Benefits of private schools

Why parents choose an independent education for their kids

https://www.ourkids.net/school/benefits-of-private-schools.php

To teach their children the necessary skills for an ever-changing world, many parents are choosing
private school education. With options ranging from boarding schools to alternative
schools to preschools, there is almost certainly a school to suit each and every child. Here are the
reasons why parents are choosing to give their children the unique experience of private school and
why it’s worth the financial investment.

Enriched academic opportunities

One of the accepted benefits of private schools is that they provide exceptional and challenging
educational experiences through extracurricular activities, Advanced Placement courses,
the International Baccalaureate programme (and the IB diploma program), and gifted programs, just
to name a few. "The IB programme focuses on school work and on developing you as a whole
person," explains Myriam Choma, a Grade 12 student at Ashbury College, "I didn’t find that in any of
my other schools." Private school students constantly score top marks on standardized tests and
college entrance exams, and many schools have close to a 100 percent rate of students attending
their university of choice.

Smaller classes
A comprehensive study on class size made by educational researchers Bruce Biddler and David
Berliner in 2002 showed that the smaller the class size, the better the average student performs on
academic achievement tests. Eric Vosko reflects on his experience as a student at The Rosedale Day
School, in Toronto, Ontario. “It was weird for me because the school was so small. It was the right
decision for sure, it has been a great school.” And the gains from smaller class sizes are stronger the
longer a child is exposed to them. Private schools vary greatly in size, but depending on their
teaching style, almost all focus on the importance of small class sizes to individually help students’
weak areas and advance their strengths.

Parental involvement
Private schools are built around open communication between parents and administration, and they
make it a priority to involve parents in the community. From frequent parent-teacher meetings,
social events such as parent breakfasts and family camping weekends, and the participation of parent
committees in fundraising initiatives, families become an integral part of the child’s education. This
common ground also helps strengthen parent-child relationships.

Dedicated teachers
In a study completed by the Fraser Institute in 2007, 91 per cent of parents surveyed said the dedication of the
teachers was their main reason for choosing private school. Instructors are both qualified and passionate about
their subjects, often holding advanced degrees in their field. Within the tight-knit school community, students have
close relationships with their teachers who commonly act as role models. "That involves most of my life," says
Blake Gage about teaching, coaching basketball and being a house parent to 50 boarders at Brentwood College
School, in Mill Bay, British Columbia. In addition, small class sizes make staff members more readily available
for extra help or to further challenge individual students.

A safe environment
Private schools have reputations for maintaining high standards for discipline and respect. Lower
staff-to-student ratios allow for more effective observation and control of school grounds. The strong
sense of community found in private schools also discourages dangerous behaviour. In the Fraser
Institute study, around 72 percent of parents surveyed with children in the private school system
strongly agreed that their school was safe, which greatly improves the quality of the child’s
educational experience and achievement. The discipline they learn also improves their rates for
success in post-secondary education, when they are in control of their class attendance and
achievement.

Community environment
According to a Fraser Institute survey, 62 percent of parents with children in the private school
system believe their school’s environment is motivating, supportive and nurturing. Taranvir Sandhu,
a Grade 10 student at MPS Etobicoke, says “I made friends right away,” he says. “I really like how it’s
a big family here.” Former students repeatedly report that the friendships they formed in private
school have lasted post-graduation. A strong sense of pride is often instilled in private school alumni,
creating rich networking opportunities upon entering the workforce. This is sometimes especially
true at faith-based schools, such as Christian, Catholic, Jewish, and Islamic schools.

Ample resources
At private schools, you'll find incredible resources to support student learning in the classroom,
sports field, art studio, and beyond. Quality resources and extracurriculars provide students with the
opportunity to fully explore their interests and talents.

Extracurricular activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a
well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such
as sports, music, arts, or clubs. This involvement helps stimulate students in their studies, as noted
in a study at Stanford University that found that students involved in the arts are more motivated to
learn and are three times more likely to win a school attendance award. Grant MacDonald, whose
two daughters attend Newbridge Academy, says that sport “has become part of their daily life. It has
made them more focused. They’re both doing very well academically.” Extracurricular activities can
provide a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while developing skills and engaging in
valuable social situations.

Shared educational philosophy

There are innumerable approaches to education, and finding a school or preschool that matches
one’s own perspective can create a positive, productive academic experience for your child. Whether
you prefer the student-directed learning method of Montessori, or the arts-based curriculum of
a Waldorf or Reggio Emilia-inspired school, choosing the right private school will not only allow
students to thrive in a supportive environment and build independence, but also gain unique skills
that fit their learning style. Parent Erin Craig states of her experience, "Montessori seems to be able
to individualize the focus so it pulls out of them what it needs too."

Development for today's and tomorrow's world

Private schools go beyond offering the mandatory subjects required by provincial curriculum; they
can offer students a wide range of specializations including arts programs, athletics, math, science.
Private schools are responsible for producing many leaders in politics, business and society, with a
history of adapting quickly to changes in technology and culture. And today, they are also sought by
parents of kids with special needs such as behaviour (including troubled teen
behaviour), learning, developmental, or physical disabilities. "This school really helps you focus and
think about your future, and how you want your life to be," says Nisha Sharma, a Grade 12 student
last year at Pinehurst School.
Disadvantages of Private Schools Today
http://www.silentwarriorscholarshipfund.com/disadvantages-of-private-schools-today/

Private schools have a number of advantages. One is that they have balance programs, small classes
and better resources are made available. On the other hand, there are various demerits associated
with private schools. Here is a discussion of such disadvantages that many people encounter.

Cost:
Private schools have a high fee rate than the public schools. Many people believe that they are not
funded by the government since it is individual based. All the expenses for paying teachers and
buying books is the cost of the founder. This makes them to have a high set fee so as to meet the basic
of all the teaching and non-teaching staff. Also, the fees charged helps in buying of the buses,
building of library and other resourceful centers. However, having services for picking and dropping
of the children at own premises adds to high cost for these learning institutions.

Most private schools are religious based:

Many founder of private school base them on the particular denomination that one attends. Some of
these schools may therefore discourage the participating of other people who are not of the same
religion. This denies some people opportunity to be such learning centers. Also, requirement of other
school to observe certain religious belief which is not the desire of the individual lead to
discouragements of people from joining the schools.

Entrance exam should be passed for one to qualify to be in the school:

Unlike in public schools, private school have entrance test that all learner school carry before an
admission. This may demand extra charges that one had not planned. It is also discourage students
seeking transfer since they can demand the repeat of the student. Such instance may bring an extra
budget that was not calculated before by the family. However, some private schools do not have the
privilege of the children with disabilities. They aim at enrolling student who are physically fit to carry
out learning process. This is to minimize the quantity of work to be executed.

Teacher are not required to have training but general knowledge in given
subjects:
Many private school chose to have teacher who are not fully trained. They at time accept several
teachers just because they are capable of delivering the required knowledge of books. Hence, they
deny student other extra curriculum activities required to build their skills. Having limited to specific
subjects cannot give access for other assistance in other subject when the teacher concerned is not
present. Also, having untrained teacher will encourage teaching of the basic content without tackling
of other outside issues that may have a better meaning for the learners to understand. This makes
student to waste their day while having achieved nothing in such sections. It is thus important to
have qualified workers who can ensure learners are busy throughout the day.