There are many different educational environments to choose from. How, as a parent, can you be sure you’re making the right choice? Every child learns differently, so it’s important to find a school in which they will thrive. Below are a few of the benefits of choosing a private school.
High academic standards
Private schools, even at the elementary level, are known to be more academically rigorous than public schools. Teachers expect more from private school students in terms of quality, workload, and extracurricular requirements. These high standards encourage students to develop a growth mindset. They learn to push themselves further and achieve more. According to a recent report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), “Students in private schools scored significantly above the national average in grades four, eight, and 12.”
Well-rounded education
Private elementary schools don’t just nurture students’ intellectual ability; they also foster personal growth, social skills, and civic conscience. Private schools provide kids with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, including mandatory community service. Many schools also offer programs that emphasize the arts, allowing students to explore their talents and express themselves in a healthy way. Because private schools often have more financial flexibility than public schools, they can afford to add programs and bring in resources that give students a more well-rounded education outside of the state-mandated core subjects.
Small class sizes
About 87% of private schools have fewer than 300 students, and in fact, during the 2011-12 school year, private schools had an average total enrollment of 146 students. Smaller class sizes are extremely important because they allow students and teachers to build stronger relationships, ultimately leading to greater academic success. A smaller student-to-teacher ratio means that more students will get the individualized attention they need to overcome academic challenges.
Dedicated teachers
Because their attention is divided among fewer students, private school teachers are typically less stressed and exhausted than public school teachers. Additionally, they are given more autonomy in terms of the subjects they teach and how they teach them. Oftentimes, they choose subjects about which they are passionate and/or extremely knowledgeable, which provides a much better learning experience for the students. For a well-rounded education that fosters creativity, confidence, and social awareness, consider private elementary schools like Conchita Espinosa Academy.
