Choosing where your child will be educated is a big decision. Public school or private school? If you choose private school, which one is the best? There are pros and cons to whatever option you ultimately choose. The key is to find the option that provides your child with the most benefits during school and in life. Keep reading to explore some of the pros and cons of enrolling your child in private school.

Private schools have more freedom to design programs and implement activities

Private schools have significantly more freedom to design programs and implement activities than public schools. The red tape that teachers and administration have to deal with in public schools is simply not there in private programs. This has the potential to be both a pro and a con. It is a pro because private schools can base curriculum and activities on the needs of students. If there is something that needs to be removed, added, or adjusted, it can be done quickly. In top-notch private programs, this freedom is a major benefit for your child. It can become a con if your child ends up in a private school that is not well operated. The lack of oversight can be a problem if you choose a private school that is not committed to the highest of standards. Be diligent in your efforts to find a top-notch private school so your child can enjoy the benefits of attending a school that can focus on the immediate needs of students.

Private school comes with a tuition cost

Many families hesitate when it comes to making the switch to private school because of the tuition cost. Private school comes with a tuition cost while public school does not. Can you afford the cost of tuition? Is it worth the cost of tuition to send your child to private school? These are questions that you will have to answer for your own family. The good news is that private schools typically offer multiple payment options to accommodate as many families as possible.

Private schools have a smaller student body

In the Bay Area of California, there are some public school programs with an impressive number of students. The design of private school means that the overall student body is going to be smaller than a public program. Typically, the number of students in each class is also smaller in private schools. This can be both a pro and a con depending on your goals for your student. A smaller student body and class size means more individualized attention for your student from teachers. As children get old, a smaller student body can also mean that there are less students to make up sports teams and other competitive groups. If being on the best team around is important for your child, you do always have the option of putting your child in private school during the early years and switching to a public program for middle school and/or high school.

There is not a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to education. There are, however, some elements of private school that can benefit every student. As you weigh the pros and cons of enrolling your child in private school, consider setting up a time to observe a class at the school you are considering. The process of seeing how a private school classroom operates may be enough to help you make your final decision.