Is Private School a Good Choice for Your Kids?

Choosing a path for your kids' education is a huge deal, especially given the educational upheaval experienced by kids during the pandemic. Remote learning proved disastrous for many kids and teachers and parents sought to regain lost footing by choosing to homeschool or by switching to private education.

"The individual needs of the child should shape the choice for parents," says Myra

McGovern with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the largest association for independent schools in the nation.

Never before has the individual needs of kids been thrust so formidably into the spotlight.

"Our switch from public to private was a move that happened in September, 2020," says Sarah Marshall, a Nashville mom of two. "And we were thinking of it as a oneyear thing. Now we're staying private for both kids," she adds.

"It was definitely the level of education — or rather the level of expectation — that made us switch, but the lack of in-person learning [during COVID] contributed to that," Marshall says.

Many parents may have pulled their kids from public school to homeschool them during the pandemic; but plenty of parents have put their kids back in public.

"Not us," Marshall says. "I'm still sort of leery to put full trust back into our public school system. COVID sort of jump-started our need for more structure, involvement and reliability," she adds.

There are two primary categories of private schools — independent schools and parochial schools.

Independent schools are defined as nonprofit private schools with their own governing board of trustees. While most people commonly refer to independent schools as private — lumping them in with parochial and for-profit schools — they are distinct because they are nonprofit and self-governing.

Parochial schools, where tuition is typically one-third that of independent schools, offer traditional instruction and have solid reputations. When applying, families who are “in-parish,” that is, who participate regularly in the parish, get first priority. Otherwise, the procedures are similar to independent schools.

• Private schools can point to low student/teacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, travel opportunities and art that is often underfunded in public schools.

Independent schools are "not driven by performance on standardized tests," says McGovern, as many public schools are. So teachers have greater flexibility to create engaging curricula. Private schools are often well-equipped with current educational technology to facilitate in class and virtual instruction.

• High academic standards – Private schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at private schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public.

–Private schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students.

McGovern says smaller class sizes in private schools create a more "tight-knit environment" which allows the teacher to get to know each individual student.

• Excellent teachers – Educators usually teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do. With more autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop a full understanding of how each student learns and what motivates and inspires each child.

• Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree – Independent schools nurture students’ intellectual ability and curiosity in addition to their personal and social growth and civic conscience. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom.

• A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Private schools promote regular communication among students, parents and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for the student.

• The opportunity to choose a school with a mission. You can select a school whose philosophy, values and teaching approach is right for your child.

Choosing a private school for your child takes time, patience and resources. Be informed and resourceful if you want to make it a reality for your kids.

Maggie Renner is a mother and freelance writer.

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