Private schools may also offer specialized programs or curricula tailored to specific interests or learning styles, providing a more enriching educational experience.
Another aspect to contemplate is the school's resources and facilities. Private schools often have access to a wider range of resources, including state-of-the-art technology, well-equipped libraries, and specialized facilities for extracurricular activities such as sports or the arts. These additional resources can enhance the learning environment and provide students with more opportunities to explore their interests and talents.
Private schools may also offer a broader range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, fostering a well-rounded education and encouraging students' personal development.
Lastly, the school's values and culture should be taken into account. Private schools often have a specific educational philosophy or mission that aligns with certain values or beliefs. Parents who seek a particular type of environment or want their child to receive education in accordance with specific principles may find that a private school is a better fit.
Private schools often promote a strong sense of community and foster close relationships between students, teachers, and families, creating a supportive and nurturing atmosphere.
Ultimately, the decision to switch from public school to private school should be based on a thorough evaluation of the quality of education, available resources, and alignment with personal values and goals.
It is important to visit potential private schools, meet with administrators, teachers, and current students, and consider the financial implications. By weighing these factors carefully, parents can make an informed decision that best serves their child's educational needs and aspirations.
When Is the Right Time To Make the Switch?
As you can see, there are many benefits to private school. So, when is the best time to start private school if you didn’t start your child off in Kindergarten?
A private school can provide countless benefits at any stage in your child’s educational journey. When deciding whether the timing is appropriate for your child, take into account the following phases.
1. The Elementary Years
- Maximizes your child's innate love of learning
- Establishes a firm basis for learning from the beginning
- Identifies any potential learning issues your child may have, enabling them to overcome problems sooner
- Encourages the formation of early friendships that a child will maintain throughout their time in the private school
2. The Middle School Years
- An increase in supervision throughout these years of vulnerability
- Usually implements more discipline
- Smaller class sizes and more individualized attention can encourage your child to resume their interest in learning, which may have decreased during these years
- Surrounds your child around a positive peer group during these trying years
3. The High School Years
- Provides academic support to enable them to succeed
- Improves their university readiness
- Better standing with post-secondary schools
You might worry as a parent that the transition will prove to be challenging for your child. The truth is any change can be challenging. Your child may have some anxiety about starting a new school and leaving behind what is familiar. Your child may feel overwhelmed at the thought of changing schools.
Here are a few suggestions to help the transition from public school to private school be a little less intimidating:
- Schedule a tour of the school
- See if the school will allow your child to shadow for a day
- Arrange a meet-up with families that attend the school
- Start attending school functions that are open to the public
St. Paul Lutheran School Northville
If you are considering making a move from public school to private school, we at St. Paul Lutheran School Northville would love to help that transition be as smooth as possible. Our teachers at St. Paul Lutheran School Northville believe each student is a Child of God gifted with the potential to achieve success.
We are committed to helping children develop their full potential as God's creation as we:
- TEACH children to serve God and others.
- EQUIP children with knowledge and skills for living.
- ACKNOWLEDGE each child's uniqueness.
- CREATE an active, Christ-centered learning environment.
- HONOR GOD through active church participation.
Our teachers at St. Paul Lutheran School Northville are dedicated to developing the whole student to become an independent learner.
We exist to:
- Lead individuals to faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and keep them in that faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Assist parents in raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
- Educate children according to Biblical principles to provide for their spiritual and intellectual growth.
- Academically prepare each graduate for entrance into any Senior High School.
- Achieve and maintain high academic standards in all subject areas consistently integrated with and related to the teaching of God’s Word.
- Help children discover their unique God-given gifts and develop them to their full potential.
- Provide a Christian atmosphere for the development of physical skills.
- Encourage the development of Christian relationships in the home, school, church, and community, and teach love and respect for others and the country by word and example.
- Lead children to express their Christian faith through lives of service to others and responsibility to training.
- Strengthen St. Paul congregation and the church at large by providing effective Christian training.
We at St. Paul Lutheran School Northville would love to answer any questions you may have to see if we are the private school for you and your child. For more information on how you and your family can become a part of the St. Paul Lutheran School Northville family, schedule a tour here!