ARE PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS REALLY BETTER THAN PUBLIC?

Oct 10 2022 2:19 PM

A private high school often does a better job of providing a solid academic education, strong community, and religious foundation.

Are you a current or future high school student choosing between public and private schools? There are pros and cons to both options, and your decision should reflect what you value most from a high school experience.

Public schools can be a good option for many students. However, private high schools often do a better job of providing a solid academic education, strong community, and religious foundation. 

PRIVATE VS. PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS

STATISTICS

25% of schools in the country are private schools, and their students consistently perform better in all subject areas compared to public schools. They score higher on standardized tests, do better on the SAT/ACT, and have higher college acceptance rates. 

Private high school graduates also tend to be more successful after they begin college. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Catholic schools had a higher rate of graduates who attained a bachelor’s degree than public and other private schools.

Both student and parental satisfaction are higher for private schools. 60% of private school students, on a scale of A through F, graded their high school as an “A.” According to the NCES, 86% of parents were satisfied with private schools, compared to 72% and 74% who were satisfied with charter and public schools, respectively. 
 

THE ADVANTAGES OF ATTENDING A PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL

ACADEMICS

Many private schools place an emphasis on academics, and their students perform higher than their public school peers. Students enrolled in private schools typically perform better on standardized tests and are more likely to graduate college. Many private schools also offer additional Advanced Placement (AP) classes, dual-enrollment opportunities, and other college preparation. 

Some private schools allow students to learn more about specific subjects, such as religious studies, the arts, or STEM. They might offer classes that aren’t offered in public schools, and they often have the funding to keep these programs going.

COMMUNITY

Private school communities tend to be strong. Since private school families must go out of their way to choose the school, the community as a whole tends to be highly invested in education and cultivating a positive school environment. While not every private school offers the same type of community, many students appreciate this aspect of their school.

On top of the classroom community of students, teachers, and staff, there is an engaged outer community of parents, community members, and alumni. Parents are often highly involved in school life. Families may take extra care and offer more resources to ensure students get the support they need to be successful.

Private school students often made a choice to be there, which is less likely to be the case at public schools. If you value a school community experience that does not end at the classroom door, then a private school may have what you are looking for.

FAITH

Public schools are not allowed to promote religious beliefs and often don’t provide a space for students to learn and grow in their faith. However, religiously affiliated private schools, such as Catholic schools, give students the opportunity to take classes on religion, participate in prayers and Mass, and grow in their faith. They also offer faith formation programs, retreats, and the opportunities for students to be involved in ministry. 

A religiously affiliated private school is a great place to not only learn academics, but also bring faith into your daily life. If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow spiritually with your peers and receive a well-rounded high school education, then a private high school could be a good place for you.

THE DISDVANTAGES OF ATTENDING A PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL

The main disadvantage of private high school for most families is tuition. Depending on the school you choose, private high school tuition may be as expensive as college tuition. This cost is a strain on many families, especially families that have more than one child attending private schools.

Public high schools are funded through tax money, making them effectively free to attend. Families may still be expected to pay for public school field trips and extracurricular activities, are usually much lower than private school tuition. 

Beyond tuition, each private school will have its own set of advantages and disadvantages over your local public school. Some private schools may be too small, new, or specialized to offer the educational resources you need, while others may not offer the type of community you hope for.

WHY PAY FOR PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL?

Depending on your goals and experiences, private high school can be a great opportunity. It ultimately depends on the individual school and student, but private schools tend to have better results than public schools. Your tuition will go toward funding strong academics and other programs that enrich the student experience. 

If you’re worried about affording your ideal high school, know that there may be financial help available. There are a multitude of ways to help fund a private school education, including scholarships, grants, loans, and more.

Check out our blog to learn more how you can afford a private high school education.