The Common Denominator of Top Private Schools
Top private schools all offer the following factors as to why they are highly considered by most parents to ensure their child’s future, at least until college comes along. These are: small classes, highly qualified teachers, superb facilities, increased focus on personal development and the pervasive culture of excellence permeating the mindset of each student. What follows is a short brief on each factor.
The primary reason parents start to consider a private high school is because class size is generally small. Why are small class sizes and low student to teacher ratios such a strong driving force? Because small classes ensures more time may be spent by a teacher on each student. With more time, increased focus results in better performance, as higher benchmarks are set for each student. Small classes also give each student increased opportunities to shine outside their comfort zones. As for the staff, private high school teachers usually hold a degree in the subject they wish to teach. Some are even holders of master’s or postgraduate degrees. Admission to such position is quite strenuous, almost if not more than students applying in the school!
Facilities, like gyms, libraries and classrooms are also significantly better than in the average public school. Funding for these facilities is never an issue in private schools as alumni are quite capable of managing any shortfall. When it comes to books and research materials, private schools are usually well-stocked in such items. It logically follows that top private schools also have first rate athletic facilities. They also have the capacity to house and support all these sports. Management of these sports facilities are taken care of by able professional staff. Teaching staff are also trained by experts to use such facilities and enjoy them with students. Extracurricular activities are another major part of private high school life. These can encompass anything from choirs, orchestras, bands, drama clubs and glee clubs. Participation in such, while optional, is greatly encouraged. Compare this to public schools, where lack of funding may usually result in cutting back of these programs.
While the major focus at most private schools is to get students ready for college, your personal development is not left at the wayside, as the administration realizes that this should go hand in hand with academic preparation.
In a private school it’s cool to be smart. Unlike in many public schools where the students who want to learn and who are academically smart are branded as nerds and become the targets of social derision. In private school it’s cool to be smart. The more intelligent and driven you are, the more the school will do its darndest to stretch your capacity to its limits and sometimes even beyond. These are just some of the things private schools can do rather well.
All these are common factors which make private schools a significantly better option than public schools. So be sure to arm your child with all the advantages of succeeding in this level. Test preparation programs are one such advantage. Now, the question remains, will you give your child this opportunity?
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Category: Education
Keywords: private schools,top private schools,top private,private high school,public schools,high school