8:27 AM
Kinsz
When considering moving away from public education, it can take a while to figure out all the options. Private schools offer a huge variety in terms of both offerings and quality. It is important to understand at least some of the basics before deciding which type of environment is right for any student.
The option most people are familiar with is religious education. For families with a strong backing in a religion that is popular in their area that can be a great choice. Unfortunately, just like anywhere else, there can be a big gap in academics from one facility to the next. Also, the religious focus can be off-putting to some, as can the teaching methods.
If religion isn't right for a kid, there are also schools that aren't attached to any religion. They may add comparative religion classes, or add some in to help understand history or art, but it isn't the focus of the school. They usually are more interested in academic achievement, though some are more into the arts. The only thing they have in common across the boundaries is the lack of religion.
Then there's the day-student or boarding student choice. Day students go to class just like their public school counterparts, coming home after their activities every night. Day students can't travel far for school, because they aren't usually offered transportation, though parents may commute together. These academies are available across all grade levels, from kindergarten to graduation.
There are also places that offer boarding. Instead of going home every night, students live on campus. Some live there all week, others only while classes are in. With students living on campus, the parents can be anywhere, and these academies often have high numbers of international students and students with parents working overseas. Boarding is rarely offered to young students, though some may make exceptions. Few start younger than ten.
There is also the choice of traditional or alternative education. Traditional is like the public system, though often more academically focused. Students learn the same subjects, with perhaps more depth and time spent, as the public system offers, with teachers leading classes speaking in the local language.
Alternative education, on the other hand, can be almost anything. This can make some parents uncomfortable, and traditional education is often a better choice for them. Students can choose their classes, and may be responsible for teaching them. They may choose when to learn subjects, if at all. Some only use alternative methods to teach students, allowing them to move around more, or changing the way they teach to suit their personalities. Some even teach exclusively in other languages.
Once the basic differences have been figured out, picking private schools gets easier. Parents know what they generally want for their children, educationally. Removing all the options that don't fit leaves a much smaller pile to pick from. With the extra choices gone, the right one is easier to find, and a good choice can be made for the student and the parents.
The option most people are familiar with is religious education. For families with a strong backing in a religion that is popular in their area that can be a great choice. Unfortunately, just like anywhere else, there can be a big gap in academics from one facility to the next. Also, the religious focus can be off-putting to some, as can the teaching methods.
If religion isn't right for a kid, there are also schools that aren't attached to any religion. They may add comparative religion classes, or add some in to help understand history or art, but it isn't the focus of the school. They usually are more interested in academic achievement, though some are more into the arts. The only thing they have in common across the boundaries is the lack of religion.
Then there's the day-student or boarding student choice. Day students go to class just like their public school counterparts, coming home after their activities every night. Day students can't travel far for school, because they aren't usually offered transportation, though parents may commute together. These academies are available across all grade levels, from kindergarten to graduation.
There are also places that offer boarding. Instead of going home every night, students live on campus. Some live there all week, others only while classes are in. With students living on campus, the parents can be anywhere, and these academies often have high numbers of international students and students with parents working overseas. Boarding is rarely offered to young students, though some may make exceptions. Few start younger than ten.
There is also the choice of traditional or alternative education. Traditional is like the public system, though often more academically focused. Students learn the same subjects, with perhaps more depth and time spent, as the public system offers, with teachers leading classes speaking in the local language.
Alternative education, on the other hand, can be almost anything. This can make some parents uncomfortable, and traditional education is often a better choice for them. Students can choose their classes, and may be responsible for teaching them. They may choose when to learn subjects, if at all. Some only use alternative methods to teach students, allowing them to move around more, or changing the way they teach to suit their personalities. Some even teach exclusively in other languages.
Once the basic differences have been figured out, picking private schools gets easier. Parents know what they generally want for their children, educationally. Removing all the options that don't fit leaves a much smaller pile to pick from. With the extra choices gone, the right one is easier to find, and a good choice can be made for the student and the parents.
About the Author:
A Toronto private school, offering a balanced curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to grade 12.
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