8 Benefits of Sending Your Children to a Progressive Private School

We all want our children to lead successful lives. We know that the formula for success changed in the 21st century, but not all educational settings have adopted a new approach. Explore the following benefits of sending your child to a progressive private school.

1. Student-Centered Approach

In the traditional educational model, the teacher acts as a gatekeeper of information. The teacher lectures, the student takes notes, and then they take a test. Teachers in a progressive learning environment will still lecture from time to time, but it won’t take up the majority of the class time.

Progressive schools know that information in the Digital Age is everywhere. When a school uses a student-centered approach, they put the bulk of the work in the students’ hands instead of the teachers. This allows the students to learn by doing.

The best representation of this new model is seen in Project-Based Learning. Project-Based Learning requires students to work in groups, complete their own research, and create a project with a real-world application. All of the assignments given by the teacher are a roadmap for the students to use to create their projects.

Unless a private school adopts this type of learning approach as an overall strategy, it’s unlikely that their teachers will be using it.

2. Smaller Classes

Students learning in smaller classes typically absorb more information than students in larger classes. This is because the students will receive more individual attention because of the student to teacher ratio. Students in smaller classes may also feel more comfortable asking questions in front of a smaller, more familiar group of their peers.

This is a benefit most private schools will offer to their students. However, it’s not guaranteed that every private school will capitalize on the benefits of smaller classes and use class time to teach students a variety of skills outside of the traditional educational model. So, while smaller classes will be beneficial they may not be as helpful in the 21st century as a school with a progressive learning model.

3. Tight-Knit Community

A smaller, tight-knit community means that parents, students, and community members voices are equally important. We are all invested in what’s best for the child and their learning.

We also share common views about educational approaches granting us a shared vision for success.

4. Whole-Child Approach

A child’s worth is not only in their ability to retain and apply academic information. Educational settings that compartmentalize a student are doing them a disservice. To be successful, to feel confident, and to learn about who you are as a person it’s also important to teach students how to grow physically, socially, and emotionally.

Skills like conflict management and emotional regulation can be taught through physical activity, yoga, and by working in groups. By building these skills from a young age, a student can gain confidence in themselves and their ability to interact with others. This confidence will be extremely beneficial when students get their first jobs and start their careers.

5. Technical Skill Building

If the teacher does all the work, then the students don’t get the chance to learn the technical skills they need to for the 21st century. Students need to learn how to use advanced technology, how to conduct research, and how to adapt to technology shifts.

These technical skills will be paramount to the child’s success within the school and in their chosen career. A private school using this approach is a school that values long-term success as well a variety of skillsets outside of traditional academia.

6. Real Life Application

Traditional teachers hear it all the time, the dreaded, “When am I ever going to know this/use this again?”

When a school uses a progressive approach, the answer is within the lesson and the real-world application. Students will be able to see how the information is useful to their long-term success without relying on their teacher’s explanation.

7. Integrated Subjects

Integrated subjects are classes that mesh two traditionally separate subjects into one class. For example, a class that integrates History and English by teaching both at the same time.

These classes allow children to see how subject matters can be translated into a variety of concepts. They can work on skills for both subjects simultaneously which also expands their awareness of how these skills can be used in multiple settings.

8. High-Quality Educators

Since private schools are typically smaller and privately funded they also have the added benefit of being more selective. Private schools with a progressive model not only take into account the educator’s credentials but also their experience.

A child’s success is highly determined by their teachers and mentors. By selecting only the best educators, your child will have a distinct advantage.

Ready to Enroll Your Child in a Progressive Private School?

Private schools allow you to be selective of the type of education your child receives. If you’re looking for an educational setting with shared values, smaller classes, and a tight-knit community then a private school is the way to go. But, if you’re looking for a school that also believes in progressive models of teaching and learning, then a progressive private school will be in your child’s best interest.

At Pear Tree Elementary School we believe in the benefits of private and progressive schools. If you’re looking for a research-backed, top-rated educational setting for your child, then schedule a tour today to see for yourself how our school will help your child to succeed.