What are the five things critics like the least about private schools? Start with the fact that everybody who goes to private school is rich. Or are they?
When critics inveigh against private schools, they tend to pick on issues such as the following.
Everybody's Rich
Actually if you look at the beginnings of most private schools, you will discover that their original clientele were not children from wealthy families. Many of the founders of schools back in colonial times - the Phillips family, for example - saw education as the way forward for the infant democracy which was the United States. In order for the nation to survive it needed a literate, educated, proficient population. European crusaders like Dr. Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner - the founder of the Waldorf Schools movement - began their work among the poor and working classes. Their teachings captured the imagination of American middle and upper classes when their movements spread to the United States.
Over time as the schools expanded, they became highly prized for what they accomplished so very well, namely providing an excellent academic education, combined with sports and solid core values. Market forces conspired to drive the cost of education up. Social forces conspired to make private schools the place where the elite sent their children. In the 21st century egalitarian ideas once more have the upper hand. Private schools seek out and encourage applicants from every social and economic strata. Diversity rules. Not everybody who attends private school is rich.
Compulsory Sports
What's not to like about sports? Schooling throughout the centuries has always had a physical education component. Think Olympics. The ancient Romans had their ludi or games. You may not like highly competitive team sports, but running on a track team or rowing is just plain good for you. Mens sana in corpore sano is the underlying philosophy behind private school sports programs. Take it in strength you like - weak or strong according to your tastes.
Having Classes 6 Days A Week
Boarding schools operate seven days a week. There's no escaping that fact. So it makes sense to spread the academic work over six days especially when Wednesday afternoons are given over to sports. Because of that Saturday morning classes are pretty common. Saturday afternoons are for sports. Most day schools will hold sports activities and some classes on Saturdays as well.
The Work Loadand Homework
Most private schools by definition are college preparatory. And they take that mission very seriously. Small classes and highly qualified, experienced faculty who generally design their own curricula mean that you do some pretty intense academic work. AP courses are the centerpieces of the college prep track. Schools with an international flavor gravitate to the IB program which offers a more global view of academics. So, if you don't like working hard, there's plenty to not like at private school.
The Expense
Saving the worst to last, the cost of private school is definitely a bitter pill to swallow. If you approach it from a cost-benefit ratio perspective, the expense factor becomes much more palatable. Why? Because investing in your child's education virtually gives her a solid foundation for life. And that is a good thing. What she makes of that investment is another thing totally.
So, in conclusion, what's not to like about private school? As you can see, not too much once you take a closer look.
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Which School Do Malia and Sasha Obama Attend? Many famous children have attended private schools. Here is a sampling of schools and the famous folk who graced their hallowed halls.
5 Things Not To Like About Private School What are the five things critics like the least about private schools? Start with the fact that everybody who goes to private school is rich. Or are they?
How Diverse Are Private Schools? Decades ago private schools could have been accused of being elitist. You had to have money to attend. The student populations were fairly homogeneous. Fortunately that has changed.
10 Misconceptions About Private Schools There are a lot of misconceptions about private schools. This is probably because private schools are indeed private.
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DVDs About Private Schools While it is not a long list, movies set in private schools include several classics such as the Harry Potter series and Dead Poets Society.
Computers in Private School Some schools require you to purchase a laptop as part of their book fee. Others let you bring your own computer.
Books for Educators and Parents These titles have been recommended by other educators. Add these to your vacation reading. Enjoy.
Top Roman Catholic Boarding Schools These Roman Catholic boarding schools offer good value, great educations and a faith-based community experience.
For Profit vs Not for Profit Schools What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of a for profit versus a not for profit school? Is one kind of school better than the other?
Waldorf Schools Waldorf schools offer a well thought out approach to K-12 education.
Schools for Gifted Children Teaching gifted children requires deft handling. These children need intellectual and sensory stimulation. But they also need guidance and careful nurturing so that they grow up handling their special gifts and themselves appropriately.
5 Facts About Progressive Schools Progressive schools are different from traditional schools. These five facts highlight some of those differences.
Teaching Boys Why teach boys in a single sex setting? The answer to this question and several others here.
Special Needs Schools Do you think your son has a learning disability? Not sure what to do? A special needs school might be the way to go.
The Oldest Schools The oldest American private school is Collegiate School in Manhattan founded in 1628.
Progressive Schools Progressive schools have been around since the early 1900's. Some educators think that progressives are rebels against traditional rote learning. The progressive educators like to think of themselves as reformers. The truth is somewhere in the middle.
Lab Schools What is a lab school? It's a K-12 school or school with some variation of those grades which is operated by a university or college.
Military Schools Military schools offer structure and discipline as well as a top-notch education.
Why Waldorf? Vicki Larson provides detailed answers to my questions about Waldorf schools.
Hockey Schools Got an aspiring hockey player in your family? Many American private schools enjoy a great reputation for excellent hockey teams as well as superb academics.
Montessori Schools Montessori schools are popular world-wide with parents of children in the primary grades.
Alternative Schools Sometimes a regular school is not the right fit for a child. Perhaps she needs an alternative school.
Religious Schools Religion is important to you. You want your children to be educated in a school where your religion matters.
Semester Schools A semester school allows you to experience new surroundings, new environments, different ways of life and much more.
International Schools Sending your children to an international school might make sense if you plan on being in the U.S. only for a few years.
Schools For The Arts Schools for the artistically gifted child are in short supply.
Schools with Non-traditional Approaches Categorizing schools is not a neat process. But there are several educational approaches and philosophies offer some alternatives to traditional schools. Here are some pros and cons about alternative schools.
Classical Christian Schools Classical Christian schools combine strict adherence to Christian beliefs with classical principles of education.
5 Things Every Parent Should Do Every private school parent is encouraged to help the school in whatever way he can. Here are some things you can do to make a contribution to your school.
Private Schools Jargon and Terms Private schools have their own jargon just like any activity or affinity group has. Here are some of the more common terms you are likely to encounter as you explore private schools.
Seattle Area Schools The Seattle area is home to many fine private schools as well as to major companies such as Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks.
Boston Area Schools The metropolitan Boston area offers a wide range of academic and cultural activities. Just as impressive is the area's selection of private schools.
Directories A list of directories of private and independent schools.
Guides To Private Schools Do you prefer to peruse a book rather than going online to find private schools? If so, there are some excellent guides to private schools available.
National Associations As you research schools, check the national and state associations. Is the school you are considering a member? If not, why not?
Regional Associations Some states do not have their own private school associations. Schools band together across state lines forming regional associations. These associations have the same purpose as state associations. More here.
State Associations Do the schools you are researching belong to state independent school associations? If not, find out why not!
Litchfield County Schools Litchfield County, Connecticut, is home to a couple of dozen excellent schools catering to just about every need. The setting about 90 miles north of New York City is convenient to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.
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