Some Comparisons Between Private Schools and Public Schools in Canada

By Adriana Noton

In Canada, children are required by law to attend school until they reach the age of 16. They can attend their local public school for free, as paid for by tax dollars. However, some parents choose to send their kids to private school instead of public school, with the belief that they are offering them a better education. Are private schools better than public schools, or are they simply equal? Does private education bring enough benefits to make the cost worthwhile? Do the two types of schools really compete with one another?

Private Schools Have Admission Requirements

When you send your child to the local public school, he will be attending school with anyone, regardless of their ability, personality, religious belief, or other characteristics. This can be good, but parents who wish to focus their children in a certain direction find that independent school gives them that chance. Private schools are able to post admission requirements. Students may have to hold to a specific religious creed, have a certain academic ability, or conform to a set of behaviour standards in order to attend a private school. For many parents, this is a huge benefit.

Private Schools Have Better Student/Teacher Ratios

Canada's public schools are overcrowded. T his causes many parents to send their kids to private schools. Most private schools have smaller class sizes, which allows the teacher to spend more one-on-one time with the students. This helps the students get more out of their educational experience.

Both Offer Standardized Testing

Both public and private schooling outcomes are measured through standardized testing. In this way, the two compete with one another. On average, Canadian private school students perform better than public school students on standardized testing. However, this may have just as much to do with the student demographic as it does with the quality of education. Factors such as stable family life, small class sizes, and more involved parents will contribute to higher average test scores in the private school sector.

Private Schools Are Better Ranked

While there are good and bad private schools, in general, private schools tend to rank higher than public schools. For example, he Fraser Institute ranks most private schools higher than public schools. Perhaps the prestigious nature of some of these schools draws better teachers, or the smaller student-to-teacher ratio improves the learning abilities of the students. Some private schools are better because they have a more intense curriculum. They do not have to use a curriculum that includes students of all ability levels like a public school does. A "college prep" program in a private school is expected to be challenging and strenuous, as compared to the "general education" provided in a public school.

So which is the best option for your family? Only you can decide that. Private school provides an excellent foundation for your child if he intends to head to college someday, and a private education allows you to avoid some of the problems with Canada's public schools, but it is an extra expense in your family's budget. The best way to make the choice is to visit the schools in your area and see which ones offer the best education for your child, helping you reach your goals of her future. - 30531

About the Author:

Toronto private schools offer exceptional education and discipline for your child. Without question, Toronto preparatory school sets as a strong foundation for your child's educational career. If you're looking for a private school in Toronto, visit us today!

Choosing Among The Private Schools: Are You Asking The 12 Questions Many Parents Forget To Ask?

By Tamara Andreas

How do you get past superficial differences and find out which private school will give your child the best foundation for a happy, full life? Most parents--including us--really don't know what questions to ask the private schools to decide which is best for them. When we chose a private school in Boulder, Colorado, we were lucky. Even though we didn't know about many important differences between private schools, we have been very satisfied with our choice. From our experience and from conversations with other parents and teachers, we've gained a better understanding of how private schools are different, and how parents can find out those differences before making their choice.

1. Does your school teach academics to the exclusion of important areas like the arts, physical development and foreign language classes? Most parents agree that academic achievement is crucial for success in today's world. However, for many parents, a complete education includes art, drama, music, physical activity, and language learning. Does a school have to limit their subjects to the "Three R's" to support academic success? Fortunately, you don't have to settle for a restricted academics-only curriculum to produce high college entrance exam scores. Actually, some well-rounded approaches can point to evidence of yielding superior results measured by future academic achievement.

2. Does your school have a track record of successful graduates? How well do they perform after they graduate? Ideally, a school will be imparting to students the skills they need to have a meaningful, successful lifetime. This can include a life-long love of learning, as well as achievement in higher education.

3. In retrospect, how do this school's graduates rate the school? Years later, after students have had some time to experience the effects of their education, do they appreciate it and would they recommend it to others? How many would send their own children to the school they attended?

