It can be difficult to decide which academic program is right for your child. You want the best for them, both academically and in life. You have probably heard of many advantages of private schools over public schools, but when is private school better? At what age should you consider enrolling your child in local private schools? There are advantages of a private education at every academic level.
Private preschool and kindergarten programs
Many parents question the value of a private preschool or kindergarten program. Are there really any advantages of private schools over public schools when it comes to this early education? Both preschool and kindergarten act as a base for academic success. This is the point of education that sets the child?s expectations for the rest of their academic career. This is where they will learn the daily tasks of school and how to interact socially. Some would say that these are the most important years of a child?s education. Additionally, more and more parents are accepting this importance. More private school students in 2011 and 2012 were enrolled in kindergarten (449,819) than in any other grade level.
Private school and elementary school
Think of the elementary school years as an extension of the strong basis of kindergarten. The elementary school continues to teach children necessary skills that will help them throughout the rest of their academic career. They will begin to learn important social communication and interaction skills as well. One of the biggest advantages of private schools over public schools is the level of teacher interaction. When children get lost in large class sizes at this age, it can affect their academic success for later, more important of academic years. The best elementary schools give students the tools they will need for these later years.
Private education at the middle school level
The middle school acts as a transitionary period. Students take the skills they learn at younger programs and begin to apply them to academic success. Here, they also begin to create lasting relationships and friendships that are likely to last for many years. There is also a stronger focus on academic success in the middle school years, as these children head into the high expectations of academic success at the high school level. According to the Condition of Education 2016 report, in the 2013 to 2014 school year, about 4.1 million students were enrolled in private school from pre kindergarten to eighth grade. In the 2011 to 2012 school year, only 4 million students were enrolled in private school from pre kindergarten to eighth grade. Yet, this is a time when smaller class sizes are more important than ever.
High school, college prep, and private school programs
While the kindergarten years set the path to success for education, the high school years lead the way for life success. High school is about preparing teenagers for the transition from school to career. Here, children learn to become adults and to set the path for the rest of their life. One of the advantages of private schools over public schools at this level is that smaller class sizes and more advanced of academic programs set children up for the ability to handle college level classes. About 87% of private schools have fewer than 300 students. The chances of a child getting lost in the classroom are very little.
Parents want the best for their children. They want to give them the necessary tools to succeed in life, in every area possible. Education is one of the most important gifts that you can give to your child. Studies show that a private school has many advantages over a public school. With smaller class sizes and greater attention to success, children are better prepared for the next academic level, as well as the transition into their adult life.