When it comes to private schools, there are many types of schools to think about for your child. Age is one factor that determines which type of school is appropriate, but it’s not the only factor to consider. Your own values and the goals regarding your child’s education are also important. The following list of types of private schools should help you in your quest to find the right private school for your child. It is not intended to be an exhaustive resource, but a starting point for your family as you struggle to define your child’s educational future:
- Preparatory School – Also called prep school. Usually, a prep school is offered for grades 7 through 12, and sometimes grade 13. Boarding schools and day schools are often associated with the preparatory school concept as well. The purpose is to prepare your child for a life as an adult and college.
- Military School – Some military schools are private schools. These schools are designed to give high school age students preparation for life in the military.
- Religious Schools – Many religious denominations have their own schools and in addition to math, English, and the traditional educational curriculum, religious schools will teach children the tenets of the faith and religious doctrine. Many parents feel that this type of school is best suited for their children because they get a religious education that informs their lifelong learning.
- Parochial Schools – Religious schools more closely affiliated with the Catholic Church and usually operated under specific parishes.
- Independent Schools – Independent schools are schools that are not affiliated or associated with any level of government. Independent schools are funded by tuition rather than public funds.
- Special Needs Schools – Special needs schools are established for specific purposes to handle the needs of handicapped children or to deal with the specific needs of certain ailments.
- Alternative Schools - Private schools with a nontraditional curriculum.
- Boarding Schools – A private school where the students live with other students and faculty throughout the school term, like in college. There are usually strict rules involved with living on campus.
Which type of private school is best for you and your child? That depends on what you expect from the school, your own family values, and the needs of your child. Even within these distinctions there are other distinguishing factors from school to school and different variations of the type of private school listed. Your family budget may be a deciding factor, location, and even your child’s age. The best way to start finding the right private school for your child is to make a list of characteristics that you expect in such a school, separating each item into a “must have” and an “optional” category. As you examine schools throughout your search, measure them against your list and save the actual comparison until after you’ve visited a few private schools in your area.
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