So you think that all private school parents drive Range Rovers and vacation in Mustique. Well, some do. But most don't. Private schools offer scholarships in order to attract students whose parents don't run a Fortune 100 company. Why? Because they have long recognized the need to diversify their student body. Let's see how far things have come.
The Way It Was
Private schools have pretty much come full circle. The first schools in America were private schools. There were no public schools until much later in our independence. Those early private schools were rather modest affairs reflecting the times and customs in which they operated.
In the first half of the 20th century private schools again reflected society. Segregated schools were the norm. Usually only the rich could afford to send their children to private school.
Now the pendulum has swung the other way, thankfully. Private schools have come to value, indeed, champion, diversity. Financial aid is awarded based on need. Schools actively seek students from every kind of background.
The Way It Is
Do you think these statements are true?
- "Private schools are elitist."
- "Only kids from rich families attend private schools."
- "Private students are under enormous pressure to perform academically."
Actually there's some truth in each statement. But when you examine each one in detail, you realize that there's much more to it.
"Private schools are elitist."
If by that you mean independent schools pick and choose who they will accept, then they probably could be called elitist. But not for the usual reasons. A private school will not accept applicants only from a certain social or economic strata. Decades ago you could have made a case that private schools were elitist. Read Preparing for Power: America's Elite Boarding Schools to see what I mean. No, nowadays, private schools are remarkably inclusive and try to accept applicants from every economic and social, even national, quarter.
"Only kids from rich families attend private schools."
I was interviewed on a Toronto radio talk show where the hostess tried to get me to agree with this statement. Of course, I disagree. It's all a matter of prioritizing. Private school fees are expensive. No doubt about that. But, human nature being what it is, where there's a will, there's a way. We parents will scrimp, save, sacrifice, work extra jobs, in short do anything we have to do to ensure that our children get the best possible education. For what Nancy and I spent on four private school educations, not to mention college, we could have had a new German car every year AND a trip to the Cotswalds each spring. But, the point is, we didn't believe that was a priority. Our children's education, giving them a head start in life, teaching them the value of hard work - these were things that mattered to us and many other parents. Nowadays most private schools offer substantial financial aid. Make a point of inquiring!
"Private students are under enormous pressure to perform academically."
In What Kind of School Should We Choose? I make the point that a private school frequently can offer a complete package: academics, sports and social life all conveniently included. Is there pressure to succeed in this environment? You bet! More often the pressure is a self imposed set of goals which a child comes up with after realizing what he or she can achieve with a little hard work. Should parents push their children? I don't think it is a question of pushing. You have to know your child. You also have to achieve a clear understanding of what that child is capable of achieving. Remember: each child is different. No sense comparing siblings! As long as each one is doing the best he can, you can't ask any more.
Private schools can accommodate your requirements more readily than public schools. There's going to be a school which will meet your needs. With over 29,000 private schools available and more opening every week, you have some wonderful alternatives to the 'one size fits all' approach which public education offers. Visit them virtually today!
