When considering a private school, it’s important to know what to expect. Private schools are often characterized by small class sizes and more individualized attention for students. They may also offer a more rigorous academic curriculum, and have more access to resources like cutting-edge technology and specialized facilities. This can help prepare students for a successful college and career.
Many parents choose a private school for religious reasons, or to give their child the opportunity to be around peers that share their same beliefs and values. Other families simply prefer the sense of community that comes with a private school. Many schools have an application process and accept students based on their academic performance, as well as other factors such as character, conduct, and the student’s family’s financial situation.
Some of the most significant differences between public and private schools are the school’s academic standards, curricula, and teaching methods. While public Christian Elementary School schools are required to adhere to state educational standards, private schools have a much greater freedom in their curriculum, with the ability to adapt it according to their unique educational philosophy or viewpoint. Often, this is evident in a school’s extracurricular activities, where a more in-depth education can be found outside of the classroom.
For example, at Hotchkiss, students have the opportunity to join one of more than 60 community and sports teams. This type of immersive learning is not available in most public schools, and is a great way for students to explore new interests and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
In addition to the curriculum, private schools are able to set their own standards for student behavior and discipline. In general, a private school will have stronger discipline procedures than a public school, and punishments tend to be more harsh, such as suspension or in-school suspension. This is a result of the fact that many private schools have more control over their student body, as they are not based on neighborhood boundaries and can accept any student who meets their admissions criteria.
Another big difference between private and public schools is how they are funded. While public schools receive funding from local, state, and federal governments, private schools are funded by tuition payments. This can make the cost of attending a private school more financially feasible for some families.
The Coleman study was a controversial one, sparking a firestorm of discussion and debate about the reasons why private school students performed better than their public-school counterparts. However, subsequent studies have revealed that the advantage attributed to private schools is relatively small, and has more to do with family background and social capital than any differences in school quality or student achievement.