There are a number of reasons to consider private school over a public program. One of the most important reasons to explore private education is the fact that it can meet the unique learning needs of each student. The smaller class sizes, design of the curriculum, and lack of bureaucracy in private programs make it possible for each student to get individualized attention and instruction.

Smaller class size

Private school programs can control class size in a way that public programs do not. When a private program reaches capacity, there is the option of hiring more teachers and expanding the program. However, if it is not possible to do those things, the private program can stop accepting new students for that term. Since public schools are part of the state system, it is simply not an option to stop accepting new students. The design of admissions in private programs ensures that the class size stays small enough to provide each student with a learning experience that meets his or her unique needs.

Students can move at their own pace

In public school, every student is expected to move at the same pace. There are some special programs in public schools for students who need a lot of extra help. However, the vast majority of students are expected to follow the exact same learning path. Students who learn a concept quickly must wait around for others to catch up before moving on. On the other hand, when students reach a minimum standard, they are allowed to move on to the next concept. Meeting the minimum standard is not always the same as genuinely grasping a concept – this process can leave gaps in learning. In a private school, students can move at their own pace instead of being held up or pushed forward by the majority. This design prevents boredom for advanced students and allows all students to develop a real understanding of concepts before moving on to the next.

Increased flexibility in choosing an educational philosophy

Private schools have much more flexibility than public schools when it comes to choosing an educational philosophy. Public programs have to follow the standards put forth by the state and have little flexibility when it comes to using varying viewpoints or methods. Also, the bureaucracy of public school programs makes it extremely difficult to get approval for anything new or innovative. Private schools do not have the same level of red tape to cut through. Teachers in private programs have much more flexibility to bring in tools, tactics, and approaches based on the unique learning needs of each student.

An individualized approach to education is the best way to meet the unique learning needs of every student. Many private school classrooms are intentionally kept small so students can move at their own pace. The increased flexibility in private programs to choose an educational philosophy and tools for teaching makes the private classroom a place that can meet the unique learning needs of each student.