Because depending on the public school district in your area resources often are spread very thin. When you send your child to private school for special needs, she will be taught by credentialled, highly skilled teachers and paraprofessionals throughout the school day.
Consider also your own observations of your child as well as what you hope your child will get out of their private school experience. Real children aren’t perfect, but they can still be great candidates to private schools. Describe your child accurately and openly.
Not only do students graduate from high school, supporters say private school gives students a competitive edge in college.
Blythe Grossberg, Psy.D., is a teaching and learning specialist. She is the author of "Making ADD Work" and "Test Success: Test-Taking and Study Strategies for All Students." Most applications to private schools require parents to write about their children in a parent’s statement or by filling out a questionnaire.
Yes, much has changed. However, the basic truths haven't: Schools are still struggling to lift performance across the board. Teachers are still overworked and underpaid -- and underappreciated. Resources are still hard to come by.
And, no, most of them can't afford the luxury of a private education. I get that. It's hard for my family, who can't afford it either, but it's certainly harder for others. That is real.
The fact is most students in the state are falling short of learning targets and are not on track to succeed in college. Black students have traditionally performed more poorly on these tests. They aren't expected to reach the same level of achievement as the rest of their class. That just will not do in my home.
Sure, it's not all up to the schools to spark and develop the drive to strive for excellence. That should but doesn't always happen at home, too. But the place our kids spend the majority of their days cannot be the force working to undo all of our work as parents. We must work together as a team, setting and facilitating high expectations.
3. You want your child to be educated according to specific religious beliefs. This is frequently an important factor in deciding whether to send your child to private school. Religion is not part of a public school education by law.
Compare the AP courses offered in your local public high school with the courses offered at local day schools and also at boarding schools. There are some 34 AP courses.
Rowing or crew is popular at many private schools. by Ainunau. But let's be clear about what you are looking for. If you just need sports as an exercise component in your child's education you will find that sports activity is available at just about every private school, both day and residential.
On the other hand, private schools historically have made sports an integral part of their educational programs. Most private schools feel that sports are part of a balanced approach to education.
Most schools which have a strong religious education component also have rigorous academic programs as well. But never assume that to be the case. Do your due diligence. Ask questions. Make sure that the school's programs and teachings match with your needs and objectives.
Incidentally you should consult your tax adviser as it is possible that a portion of the special needs school's tuition may be tax deductible. I am not an attorney and make no representations about how tax law applies in this situaton. Ask your tax adviser.
Regrettably athletic programs are being reduced or even eliminated in many public schools. These are tough economic times for most school districts. Sports and arts programs are usually areas where most districts feel they can cut expenses. On the other hand, private schools historically have made sports an integral part of their educational programs. Most private schools feel that sports are part of a balanced approach to education. Indeed, at the high end of the scale there are several private schools which have athletic facilities and programs which far surpass those found at many colleges. Rowing or crew is popular at many private schools.
Because we all want what’s best for our offspring, one of the first (and most expensive) decisions a parent faces is whether to go public or private .
The most important tip on educating your child? Do not go into debt educating your child.
Although public schools are obligated to accept every child, private schools are not . Because private schools often pick and choose based on academic ability, ethnicity, religious background, or even special attributes of the parents, they have the freedom to create their own community. Admission generally involves applications, interviews, essays, testing, and on-campus “playdates.”
While the debate rages about how private schools stack up against public schools, there are some things we know for sure: Expensive tuition: They may be different from one another, but what all private schools share is an annual tuition.
Varied curriculum: Private schools aren’t limited by state guidelines in developing their curriculum, so they can offer classes that differ dramatically from public schools. That said, many private schools choose to use the same curriculum and follow the same state standards that public schools use. Parochial schools can offer religious education along with academics. Waldorf schools emphasize experiential learning through art, drama, and music. Other private schools focus on students with disabilities or learning differences and tailor their curriculums accordingly.
Payment plans. Loans. Each school should have a financial aid office or manager that can help identify programs that help pay for tuition. Remember that applying for admission to a private school and applying for financial aid are two different processes, and the deadlines can vary.
But because of a bad economy and rising tuition, enrollment has dropped in recent years. Catholic schools make up by far the largest number of private schools in the country. There are also a significant number of Christian and Jewish private schools, as well as nonsectarian schools like Montessori and Waldorf.
Nearly three out of four private school students are Caucasian; only one out of four students comes from a racial minority. Graduation rates just shy of 100 percent: Nearly all of the twelfth graders enrolled in private schools graduate.
Private schools are elitist. Private schools provide a superior education. Private schools are strict. Only the rich can send their kids to private schools. There is no shortage of strong opinions about private schools, one of the biggest that they are only for the wealthy. While the stereotype persists, the average private school student is ...
While the stereotype persists, the average private school student is probably not a member of the upper crust. Nowadays, a surprising number of families who send their children to private schools are scrimping and taking out loans to do so. Advertisement.
Parent statements for private schools are typically composed of three parts: description of your child, description of your family, and the alignment of your values with the school values. The first two or even all three may be blended together, as through descriptions of your child, ...
The purpose of the parent's letter is to add dimension to the candidate’s statement and help the admissions committee better understand the applicant from the parent’s perspective.
Parent statement is your chance to provide a personal introduction to your child and share details about how your child learns as well as what their interests and strengths are. The following are a few simple steps that will help you write an effective parent letter.
If your child has had serious disciplinary actions or other issues in the past, describe them. Let the admissions officers know what happened and draw positive lessons from it. The school is looking for a real kid—not a perfect pupil.
Students with mild learning issues might be able to wait until they are admitted to the school to ask about the school’s accommodations policy, but students with more severe learning issues should ask about the school’s policies about helping them beforehand. You may also have to do some research into what kind of resources the school offers to help your child—before they attend the school. Being open and honest with the school will help you and your child find the school where they can be happy and successful.