So you’re considering if private school might be the right fit for your child. In this article we will cover:
what is private school education?
Before we dive too deep, I want to quickly cover the difference between “private schools” and “independent schools.” These two terms are often used interchangeably but they are distinct. Private school is the large umbrella term that generally encapsulates any type of school that separate from publicly-funded schooling and therefore not directly governed by local or federal governments. Private schools may be governed by a religious institution or a non-profit or for-profit corporation. “Independent schools” are a subset of private schools that are governed by independent boards, are funded through tuition and philanthropy, and are generally non-profit entities.
Different Types of Private schools
There are many different types of private schools and our goal here at The Education Breakdown is to help you, our community, understand all of your options. The best way to learn about all the different educational philosophies is to follow our podcast. We talk to parents, teachers, and administrators from all across the educational spectrum to equip you with all the knowledge you need when making a school decision for your family. Now- here is a list of common types of private schools:
- Religious-based schools (Christian, Muslim, Jewish, etc.)- prioritizing spiritual and moral education alongside academics
- Montessori– emphasizing self-directed learning and individualized instruction
- Waldorf– prioritizing holistic development through arts-integrated education
- Elite preparatory schools focused on college readiness
- Specialized schools– may focus on students with learning differences or specific talents
Pros and Cons of Private Schooling
The benefits of private/independent schooling:
- Freedom of philosophical approach and curriculum. Teaching methods often employ best-practices in education or cutting edge research
- Freedom from standardized testing meaning students get to immerse themselves more deeply in the material
- Independent schools often focus on student-centered learning, individualized instruction, and academic excellence
- Often have smaller class sizes
- Often have enhanced resources such as extensive extracurricular programs or state-of-the-art facilities.
The drawbacks of private/independent schooling are:
- Tuition fees can be prohibitive, limiting accessibility for many families
- The lack of diversity in some private institutions may hinder students’ exposure to varied perspectives and experiences
- Private institutions are not required to provide accommodations or special education services so some students cannot be adequately served in a private school setting
- Because private schools are governed by their own independent boards or corporations, oversight and accountability can vary drastically. Licensing and credentials for teachers are sometimes not required.
Oversight and Governance of Private Schools
Unlike public schools, which are subject to stringent government regulations and oversight, private schools operate with more autonomy. While they must adhere to basic health and safety standards, other aspects such as curriculum choices and teacher certification vary widely among states and even among individual institutions. Many independent and private schools voluntarily participate in accreditation processes to serve as a measure of quality assurance, ensuring adherence to academic standards and best practices.
Accessibility concerns
One of the most pressing issues surrounding private education is its accessibility and affordability. While scholarships, financial aid, and tuition assistance programs exist, they may not sufficiently bridge the gap for low-income families. Because of this, private education often remains out of reach for marginalized communities, which perpetuates socioeconomic disparities in educational outcomes. Many private and independent schools in today’s society are working to change this by developing strategic plans to increase affordability and diverse representation in their schools.