If you are thinking about sending your child to a private school, you have an overwhelming number of choices to pick from. Texas Christian Schools belong to many different associations. If you are new to the world of private schools, this guide will help you make an informed decision:
What Sets Private Schools Apart from Others?
Private schools vary in terms of offerings, culture, quality, and cost. However, there are general areas where they differ from public schools such as accountability, selectiveness, funding, and independence. Private schools aren’t accountable to the state for educational outcomes. Rather, they are accountable to the parents of their students. That is why parents have t know what is being taught and to speak up when they are not satisfied with some of a private school’s curriculum.
Moreover, private schools are not required by law to service almost all students. Parents just have to complete an application without the guarantee to be accepted. Private schools take applications for different ranges of criteria such as a student’s track record and scholastic achievements. Also, religious schools may consider church affiliation or ask for a belief statement.
Private schools retain educational independence. They are not bound to district or state standards or curricula. Often, teachers have a say in textbook selections. Also, teachers have freedom in how they teach as long as they meet parents’ expectations. Finally, private schools get little to no money from the government. Rather, they are usually donor-funded and parent-funded. Their main sources of income include tuition, fundraisers, and grants.
What to Consider When Picking a Private School
Aside from knowing how private schools are different from their public counterparts, it is also important to consider other things to pick the right private school for your child.
These include the following:
- Your budget. Private schools cost money that can be little to a lot, depending on which school you choose. That is why you must take a look at the family’s budget. Determine how much money is available for every child. Check if there are family expenses you can give up to give your child a private education.
- Religious or no. You must keep in mind that the spectrum of religious education is wide. Some religious schools deeply embed their faith into their curriculum while others provide a secular curriculum taught by Christian teachers. Some nonreligious parents still pick religious education for the character or value they perceive it to instill.
- Class size. The student-to-teacher ratio can measure a school’s education quality. It indirectly measures how much attention every student may get.
