When picking private schools, it can seem like the choices never end. There are options for each religion, and for no religion. And that's just the start. Really, though, there are three main choices parents need to make when picking a private education for their child.
The option most people are familiar with is religious education. For families with a strong backing in a religion that is popular in their area that can be a great choice. Unfortunately, just like anywhere else, there can be a big gap in academics from one facility to the next. Also, the religious focus can be off-putting to some, as can the teaching methods.
If religion isn't right for a kid, there are also schools that aren't attached to any religion. They may add comparative religion classes, or add some in to help understand history or art, but it isn't the focus of the school. They usually are more interested in academic achievement, though some are more into the arts. The only thing they have in common across the boundaries is the lack of religion.
Then there's the day-student or boarding student choice. Day students go to class just like their public school counterparts, coming home after their activities every night. Day students can't travel far for school, because they aren't usually offered transportation, though parents may commute together. These academies are available across all grade levels, from kindergarten to graduation.
The alternate to day is boarding. Some offer full boarding, with students on campus seven days a week, only going home for holidays and vacation. Others offer week boarding, with students going home on weekends. Boarding is usually only available for students after fourth grade, though some academies may board students as young as seven. Students may board at academies far away from home, even in a different country. Because they don't need to travel home, distance is rarely a concern.
There is also the choice of traditional or alternative education. Traditional is like the public system, though often more academically focused. Students learn the same subjects, with perhaps more depth and time spent, as the public system offers, with teachers leading classes speaking in the local language.
Alternative education, on the other hand, can be almost anything. This can make some parents uncomfortable, and traditional education is often a better choice for them. Students can choose their classes, and may be responsible for teaching them. They may choose when to learn subjects, if at all. Some only use alternative methods to teach students, allowing them to move around more, or changing the way they teach to suit their personalities. Some even teach exclusively in other languages.
Picking through private schools can be tough at first. The decision to pull a child from public education takes time. Parents weigh what they want for their child, educationally, with what they can afford or feel is right. Parents rarely regret the switch, even with the expense. A happy, well-educated child is worth the cost and research they put in.
The option most people are familiar with is religious education. For families with a strong backing in a religion that is popular in their area that can be a great choice. Unfortunately, just like anywhere else, there can be a big gap in academics from one facility to the next. Also, the religious focus can be off-putting to some, as can the teaching methods.
If religion isn't right for a kid, there are also schools that aren't attached to any religion. They may add comparative religion classes, or add some in to help understand history or art, but it isn't the focus of the school. They usually are more interested in academic achievement, though some are more into the arts. The only thing they have in common across the boundaries is the lack of religion.
Then there's the day-student or boarding student choice. Day students go to class just like their public school counterparts, coming home after their activities every night. Day students can't travel far for school, because they aren't usually offered transportation, though parents may commute together. These academies are available across all grade levels, from kindergarten to graduation.
The alternate to day is boarding. Some offer full boarding, with students on campus seven days a week, only going home for holidays and vacation. Others offer week boarding, with students going home on weekends. Boarding is usually only available for students after fourth grade, though some academies may board students as young as seven. Students may board at academies far away from home, even in a different country. Because they don't need to travel home, distance is rarely a concern.
There is also the choice of traditional or alternative education. Traditional is like the public system, though often more academically focused. Students learn the same subjects, with perhaps more depth and time spent, as the public system offers, with teachers leading classes speaking in the local language.
Alternative education, on the other hand, can be almost anything. This can make some parents uncomfortable, and traditional education is often a better choice for them. Students can choose their classes, and may be responsible for teaching them. They may choose when to learn subjects, if at all. Some only use alternative methods to teach students, allowing them to move around more, or changing the way they teach to suit their personalities. Some even teach exclusively in other languages.
Picking through private schools can be tough at first. The decision to pull a child from public education takes time. Parents weigh what they want for their child, educationally, with what they can afford or feel is right. Parents rarely regret the switch, even with the expense. A happy, well-educated child is worth the cost and research they put in.
About the Author:
A Toronto private school, offering a balanced curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to grade 12.