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 first major choice is religious of secular. A religious education is a popular choice for many, with educational facilities available for most major religions. In larger cities less common religions may also have academies. Offerings change by region, depending on what the most common religions are in an area. These facilities often teach not only standard academics but also religious theory, study, or history.
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.
They also differ in how students live. Most places offering primary education are day-only. That means that students are only at school for their classes and after-school activities. They then go home, just like public education. This is also seen at the secondary level, though not as consistently as for younger students. Academies offering only day school are usually located near where their students live, due to commuting concerns.
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.
The majority offer some flavor of traditional education. Students study set subjects at set times with set study materials. They are tested on what they learn and on how they're learning it. They offer the same courses as the public system, though often with more focus on excelling in those studies.
Some, though, offer a more alternative type of education. This includes student-led learning, schools with entirely free schedules, and those where there are no set levels. Students can do well in traditional or alternative education, though many parents are uncomfortable with the more wildly divergent types of alternative education offered at some.
Choosing to switch from public to private schools can be difficult. Because they are often left to their own devices, it is up to parents to really research what a school is about before enrolling their children. For some students, though, a private education can be a perfect fit. It just takes time to find the right one.
The first major choice is religious of secular. A religious education is a popular choice for many, with educational facilities available for most major religions. In larger cities less common religions may also have academies. Offerings change by region, depending on what the most common religions are in an area. These facilities often teach not only standard academics but also religious theory, study, or history.
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.
They also differ in how students live. Most places offering primary education are day-only. That means that students are only at school for their classes and after-school activities. They then go home, just like public education. This is also seen at the secondary level, though not as consistently as for younger students. Academies offering only day school are usually located near where their students live, due to commuting concerns.
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.
The majority offer some flavor of traditional education. Students study set subjects at set times with set study materials. They are tested on what they learn and on how they're learning it. They offer the same courses as the public system, though often with more focus on excelling in those studies.
Some, though, offer a more alternative type of education. This includes student-led learning, schools with entirely free schedules, and those where there are no set levels. Students can do well in traditional or alternative education, though many parents are uncomfortable with the more wildly divergent types of alternative education offered at some.
Choosing to switch from public to private schools can be difficult. Because they are often left to their own devices, it is up to parents to really research what a school is about before enrolling their children. For some students, though, a private education can be a perfect fit. It just takes time to find the right one.
About the Author:
A Toronto private school, offering a balanced curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to grade 12.
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