children in the United States attend public school, a sizeable minority attend private school for some or all of their K – 12 education. There are many pros and cons to attending private school and the whether the benefits outweigh those drawbacks, is an individual decision for each family to make.
The Benefits of Private School
There are many benefits to a private school education that cause people to forego the free public education to which they are entitled and instead seek a private education. Some of the potential benefits include:
-> Religious or specialized instruction: some private schools are affiliated with a particular religion and provide instruction on that religion. The most common type of private religious schools are parochial or Catholic schools which are affiliated with the Catholic Church. However, there are many other types of religious private schools that are affiliated with other branches of Christianity or with other religions. Of course, not all private schools are religious. Some private schools may offer instruction in particular area such as the arts or a general education that is unaffiliated with any particular religion, discipline or philosophy but that provide an alternative to public school for other reasons.
-> Smaller classes and more individualized attention: many private schools offer smaller classes and a smaller student body than public schools. Most public schools have classes of 20 to 30 students. Therefore, many parents believe that their children receive more attention from the teacher in private school classes which typically have fewer than 15 students and they believe that this increase in attention leads to a better education for their children.
-> A more rigorous curriculum: some private schools are able to offer a more rigorous curriculum than public schools due to the increased attention that teachers can provide to their students. Many private school students progress faster than the majority of public school students. Parents feel that this education gives their children an advantage when it comes time for college.
-> Additional opportunities: many private schools have generous alumni that often make donations to their alma maters so that the current students can enjoy extra activities such as field trips, guest speakers and interesting projects. Often, these donations and endowments allow private schools to offer more opportunities for special events than public schools.
The Potential Drawbacks of Private School
While there are many benefits to a private school education there are some potential drawbacks which families should consider. Some of those concerns include:
-> Services for students with disabilities: public schools are required to provide services for students with disabilities through their special education program. While public schools may provide assessments and related services for private school students in their district, those students will not receive the full range of special education services from the district. Some, but not all, private schools may be able to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
-> Lack of student diversity: students who attend some private schools may not be exposed to the diversity of race, religion and beliefs that they would in public school. Diversity can provide a valuable educational experience that some parents value.
-> Strict rules: many private schools have strict rules. For example, many private schools require that students wear private school uniforms. Students may not be entitled to the same due process as public school students if they are facing suspension or expulsion since they do not have the legal right to attend a private school as they do a public school.
-> Tuition and other costs: tuition for a private school education can be steep. Parents may also be required to participate in private school fundraising which is not something that everyone enjoys.
There are many aspects of parenting which are based on personal preferences and beliefs. Education is no exception to that. Therefore, private schools exist in many communities to give parents a viable choice in how they educate their children. Yet, this type of education is not for everyone. Parents who are interested in the possibility of having their children attend a private school should visit several schools before deciding whether or not there is a school that is a good fit for their child.