Many parents are coming to realize the benefits of private elementary schools for their children. One of the many reasons for this is because they provide a well-rounded curriculum which prepares students for college prep private middle school programs and beyond.
Another reason why private schools are preferred over public schools is due to their size. Approximately 87% of private schools will have less than 300 students on their campus. As a result, there are smaller classes with a typical student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. This is significant because students will receive more individualized attention than they would in a public school setting.
When students receive more individualized support, they can be further challenged to succeed personally, academically, and socially. There are also more opportunities for private school students to interact with their classmates, which can assist in creating friendships and enhancing the feeling of community.
While public school teachers tend to have teaching credentials, most private school teachers hold advanced degrees. Recent figures show that this is the case with 60% to 80% of the teachers at private schools. As a result, these teachers tend to be better equipped to provide a more challenging academic environment. Furthermore, since they may have previously taught at the college or university level, they have an increased awareness of what skills are needed to succeed.
Private schools are also more encouraging of parent and family involvement. When students know that their parents and family care about their educational experience, it can greatly enhance learning and provide other positive effects.
During the 2013 to 2014 school year, for example, there were 4.1 million K-8th grade students enrolled in private schools, according to the Condition of Education 2016 report. This was an increase from the previous school year, when there were 4 million K-8th grade students enrolled in private schools.
Given that more parents are looking for alternatives to traditional public schools, it appears that many are opting for private elementary schools rather than home schooling. In addition to providing a strong academic foundation, private schools also stress the importance of the arts, character development, and other essential life skills.