Independent Private Schools: 4 x Reasons They Really Worth It?

Published on: December 4, 2021

by Guest Post

Private schools outperform public schools in Canada.

6% of children in Canada attend independent private schools. These institutions offer them many benefits that public schools don’t. But how do you know whether independent private schools are the best choice for you and your child?

Below, we’ll go into the pros and cons of attending independent private schools. Keep reading to figure out whether private school is the right choice for your family!

Pro: Independent Private Schools Offer a Higher Level of Education

Independent private school education often rivals or exceeds the teaching offered by public schools.

Many public institutions concern themselves with meeting state benchmarks. They offer a standard-quality education. This may not be equally beneficial for all students. If you want your children to have a high-quality education, independent private schools are a better bet.

Of course, not all independent private schools have the same quality of education. You will need to do your research into the reputation of the school. Speak to other parents who have children at the school. You can do this by joining the institution’s Facebook page or seeing if the school has volunteer opportunities.

Some hallmarks of a good private school include the following:

High parental and student satisfaction
Teachers with great qualifications
A lot of resources

Con: Private Schools Aren’t as Regulated

Public schools receive thorough government regulation. They must meet or exceed a certain standard of education and provide certain services to the community.

Private schools have fewer regulations, though. This makes it necessary for parents to do their own research into the institution. That way, they can determine which private school provides the best education.

Pro: Private Schools Produce Better Outcomes

Researchers have studied the outcomes of public and private schools.

Private school students perform better on tests in a consistent manner. In addition, though, private schools often keep a team dedicated to university admissions on staff. This means your children will have access to professionals who will help them get into great post-secondary schools!

Many parents like this service because it takes away the guesswork of getting into a good academic institution. These people have the ability to recommend universities to your child and give tips on how to apply.

Con: Private School Can Get Expensive

Private schools can get pricey, which is one of the most common drawbacks for parents. A Canadian private school can cost anywhere between $4,000-$26,000 CAD a year.

The cost of your child’s education will depend on a number of things. For instance, if the school is in a wealthier area, it might expect its parents to have the means to pay more. Other schools may charge by the grade level. Primary schools often cost less than high schools.

Other costs include uniforms, textbooks, and required school supplies.

Still, many parents find the benefits of a private school worthwhile. The coursework can prove rigorous and produce great students. Further, some private schools are faith-based, drawing parents who want their children to have a faith-centered education.

Pro: Private School Offers More One-on-One Education

Public schools often have larger class sizes than private schools because public education is made available to all Canadian children.

Private schools have the option to limit the number of students they accept. This keeps the student-teacher ratio steady. That way, your children will have greater access to their teachers. Their teachers will also not feel so overwhelmed that they can’t give individual attention to their students.

As such, private schools might serve as a good option for students who thrive when they have a closer relationship with their teachers.

Con: You Aren’t Guaranteed Admission

Private schools have specific entrance requirements. For some, the student may have to pass an entrance exam and provide specific documents.

Yet, you can also look at entrance exams as a positive aspect of your child’s education. If a school includes an entrance exam, it means it’s dedicated to a certain standard of education. Your child passing the exam shows they may have the aptitude required to pass a high-quality program.

Pro: Private Schools Are Safer

Private schools can serve as a safer alternative to public education.

While public schools take a firm stance against violent behavior, it happens to a greater degree in public institutions. Private schools are generally less-violent because they have more control over who they admit.

Likewise, private schools might have better COVID-19 safety measures in place. Public schools are required to follow the standards set by the local government, but private schools can create their own measures. As such, some parents feel better about sending their kids to private school during the pandemic.

Con: Children May Not Like Private School

Some children thrive in private school, while others prefer public education.

Yet, this might not come down to whether a school is public or private. Rather, the culture of the institution might be the right fit for the child. So, if your child dislikes one private school, try another one!

Ready to Send Your Child to Private School?

Because of the many benefits of independent private schools, a good number of parents prefer to send their children there.

If you’re looking for an excellent private school for your children, try Pear Tree! We offer high-quality classes for children in grades kindergarten through 9th grade.

Have older children? We’ll be adding a high school component in the future, so check back!

Want to learn more? Contact us today!