Your child’s education will determine their development and understanding of the world around them and significantly impact their future. It will be a crucial factor in deciding their future career, and, as a parent or guardian, you want to provide them with the best learning experience possible. Private education can be expensive, but some investments are worth the money. If you’re asking yourself, ‘Should I save up to send my child to a private school?’, here are some things to consider.
Private Schools Aren’t Just for the Wealthy
A common misconception is that private schools are exclusively available to the wealthy. While they can cost a lot of money, many schools offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs. They are becoming increasingly accessible to students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
A Rigorous and Challenging Curriculum
Private schools are known for providing a rigorous academic curriculum. They set high standards and expectations of their students, helping them achieve more than in a public school environment. They also typically have higher expectations of their faculty, requiring specialized training and advanced degrees.
Unique Curriculums and Teaching Methodologies
Faculty at private schools have more independence when determining their curriculums and teaching methodologies. They provide a more customized educational experience by tailoring their programs to meet the needs of their students. Not every student learns the same way, and being able to give extra attention to your child means that they won’t be left behind.
Smaller Class Sizes
Public schools tend to have a lot more students than private ones. The average public school has around 526 students, vs. the average private school, which has 166, according to NCES data. Sometimes, students struggle with learning, and if they don’t receive the proper attention, it could hurt their educational experience. When a teacher can give personal attention to each student, they can identify issues early, help build the child’s confidence, and create an encouraging learning environment.
Higher Standardized Test Results
Your child’s standardized test results will be a considerable factor in deciding their college and future career prospects. They need to perform at a high level to have access to Ivy League schools, and low results in standardized tests could change your child’s career path. Private school students are proven to perform better than governmental school students on standardized tests.
Access to World-Class Educational Programs
Your child will have access to academic programs that are recognized worldwide. If the IB Organization authorizes the school, it can offer any of its four educational programs, including the Primary Years Program, the Middle Years Program, the Diploma Program, and the Career-related Program. The candidate status doesn’t guarantee authorization will be granted, but with the proper dedication, your student can participate in one of these programs.
Choosing a Private School
Your decision should be based on the standardized test results, teacher-to-student ratio, specialized programs offered, and location of the school. Private schools don’t always have the same transportation options as public ones, meaning that you may not have access to a school bus if you don’t live nearby. Before you decide on a school, inquire about their transportation methods. If not, prepare to drive your child to and from school daily.
Identify Your Child’s Unique Needs
Your child’s educational needs should be your first priority, and understand what is best for them to meet their goals. While private schools offer many benefits, their rigorous curriculums and high expectations can be stressful for your child. Therefore, make an informed decision and consider all of the factors before committing to a school.
Private schools offer many benefits to students and families. Saving up to send your child to one is a big decision, but ensuring they have a good educational experience will highly impact their college options and future career growth.