4. What is this school's approach to discipline? What is their student conduct policy? You may want to know what kind of behavior and attitudes the school encourages, and what is off-limits. In addition, it can be important whether behavioral issues are dealt with in judgmental ways, or ways that are more supportive. Every normal child misbehaves at times, so the school's disciplinary approach is likely to be relevant for you and your child.

5. Does your school focus on testing, or on other methods of assessing children's learning? Although mainstream schools rely on testing, there are some disadvantages to over-testing, for younger children especially. When I was in school, most kids I knew had a certain amount of "test anxiety," which seemed to reduce their confidence in learning. I've observed kids who have concluded they aren't smart because they received some bad grades. Whatever your thoughts are about testing, you may want to ask the private schools about this subject.

6. Does this school's curriculum and approach fit with a child's developmental stages? Because of the importance of learning to read, many educators are pushing the envelope with introducing reading skills at younger and younger ages, with the assumption that younger is always better. But what if that assumption is false? A young child does not have the same mind that an older child or an adult has. A great deal is known today about the developmental stages children go through. To us, it is important for a school's philosophy to take these developmental stages into account, rather than simply pushing academics earlier and earlier.

7. What is this school's approach to spirituality? You may prefer a school with or without a spiritual orientation. In any event, you probably want to understand how teachers will address spiritual subjects.

8. What expectations do your teachers have of parents? The other children in your child's class will strongly influence his or her school experience. For this reason, it can really make a difference if parents are "on the same page" in some ways. As an example, if other parents let their kids use foul language and poor manners, you can expect your child to pick that up at school. If other parents let their kids live on sugar and potato chips, this is likely to have an adverse effect on the children's behavior in the classroom. Do you think your child would learn the best if your school gives parents some guidance in how to foster useful behavior and attitudes in their children?

For example, the detrimental effects of TV watching on learning is now well-documented. Even just an hour of TV or more per day is associated with a poor attitude toward school and underachievement, according to a study of 14 year olds. The more TV children watch, the worse it gets. Children watching three hours or more have a higher rate of attention and learning difficulties. The trouble is, this effects not only the child who is watching excessive TV but if it leads to behavioral issues, it also effects everyone else in the classroom. Teachers who are struggling with all sorts of behavioral issues don't have as much time and energy for teaching. For these reasons, I believe my child learns best in a class with other children who have restricted TV viewing. It's to my benefit for the school to have some guidelines for this.

9. What about social and emotional development? The happiest people can form meaningful relationships and communicate well with others. School can be a great place to learn positive social skills and also to develop emotional intelligence. You may want to know how a school supports these important life skills.

10. What types of play do young children engage in at your school? Research shows the benefits of physically active play and imaginative games for young children. Yet in many schools, the space for these important childhood activities is dwindling. Often, in their place are flash cards, computer labs and reading lessons in kindergarten and preschool.

11. How much time is spent on rote learning versus gaining cognitive abilities? Sadly, many students are taught what to think rather than how to think. Memorizing facts is important. However, creativity and reasoning skills are also important. The people at the forefront of any field are able to reason beyond what they are taught.

12. What else do I need to know that makes your school unique? A school may have some unique approach that would never occur to you to ask about it. So it's good to ask an open-ended question, to give the school administrator an opportunity to highlight their areas of uniqueness.

I hope you find some or all of these questions useful to add to your list as you interview private schools in your area. I wish you the best as you make this important decision! - 30531

About the Author:

Be sure your list of questions is complete! Click here for 10 more questions parents often ask private schools. Go to www.PrivateSchoolsBoulder.com to find out which private school the author chose in Boulder County, Colorado.

Choosing a Private School: What 12 Important Questions Are Parents Not Asking?

