A private school education is not cheap. So why do parents willingly pay $30,000, $40,000 or more for something which public education provides free? Here are five reasons why you would do so.
1. Public education is not free.
You and I pay for public schools directly and indirectly through our property and other taxes. Attend a budget hearing for your local school district. Examine the financial statements. Then you will understand how and where your tax dollars are spent.
Private education is an investment in your child's future. You educate your child privately because you want something better for your child.
2. Compare the teaching.
Public school teachers may be highly qualified, but they have to spend inordinate amounts of time on non-teaching responsibilities such as discipline. Much of their teaching time is spent teaching to the test.
Private school teachers are also highly qualified. They teach, coach a club or activity and, at boarding schools, act as dorm masters. Discipline is virtually a non-issue. They are able to teach at a high level and in great depth.
3. Public school class sizes are larger.
Students who want to stay on the fringe can do so in a public school. The large, impersonal nature of most American high schools allows anonymity to flourish.
You can't hide in a class of 12 students in a private school. Low student to teacher ratio is one of the reasons why a private education is so expensive.
4. Curricula are mandated by the state education authorities.
Public school teachers are often required to teach to the test to achieve state mandated results.
In a private school, success in AP exams or the IB exams is but one of many academic goals.
5. Arts and sports programs are frills.
Arts and sports programs are the first to go when budget cuts need to be made.
In a private school arts and sports go hand in hand with academics to provide a complete education.
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Further Reading
Most Expensive Private High Schools
New No Child Left Behind Flexibility: Highly Qualified Teachers
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