Private Secondary Schools

Private school--is it for you? Everyone agrees that getting a great education is one of the keys to future success. Being accepted into a "good" college is a major focus for both parents and students. But does attending a private vs. a public secondary school give students an edge on the competition?

There are many excellent secondary schools out there--both private and public. The differences start in how they are funded. Public schools are paid for by the taxpayers. Therefore, their budgets are generally determined by the relative wealth of their location. Public schools are regulated by the government, and are required to meet specific educational standards.

On the other hand, private secondary schools are funded, well, privately. Their financial foundation is made up of fundraising proceeds, private donations, and (of course) student tuition. Because they are not beholden to certain government restrictions, private schools have the leeway to tailor their curriculum to their students' needs or to their own world view. Private schools also generally have the resources available to provide a smaller student-to-teacher ratio, which many believe gives students a better quality learning experience.

Public Opinion on Private School

According to a 1999 poll by Public Agenda, a research organization based in New York City, public opinion is strongly in favor of private schools. Of the people interviewed, 52% believed that private schools provide a better education, 53% believed private schools are superior in teaching academic skills, and 74% believe private schools do a better job maintaining discipline and order.

Unlike public schools, which can have a one-size-fits-all mentality, private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Single-sex schools for girls or boys are increasingly popular. There are private boarding schools and private day schools. There are parochial schools who provide education with a strong religious background, and military schools who instill discipline and self-control. With all the variety available, it's easy to find the right school for any student.

But at what cost? The National Association of Independent Schools reports that the average tuition for private day schools in the U.S. is around $18,000 for grades 9 through 12. Because of this, private secondary school can be viewed as an option that is out of reach, financially, for many middle-class and lower-income families. Luckily, the old assumption that private school is for the wealthy is fast fading--nearly a third of today's private school students receive some form of financial aid. Nearly a half-billion dollars of need- and merit-based grants come from the private schools themselves, as they actively promote diversity on campus.

Private Opinion on Private School

Of course, the most important opinion on private school is yours. What are you looking for in a school, and in an education? Private school rankings can tell you which schools have the highest number of graduates that go on to Harvard. There are directories that can tell you how many private schools are in your state. Only you can investigate the schools--private and public--that interest you. And by learning about your education options, you can take charge of your scholastic future.