By Tamara Andreas

My husband and I recently chose a private school for our child in Boulder County, Colorado. Looking back, we really didn't ask all the questions we could have asked, to understand which private school would give our child the best school experience and the best foundation for a life of learning. Fortunately, now that we understand more about the private schools, we still feel great about our decision. If we had it to do all over again, we'd choose the same school! However, not everyone is so fortunate. So, in addition to the top questions parents ask the private schools, I've also put together a list of the top questions parents don't ask! Here are some questions that can be very important, yet not everyone thinks of them when choosing a private school. As you read these questions, there may be some you would like to add to your list of questions to ask the schools.

1. Does this school focus solely on academics, or does the curriculum include other important areas such as music, art, acting, foreign languages and physical movement? These days, the "Three R's" are becoming more dominant in mainstream education. Unfortunately, this is often at the expense of the arts, physical activity, and foreign languages. Luckily, some schools still offer the arts and physical movement integrated with a full complement of academics. Some schools even teach foreign languages in the first grade! And amazingly, with certain integrative approaches, children receiving a well-rounded education do as well or even better at the academics, compared with their peers who get academics only.

2. Does your school have a track record of successful graduates? How well do they do after they graduate? Ideally, a school will be imparting to students the skills they need for a successful, meaningful lifetime. This can include a life-long love of learning, as well as achievement in higher education.

3. How happy are this school's graduates with their education? It can take some time for students to understand how their schooling prepared them for life. One key question is: How many of your graduates would send their own child to the same type of school?

4. What is this school's approach to discipline? What is their student conduct policy? You may want to know what kind of behavior and attitudes the school encourages, and what is off-limits. In addition, it can be important whether behavioral issues are dealt with in judgmental ways, or ways that are more supportive. Every normal child misbehaves at times, so the school's disciplinary approach is likely to be relevant for you and your child.

5. How do you assess how well students are learning? This is an important aspect of education. Does the school focus on testing, or on other types of observation? Does the school only evaluate academic skills such as reading and math, or does it also take into account abilities such as social and artistic skills? You may also be interested in the ways in which the school communicates these assessments with parents.

6. How do this school's teaching methods and curriculum fit with children's developmental stages? Learning to read is important--important enough to find the optimal time for it in a child's development. Although many educators are striving to teach reading skills to younger and younger children, few are asking what the long-term effect of this approach may be. Interestingly, children who learn to read a bit later end up reading just as well, and they tend to enjoy reading more! It's worth taking some time to look into the knowledge we have from the field of developmental psychology regarding children's stages of development and how that effects learning.

7. How does this school approach spirituality? Whether you prefer a school to have a spiritual grounding or not, it can be important to know you're comfortable with the school's approach to spirituality in the classroom.

8. What expectations or requirements does this school have of parents? You know that how you raise your own child makes a difference in his or her behavior. For better or worse, the same is true for the parents of the other children in the classroom. Their parenting will end up strongly influencing your child's learning. If you are willing to make the effort to be the best parent you possibly can be, wouldn't you want other parents to be doing so, too? It can be greatly to your child's benefit if a school gives some guidance to parents, and this will also attract conscientious parents to the school.

As an example, the average American household watches TV 8.2 hours a day. Even one hour or more of TV per day has been linked to poor attitudes toward school and poor achievement in 14 year olds. Three hours or more is associated with learning and attention difficulties. Kids who have trouble paying attention end up distracting the whole classroom. Do you think your child would learn the best if most children in the classroom were watching three or more hours of TV a day, or if most were watching less than 1 hour a day? If you are willing to make the effort to limit your child's TV viewing, then it's greatly to your benefit for a school to require this of all parents. I would not be surprised if TV viewing played a significant role in the poor performance of so many schools today.

9. What about social and emotional development? The happiest people can form meaningful relationships and communicate well with others. School can be a great place to learn positive social skills and also to develop emotional intelligence. You may want to know how a school supports these important life skills.

10. What types of play do you offer to young children? Young children have an innate capacity for imagination, and a need for physically active play. Does the school provide the maximum opportunities for physical activity and imaginative play, or does the school put them in computer lab and reading lessons in preschool or kindergarten?

