Private or Public School?

When you send a child to private school, that doesn’t automatically mean the education they are getting is better. You’re simply paying a bill for their learning. Before you decide to go with a private school, ask some very important questions of the private school that you’re considering. Linda Broatch, Writer/Editor at Schwab Learning, suggests asking the following:

• How does the private school describe its approach to educating students?
• How much time should kids expected to spend on homework, and how does the private school describe the purpose of homework?
• How often are standardized tests given and what are their purposes?
• How are students evaluated for grades?
• What is the private school’s approach to discipline and what methods do they use to modify children’s behavior?
• What are the major topics covered in each core subject during the year, and what print, audiovisual, or online materials will be used?
• What is offered in the way of art, music, dance, sports, etc.?
• What percentage of the teachers is credentialed at their private school?
• What kinds of support/resources does the private school offer parents?

It’s also important to consider how many of the children are local who attend the school. If parents are sending kids across the county to others schools instead of having them attend an area private school, you might want to research why. That means asking other parents and local officials in the area what they know about the school, even if you have to do some digging.

Remember, no private school or public school is free from accidents or incidents anymore, but consider just how many accidents have taken place at the private school you’re considering. You want your child to get a quality education at the private school you pick but you also want them to be safe in the process.