If you are considering private school for your child, you likely have a few questions. The design of a private program can look very different from a public school. Private and public programs have different processes when it comes to getting your child enrolled. You can make the process go more smoothly by getting answers to your questions about private education.

Is private education the right choice for my child?                     

Each child is different when it comes to personality, learning style, interests, and abilities. In private school, there is much more opportunity for your child to have his or her individual needs addressed. Many public school programs have large classrooms, which makes it difficult for the teacher to address individual needs. Private programs, on the other hand, usually have much smaller class sizes. By having smaller class sizes, this gives the teachers time to get to know each student and meet more individual needs. Also, some types of private programs are designed to provide individualized instruction. Montessori teachers, for example, create an individualized learning plan for each student. The individualized approach of private education makes it a great choice for most students.

Will my child be challenged academically in a private school?

As mentioned above, private education can be customized to the needs of your child. This difference means that an advanced child will be provided with opportunities to keep moving forward without having to wait for classmates to catch up. This design allows the teacher to make sure all students are being challenged according to their skills and abilities.

Are there before and aftercare options available in a private school?

As you consider the educational program you want for your child, you may also need to think about before and aftercare. If your job requires you to be at work before school starts or after it ends, you must make arrangements for your child. The availability of before and aftercare depends on the program. Some private programs, like Fountainhead Montessori School, have before and aftercare as an option.

Are private schools regulated by the state?

The state does not regulate private school programs in the same way as public school programs. This lack of regulation means that private programs have more freedom when it comes to designing and implementing the curriculum. It also means that you should take the time to make sure any private program you consider holds itself to high academic standards.

What type of training do teachers in private schools have?

The type of training teachers in a private school has depended on the requirements of the individual program. Each program will have a set of standards for their teachers. Teacher training is a question you need to ask of any program you are seriously considering.

How do I decide which private school is best?

The process of choosing a private school for your child should start with online research of the options in your area. You can also reach out to people you know who have children in private programs. When you narrow down the options, the next step is to schedule a time to observe a class and tour the campus. Getting a firsthand view of the private school will help you confidently make a choice for your child.