Reasons NOT to Choose a Private School Education

There are many educational options today that were not available in times past. During the baby boomer era, public school was just about the only choice for the average family. There were some elite private schools, but they catered to the above-average income earners only. Today parents have choices other than the neighborhood public schools. Many private schools have been established in areas where the public school system is not performing well. Some of these schools, although requiring tuition, are affordable for most people and therefore are alternatives for average-income families. A private school can be a wonderful experience, but there are reasons NOT to choose this educational alternative.

Parents should not enroll a child in a private school because of behavior problems in the present situation. There are numerous factors to consider when a child is exhibiting inappropriate behavior. It could be because of bad influences of other children, because of frustration with classroom expectations, or because of underlying physical, mental or emotional issues. Often a parent's first response to a child's getting in trouble is to remove the child from the situation. Before this action is taken, step back and try to look objectively at your child. Ask questions. Notice verbal cues about what is bothering him. Often, there is one specific situation that can be worked through once it is realized. If there are deeper underlying emotional or mental problems, moving the student to a private school may add to the anxiety and frustration. Seek counseling to determine the cause of the behavior before taking the child out of a familiar environment, even if you feel that a new environment would be better than the present one. Deal with the problem first, then you can make a clear decision about whether a move to a private school would benefit the student.

Some parents are honest enough to admit their failure to teach moral and ethical values to their children. To remedy this, they seek out a private school, specifically a Christian private school, to teach those precepts. Nothing can take the place of parental teaching and modeling of Christian values-even the best of Christian schools. The student may learn the Bible and be exhorted to live a pure life, but if he returns each day to a home where these principles are not reinforced, he often does not understand how to "flesh out" what he is learning. The ideal is for the school and home to teach and reinforce Christian principles. A Christian private school should not be expected to be a substitute for God-honoring parents and role models at home.

Caring parents want their children to have the best education possible. Sometimes that may mean enrolling them in a private school. But, that option should be chosen for the right reasons. Before considering a private school education, seek to honestly evaluate your child's present situation and your motives for moving him.