Education is a paramount for many families, and in certain circumstances, families and their student-aged children are required to make a choice between the standard public school option and the possibility of attending a private institution.
The reasons behind making such a choice are varied, but most of the time they can be organized into pretty standard categories. For some, there is a religious criterion involved. Some students attend religious schools because many other families in their congregation do. For other private schools, admitting a new student is more often due to academic issues.
If you are looking into a private school as a current or future possibility, here are some things to consider:
Academic Focus
Many of the best private elementary schools have a particular academic emphasis. While for many this means to focus on the arts or on technology, math and science subjects, others make various kinds of higher-education-track curricula available to students who qualify on the basis of aptitude or their past work in a particular field.
These options are becoming available at younger and younger ages, which means there are educational opportunities available now that may not have been affordable or practical even ten to fifteen years ago.
Gifted Programs
Students who are gifted and who show superior aptitude either in general Intelligence Quotient testing, or who demonstrate unusual talent in either an academic subject or an extracurricular activity can and should be admitted to a program that will give them the opportunity to see how far they can go.
These students are often frustrated in standard academic environments due to the fact they can so easily master the course material. That frustration can lead to behavior problems and a waste of potential.
Safety
Some public schools are unsafe. There is no reason to believe any student can be successful in a situation where they must fear for their personal safety. Private institutions, while not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, have one advantage in this situation, and that is the ability to expel students who demonstrate a lack of interest in being a productive member of the organization. The best private schools make discipline, proper behavior and personal responsibility top priorities.
Curriculum
Many private institutions set their own academic curricula. This can provide a significant advantage for some students who have either graduated their requirements in a public school setting, or who are interested in building their own course of study.
Any parent interested in looking at various academic options would be well advised to ask about the possibility of putting together more varied classes for their child. Simply put, private institutions can teach subjects that public schools can neither afford nor find qualified instructors to lead.
Graduation Rates
With the risk of dropping out rising in public schools, it can be a relief for parents to hear the private institution they are considering has a stellar graduation rate. It can be frightening to consider raising a child who can’t complete their basic educational requirements before reaching adulthood. Private schools can often provide additional peace of mind that their students will reach their goals, and if they don’t, they will get the help they need to succeed.
A private education isn’t for everyone. It can be grueling and filled with obstacles for students who have little or no interest in academic success. On the other hand, for those students who are truly driven to excel, a good private education can go a long way towards helping them reach their life’s goals.
Searching for the right private school can be a tough act. We understand how important your child’s education is. We at Temple Beth Am are ready to take the responsibility of not only educating your child but, guide him/her to grow in life. Visit now!!
