By Angel Jenkins

Which educational option is best for your child is a very personal decision, and perhaps one of the most significant choices a parent has to make. Public schools serve the majority of students, but many families choose private schools for a number of reasons. Among them are what type of environment they believe will better suit their child, the educational philosophies they believe in, and which values they think an academic institution will share.

Private schools are often able to provide lower teacher-student ratios, allowing for more individualized attention by teachers as classes are not as large. Not only might this allow for a more rigorous academic environment it can help students who might otherwise slip through the cracks in a larger school setting. 

While many public schools provide advanced curricula and specialized programs, private schools often emphasize their preparation of students for college admissions and career paths. And the varied educational models available through private schools allow parents to further tailor their child’s learning.

From military to Montessori, Waldorf to religious — and many in between — the range of options helps parents cater to not only their child’s learning style, but also their interests. Parents can decide between schools focusing on art or science, those emphasizing language immersion, or even a biblical worldview.

Religious and moral values are atop reasons parents may seek private education for their child. Parochial schools integrating faith and learning help ensure that the principles taught at home are reinforced throughout the school day. An emphasis on ethics, character, and community service is as important as the fundamentals of reading, writing, and arithmetic to many parents.

These are the same parents who may hope to find a strong sense of community through their child’s school. Private schools tend to foster an environment in which faculty, staff, students, and parents work together toward a common culture. Objectives may be defined by school mission statements, with the belief that everyone shares the same behavioral expectations within a culture of respect.

A philosophy matching families’ goals and children’s learning styles may encourage parents to make the significant financial commitment private schools can involve. While private school tuition can be substantial, for some families, the perceived long-term value often justifies the cost. The idea is that private schools can provide the optimal environment for their child to thrive in not only intellectually but also emotionally and socially. 

Additionally, parents analyzing the statistical data regarding school safety will find that private schools are considered safer across a number of metrics. Smaller student populations are cited for fewer incidents of bullying, and stricter disciplinary policies give private institutions more control over student dismissals. 

The choice is not about avoiding public schools but about how a school can serve an individual student. Parents looking for an environment that aligns with their familial goals may investigate private schools as they begin their search for the best academic option for their child’s development. 

Angel Jenkins is features editor of Family Life Magazine and has written for and edited a number of publications across the U.S.