There are many misconceptions and assumptions made about private schools and how they operate, many of which keep parents from seriously considering them as an option for their child. However, a little bit of research can go a long way in revealing that private schools are a valid option for the majority of parents. Here are five important things to know about private schools.
1) Private School Scholarships
A common assumption about private schools is that they are incredibly expensive to attend. While public schools are typically free to enroll, private schools usually charge a tuition for their students. This can be a great obstacle for parents to overcome, but just like colleges, private schools offer scholarships and other ways to reduce the tuition based on different factors.
For example, The Broach School may be a private institution but 98% of its students are on a scholarship or some form of financial assistance to help pay for tuition. This frees up expenses for the parents to spend on their child’s needs outside of school, and also allows families from all backgrounds to enroll their children.
2) Multiple Campus Locations
Both public and private schools are seen as only having one campus. This may be largely true for public schools, but private ones can have two, five, or even more campuses available across a wide area. Each of these campuses are still connected under the same administration and mission statement.
Having a number of locations to pick from has advantages over having just one. Parents can choose a location that is closer to where they live or is conveniently located on their commute to work. There are even options to choose the specific campus with the program your student needs! With all of these options available, parents can choose the campus that is best for their unique situation.
3) Smaller Class Sizes
Did you know that the average public school in America has 526 students? Did you also know that, in comparison, private schools only have 185 students on average? A smaller population of students allow for better learning opportunities and greater success in education.
Large classes of 35+ students are difficult to control and can make your child feel crowded. Private schools typically avoid these large class sizes, instead opting for smaller and more intimate settings where children feel important and not drowned out. These smaller classes allow teachers to keep a closer eye on their students, and tend to their specific needs.
4) Variety of Educational Programs
Most public schools only offer one or two types of curriculum for their students to enroll in. Limited resources play a part here as well as having to educate a larger population. Private schools can spread their resources around into different types of programs to support different needs.
The Broach School has six different programs parents can choose to enroll their child in. These programs range from an Academy program to prepare students for college to the Excel program which focuses on teaching life skills such as self-care to foster individualism.
5) Specialization
In addition to being able to provide multiple programs, private schools can also specialize in a particular need or interest a student may have. Some schools may focus on arts and culture, while others may teach religion or spiritualism alongside their curriculum. Special needs children can also find private schools like the Broach School to provide a better educational opportunity.
When a school is able to specialize in a specific need, it can provide a much better learning environment for students who may otherwise slip through the cracks. Parents may want to raise their children with certain values, which public schools tend to avoid. Private schools can fulfill those needs with less regulation and more freedom in instruction.
