Understanding the Curriculum and Academic Programs in Private Schools

private middle schools

Private schools teach many subjects, including visual arts. According to The Rand Corporation, in 2005 people who studied this field were more connected to the world and had a foundation to forge social bonds and have community cohesion. While these schools do have a curriculum that is designed to help their students be ready to go to college, it seems they are also teaching things that foster a wonder about the world.

Teaching Vs. Rote Learning

While there have been many successful graduates from public schools, the public education system seems to be focused on a curriculum that is intended to just push their students through each grade and just prepare them to take certain state tests. More often than not, it seems like the mantra is “Teach to the Test.’ There is not much, if any focus at all, on any critical thinking abilities.

Private middle schools, on the other hand, are geared toward both learning and thinking. This isn’t to say that every graduate is going to be someone who routinely ponders the meaning of life and looks for the deeper meaning of everything. The curriculum does have its usual focus on the regular subjects of the different types of sciences, math, history, and English. As students get older, they can often find some unique subspecialties, like classical Greek history, which are often not available in public schools.

Teachers

Teachers at public middle schools often have a hundred or more students spread out over the course of the day. It can be hard for them to connect with their students, much less, focus on going in-depth for a curriculum. Private middle school teachers tend to have smaller classes, which allow them to explore the topics at a more leisurely pace and not just frantically try to hit a certain mark so they can say they “taught” something.

If you want your child to have a more broad spectrum of subjects as they make their way through the school system, it seems that private schools offer a better opportunity. Then your children can be better prepared for college and their life. That will make it worth it.

Are you a parent that is looking at private middle schools for your child? With over 90 years of experience and just 10 students to every teacher, we are perfectly suited to help guide your child through these pivotal years of learning. Contact us today to learn more!