Why go private?

From smaller class sizes, to personalized learning, to extracurriculars, the choice to switch to a private school is unique to each family

The reasons why parents choose to switch to a private school are as individual as their children. Some parents are looking for a school they perceive to be more intellectually challenging, while others want to further develop their child’s social skills, or encourage an interest or talent such as arts or athletics.

When it comes to private schools, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to learning. But in every case, a good school will challenge and support its students, helping them to grow to become the confident adults they were meant to be.

Here are some factors parents consider when deciding whether to make the switch, and to determine which type of private school is best for their child.

Educational philosophy:

Many private schools have a specific teaching style or core philosophy that guides their approach. For example, Montessori schools are child-centred, focusing on self-directed activity, handson learning and collaborative play rather than traditional teaching methods. Or, consider classical schools, which use a history-based model that teaches students about the great minds and ideas of the past through literature, philosophy and arts. Parents choose these schools because they share the same vision for their child’s education and social development.

Specialized programs:

Parents who want to get their kids involved in a specific activity or interest at a young age can choose private schools that offer unique programs. There are private elementary schools that offer specialized programs in music, theatre, languages, computer coding, robotics, athletics, outdoor education and more. These programs could be built into the school day or offered as extracurriculars. In high school, teens can continue to develop these interests into a career path or a lifelong passion.

Enhanced facilities:

In order to deliver these unique programs, many private schools have dedicated, specialized facilities, which is often simply not possible in a government-funded school system. For example, schools that specialize in the arts may have performance venues with theatre seating and state-of-the art sound and lighting equipment; robotics clubs likely have the latest in computer technology; and there are even boarding schools situated in rural Ontario that offer outdoor activities such as canoeing, camping and cross-country skiing.

Small schools and class sizes:

Individual classrooms, as well as the school itself, tend to have a smaller number of students. This means private schools also tend to boast a smaller student-to-teacher ratio, which allows them to offer more individual attention to each student. In a smaller classroom, each student has more opportunity to participate in class discussions and activities, as well as to connect with their peers. Small, independent schools are also able to be more flexible in adjusting their programs than large public boards of education.

Parental involvement:

The small, close-knit environment makes many parents feel more involved in the school community and more active in making decisions about their child’s education. And because they pay tuition, they also feel the school has more accountability to them.

Boarding options:

Parents choose boarding schools because they feel the experience of living away from home will give their child a sense of independence and provide opportunity for personal growth. Students learn self-sufficiency at an earlier age, as they must develop time-management skills and a work ethic. Living closely with other students, becoming part of a community of diverse peers, can help children develop social maturity. When they are ready to go on to college or university, they should be well-prepared to live and study either on campus or independently in off-campus housing, avoiding the first-year transition issues that many post-secondary students go through.

Religion:

For some parents, it’s important their child learns in an environment that also supports the beliefs and values of their religion. Faith-based private schools tend to have a dual-track curriculum, where they teach both secular and religious subjects. In some, students have the option of engaging in religious practices, such as prayers, during the school day. Faith-based schools help children to explore their religious and cultural identity, and to make friends with others of a similar background.

Girls’ and boys’ schools:

Some parents believe that non-coed schools are better for their child’s development. Girls can gain confidence and leadership skills, and are encouraged in STEM subjects and sports – pursuits that, traditionally, have not been seen as female strengths. Boys can learn from instructors who specialize in teaching styles designed to engage them.