Everyone knows that education is one of the most important things you can offer your child in life. With an education, children have the potential to reach for their dreams, get ahead, and become successful adults. There are more possibilities and opportunities for them and a certain level of respect as well. A child’s elementary, middle, and high school education often sets a groundwork for their collegiate success — and determines what their higher education looks like. So how can we make sure that our children get the best education possible? Many parents opt for a private school education, especially in high school. They feel that a preparatory school or other private institution often offers a more customized and focused curriculum that caters to each student individually. Others view private schools as safer and a gateway to achieving better colleges or universities.
What Are the Stats on Private Schools?
There are over 30,500 private schools located in the United States that provide an education to over five million Pre-K through 12th grade students. They’re almost a quarter of the country’s schools and enroll around 10% of students in secondary education. Over 85% of private schools enrolled under 300 students. In 2011-2012, over 95% of private schools were co-educational; 2% were girls’ only institutions and 2% were boys’ only institutions.
Almost 100% of high school seniors who were enrolled in private schools in the fall of 2010 graduated by the fall of 2011 and of the over 300,000 private high school graduates in the 2010-2011 school year, almost 65% were at four-year colleges by the fall of 2011. Indeed, NCES data proves that almost 90% of students who attend private high schools apply for college, as compared to under 60% of public high school students.
Why Are Parents Choosing Private Schools?
It may sound crazy to some to start your child in a private school as early as preschool, but those early years are some of the most formative in a child’s life. Research has shown that kids who go to preschool do over 20% better on math and reading tests in kindergarten, as opposed to kids their age who did not attend preschool. A good preschool will start children down this path in their early formative years.
Many people associate private schools with quality. For one thing, private school classrooms tend to be smaller; with each teacher overseeing roughly 12.5 students, as compared to one teacher for every 15.4 students in a public school. This allows the children more quality time with their teacher and more personalized instruction. The Fraser Institute conducted a study in 2007 that showed that over 90% of parents said they chose a private school for their children because of the teachers’ dedication. Indeed, 80% were happy with the academic standards, which many feel are also higher in private schools.
Moreover, the Fraser Institute study showed that over 70% of parents who had children in private schools strongly agreed that they felt the school was safe. Typically, certain rules and etiquette are followed in private schools that many parents feel is also instrumental in shaping their child’s social behavior.
How Do I Go About Enrolling My Child in a Private School?
Your child will certainly have to take some tests to qualify admittance into the private school and there is generally a formal admissions process, much like in college. Visits and interviews are to be expected along with the tests. You’ll want to find a school that meets your own requirements in terms of extracurricular activities offered, religious or non-religious instruction, etc. Be prepared for your child to test for a few different schools — you don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket. See where he or she feels most comfortable during the visits as well — that’s important! Hopefully at the end of the day, you’ll be able to find the right school for your child and his or her needs.
Give your child his or her best foot forward in life by investigating what private schools might be in your area. They’ll provide him or her with a solid foundation that will be useful as he or she forges a path into adulthood.