Benefits of a Private School Education - Research Paper Example

Benefits of a Private School Education Private schools compel charges that are way too expensive when compared to public schools that are often completely free. The relevant issue with regards to this fact is if private schools are any better as opposed to public schools. What are the benefits then of private school education? Being enrolled to a private educational institution provides considerable advantages. The foremost advantage every private school can offer is higher standard of education. In private schools, students are more challenged to exert more effort in studying in order to meet higher criteria of grade point averages. Students are trained and molded to be well rounded individuals since they are likely to cope up with the high demands of private school educations. Furthermore, students studying in private school institutions become more flexible provided that they have wider scopes of education program. Community service, arts participation and other special requirements to the course load of the students are also included in a private school education. Base on some studies, it is stated that private schools have more demanding graduation requirements as compared to public schools this is because students adhere to more course workloads and therefore the real meaning of hard work is as well instilled in them. The implementation of this curriculum is done in an atmosphere well conducive for learning. The class size is smaller thus teachers are capable of providing sufficient attention to the respective needs of students which also makes values integration more effective. The reason behind smaller class sizes is that private schools are more focused on the students. It is therefore their key point that private school education is individual teaching. With that, students studying in private schools are more or less perceived to achieve higher levels of student performance and scholastic excellence. Many public schools which are located in affluent areas can be just as focused and just as well funded as private schools; it is in the urban areas where the most differences can be seen. Private schools also generally have fewer incidences of drugs, drop outs and violence, most possibly due to the increased level of commitment of parents who send their children to private schools to have every advantage. Private schools have far lesser disciplinary issues to contend with, and the number play a very significant role. With fewer students, there are going to be fewer problems, but there are other reasons as well. Since private schools are not required to accept students or retain them, they can simply expel disruptive students. Only those unerringly meeting their standards both academically and behaviorally are benefited to stay. Public schools are not as privileged since public education is considered an entitlement. Further, since parents are aware that they pay for their children’s tuition, then they also play a part in making their children behave and do school work. Students in private schools are more focused on particular projects and school activities because of the diversity in the curriculum and so they tend to become well balanced individuals. Since these schools are heavily funded, they have more provisions in terms of laboratory and sports facilities and equipments therefore producing more science oriented students and better athletes. There are far less reports on drug abuse and violence per student in private schools. In smaller educational institutions where teachers and students know each other well, threats, bullying, fighting, gangs, and use of illegal drugs are more likely to be recognized and dealt with promptly and effectively. In large schools, such as public schools, these things are often unnoticed until crisis occurs and there are times these crisis are irreparable. Public schools also tend to deal with students as a whole, rather that on an individual basis. If drug use is suspected, the entire school, may be searched or subjected to drug testing, rather than dealing with the student or students that have a problem. Temporary police assistance are sometimes sought to facilitate frisking, locker search, interviews and related interventions, but it does not always produce favorable results nor it addresses the issues. In contrary to public schools, private schools tend to have fewer students that cut classes, and have much lower drop outs. A missing student never goes unnoticed to a school which is student focused. Besides, in the developmental principle of a group it is stated that high group unity or cohesiveness is linked with a number of elements. For instance, “as soon as a major conflict in the group is resolved this will encourage feelings of belonging among the group members and this is turn engenders feelings of unity and group identity.” Payne, E. Whittaker, L. 1 This attitude is predominant in a private school setting because of the small learning environment where school administrators and parents share the responsibility in monitoring students’ problems. Furthermore, when students are challenged, encouraged, and given individualized attention, they tend to excel. When they feel that they are good at what they do they become more motivated and focused to studying. The competitive curriculums that private schools offer gear students toward preparing them for further education and employment. The schools closely work with parents to prepare their students for the future and these students perform better on standardized exams. This is not the same compared to public school counterparts at the same grade level. Most private school graduates are focused on looking for jobs after graduation, and this is not the same as those from the public schools wherein most students feel there is no life after graduation. Because of the diverse set of students in the public schools, peer pressure and influence is predominantly present and exposure to others from different socio-economic classes which can broaden the educational understanding. Ironically, most of these influences are destructive in nature. In large schools with high population rate, the environment to where children are exposed to becomes a complication rather than a good outlet for socialization. There has to be a gradual exposure to different race and culture to properly help these children appreciate and understand the diversity of their peers. In general, private schools are more focused and dedicated to the education of children. Teachers in private schools often earn more and can be more dedicated when working with parents who are equally dedicated to their children. Your school is an investment in your child’s future and not a decision to be made lightly. Citation: (1) Payne, Elaine & Whittaker, Lesley. Developing Essential Study Skills. England, 2000. References: (1) Sarmiento, Ulipiano. Education Law and the Private Schools. Philippines, 2006. (2) Payne, Elaine & Whittaker, Lesley. Developing Essential Study Skills. England, 2000. (3) Ward, Leo. Federal Aid to Private Schools. Maryland, 1964. Read More