Myths About Private Schools

Myth #1: Private school teachers make less than public school teachers.

Not true. This might have been the case years ago. Private school teachers are not unionized. They enjoy some perks public school teachers do not enjoy such as housing, meals and reduced or free tuition for their children.

Myth #2: Private schools are for rich kids or kids with behavior problems.

Many private schools students do come from wealthy families. But nowadays most schools have very diverse student populations. If you have a behavior problem, you will probably be attending a school which specializes in such syndromes.


Myth #3: Gay teachers and same sex partners are not welcome in private schools.

Homosexuality is not tolerated at many religious schools as it does not square with their religious teachings. On the other hand most of the top tier independent schools have very compassionate policies regarding sexuality.


Myth #4: Certification is not required for private school teachers.

Legally you don't have to be certified to teach in a private school. But it is just common sense to make sure that you have teaching certification.


Myth #5: Private schools require their faculty to live on campus.

Boarding schools typically want their junior faculty to live on campus as dorm masters. That means you live in an apartment in the dorm and are responsible for supervising the students who board. More senior faculty and staff generally live in school-provided housing located on campus. Day schools don't require their faculty to live on campus.

Myth #6: Private school teachers must wear academic gowns.

English public schools such as Eton require teachers to wear a gown. (Considering how cold and draughty English classrooms can be, that's probably not a bad idea.) American schools got rid of that requirement decades ago.

Mayth #7: If your cousin went to a private school, you are guaranteed admission to that school.

Being a legacy helps get your application reviewed. But the only sure fire way to get admitted is to offer what the school is looking for.