If you have a child, then you might consider at some point whether you want to send them to either public or private schools as they grow up. Both have their perks. If you are starting to target some specific private schools, though, then it’s time to really take a close look at both options with a side-by-side comparison.
There are private high schools in Utah with excellent reputations, but does one of them have what your child needs? Here are some pros and cons that should be on your radar as you come closer to making a decision.
You Can Pick One That Has Values Aligned with Yours
When many parents talk about why they want to send their kids to private schools, they will bring up the curriculum. There’s no reason to necessarily think that a student will get a better education at a private school than a public one. However, what’s undeniable is that when you select a private school for your child to attend, you can look for one that has a curriculum and a teaching style that aligns with your value system.
Some private schools emphasize a particular religion or doctrine and make that a part of the daily lessons. Others try to teach students about the world in a way that emphasizes certain values and deemphasizes others. That might be something that appeals to you as a parent.
Each Student Should Have a Lot More Individualized Attention
Most private schools can also promise an excellent student-to-teacher ratio. Some public schools, by contrast, are overcrowded.
You might put a child in a private school because you feel they will get more attention from their instructors, which will keep them from falling behind.
You Have to Pay for a Private School
On the other hand, you have to pay to put your child in a private school. That is not the case with public schools, which are funded by taxpayers.
Some private schools can be very expensive. You might think that it’s worth it if your child gets to have the privileges that come with being in that kind of environment. If you’re not in a financial position to comfortably afford a private school, though, then you may have to discard that as an option.
Some of Them Do Not Have as Much Diversity in the Student Body
There is one more factor that may come into play with private schools versus public ones. In some private schools, you will not see the same amount of diversity in the student body as you might in a public school.
Many parents regard it as a good thing if they have their child growing up around individuals from many different backgrounds and cultures. That usually teaches them to be more accepting.
If your kids go to school around people who only look and sound exactly like them, that can rob them of an opportunity to learn about the world in a hands-on way that no schoolbook can teach.