11. How much time is spent on rote learning versus gaining cognitive abilities? Unfortunately, many children are taught what to think rather than how to think. Memorizing facts is important. However, creativity and reasoning skills are also important. Those at the forefront of any field are able to reason beyond what they are taught.

12. What else do I need to know that makes your school unique? A school may have some unique approach that would never occur to you to ask about it. So it's good to ask an open-ended question, to give the school spokesperson an opportunity to highlight their areas of uniqueness.

Once you get past the basics, these in-depth questions can yield information to help you make a more informed decision. I can only hope that you are as thrilled with the private school you choose as we are with ours! - 30531

About the Author:

Be sure your list of questions is complete! Click here for 10 more questions parents often ask the private schools. Go to www.PrivateSchoolsBoulder.com to find out what private school the author chose in Boulder CO.

Finding The Right Private School: The Top 10 Questions To Ask The Schools

By Tamara Andreas

It's better to ask good questions before enrolling your child, rather than finding out the hard way! My husband and I recently decided which of the private schools in Boulder County, Colorado, is best for our child. In speaking with other parents, school administrators, and teachers, I have found there are common questions that parents ask to choose their school. Choosing the right private education is important, and this will make it easier.

10 Questions for Choosing Amongst the Private Schools

1. How does this school create a safe learning environment? You know that there are many safety issues these days, in the public schools especially, from violence to drugs. So when you're interviewing a private school, you'll probably want to find out how the school keeps kids safe.

2. What basic philosophy/theology does the school espouse? Private schools may or may not be based on a particular educational philosophy, and they also may have a particular theological orientation. So, you'll want to know what the schools philosophy is, and how it effects the child's experience in the classroom. As an example, some religious private schools teach their religious beliefs to the children, in subtle ways or not-so-subtle. Other schools impart a more broad-based sense of spirituality, and still others avoid the subject altogether.

3. What qualifications are held by the teaching staff? Depending on state laws, private schools may be allowed to employ teachers with different degrees or certifications than those in the public schools. Some private schools require more training for their teachers than public schools, and some accept less.

4. What is the class size? The number of students per teacher can make a significant difference in how much individual attention a child is able to receive.

5. What's the schedule? You probably want to know when to drop off and pick up your child, as well as how the typical school day would unfold for your child. As an example, would a small child have an opportunity for a mid-morning snack? Are academic subjects taught more in the morning when the child is fresher, or do they come after lunch? What about recess? Is there care available after class?

6. What opportunities are offered for parental involvement? If you are involved with the school, you get to help create the school experience and you create a sense of community for your child. Plus, then you'll have a better understanding of your child's school experience.

7. How do your teachers help children learn who have varied learning styles? Every child is a unique individual. How does the school approach different learning styles so that everyone can learn?

8. How does this school honor diversity? Depending on where they are located and how they are structured, some schools are required by law to have a policy of non-discrimination, and others are not. In addition, some schools have a philosophy of embracing diverse people and viewpoints.

9. When was the school established? Schools which have been operating longer may have developed a fuller curriculum and more detailed policies, and those which have opened more recently sometimes have smaller class sizes or lower tuition.

10. What will it cost, and are there scholarships? Do you have to pay a big lump sum all at once, or are the payments spread out? Along with the benefits of a private education, it's important to weigh the cost.

After you ask these 10 questions, you will at least have a good start in understanding some basic differences between the schools. However, I wouldn't stop with these 10! What educational choice will give your child the foundation for living the fullest life, and living up to his potential? I've also made a list of 12 more questions that are more in-depth, to really help figure out which private school in Boulder (or anywhere) could be the best choice for a child. You might think of other questions. If you ask the right questions, you will get the information you need. - 30531

About the Author:

To find out more about choosing among the private schools in Boulder, visit Ms. Andreas' site for the top 12 questions parents should ask but they don't! How did the author chose a private school?