Should My Kids Go to Private School?

As a parent, few decisions carry more weight than choosing the right educational environment for your child. This choice affects not only their academic development but also their social skills, character formation, and future opportunities. With various options available—public, private, charter, homeschool—many families find themselves questioning whether private education is the right path for their children.

The past few years have challenged educational systems nationwide, prompting many parents to reevaluate their children’s schooling options. Disruptions to traditional learning environments, concerns about academic continuity, and questions about values alignment have led families to consider alternatives they might not have previously explored.

If you’re contemplating whether private school is the right choice for your family, this article aims to help you navigate this important decision by exploring key considerations that extend beyond simple comparisons of test scores or college acceptance rates.

1. Understanding Your Educational Priorities

Before evaluating specific schools, it’s helpful to clarify your family’s educational priorities. Every family has different values, needs, and goals that influence what constitutes the “right” educational environment.

1.1. Academic Excellence and Approach

What does academic excellence mean to your family? Is it measured by standardized test scores, college admissions, or perhaps by a child’s engagement and love of learning? Different private schools emphasize different aspects of academics:

• Some focus on rigorous college preparation with advanced courses and competitive environments
• Others emphasize experiential learning and project-based approaches
• Some integrate classical education models with emphasis on great books and logical thinking
• Still others might incorporate specialized methodologies like Montessori or Waldorf

Consider your child’s learning style, strengths, challenges, and how they’ve responded to previous educational environments. A school that aligns with your child’s natural learning approach can make a tremendous difference in their educational experience.

1.2. Values Alignment

One of the most compelling reasons families choose private education is values alignment. Many private schools were founded with specific missions that guide everything from curriculum selection to discipline policies:

• Faith-based schools integrate religious principles throughout their educational approach
• Some schools emphasize environmental stewardship and sustainability
• Others focus on social justice and community engagement
• Many independent schools have particular character development frameworks

When a school’s values align with your family’s, it creates a powerful partnership that reinforces what’s taught at home. This consistency can help children develop a coherent worldview and strong sense of identity.

1.3. Community and Culture

Schools are more than academic institutions—they’re communities where children spend a significant portion of their formative years. The culture of a school shapes how students view themselves, their peers, and the broader world.

Private schools often create distinctive cultures through their:

• Size (typically smaller than public schools)
• Traditions and rituals that build shared identity
• Parent involvement expectations
• Approach to discipline and character development

Consider how important these community factors are to your family, and what type of environment would help your child thrive socially and emotionally, not just academically.

2. Key Considerations for Private School Decision-Making

With your priorities in mind, here are several important factors to consider when evaluating whether private school is right for your family:

2.1. Class Size and Student-Teacher Ratios

One of the most notable differences between many private and public schools is class size. While public school classes often contain 25-30 students (or more), private schools typically maintain smaller classes, sometimes with as few as 12-18 students per teacher.

Smaller classes potentially allow for:

• More individualized attention and instruction
• Greater opportunity for classroom participation
• Faster feedback on student work
• Earlier identification of learning challenges or opportunities for advancement
• Stronger relationships between teachers and students

For some children, especially those who benefit from more frequent feedback or individualized approaches, this difference can be transformative. However, it’s important to recognize that small class size alone doesn’t guarantee educational quality—the teaching approach and classroom management are equally important factors.

2.2. Teacher Qualifications and Development

Private schools often have different hiring requirements than public schools. While public schools typically require state certification, private schools may prioritize other qualifications such as:

• Advanced degrees in subject matter (rather than education)
• Real-world experience in the field being taught
• Alignment with the school’s educational philosophy and values
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching methodology

This flexibility can sometimes allow private schools to recruit outstanding educators who might not have followed traditional certification paths. Many private schools also invest significantly in ongoing professional development for their faculty, ensuring teachers remain current with best practices and continue growing professionally.

When evaluating a school, inquire about teacher qualifications, turnover rates, professional development programs, and how the school evaluates teaching excellence.

2.3. Curriculum Flexibility and Specialization

While public schools must follow state curriculum guidelines, private schools have greater freedom to design their educational programs. This flexibility can result in:

• Integration of specialized approaches like STEM or STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
• More comprehensive arts, music, and language programs
• Incorporation of character education throughout the curriculum
• Integration of religious or philosophical principles across subject areas
• More purposeful and intentional standardized testing utilization
• Innovative interdisciplinary courses that wouldn’t fit neatly into standard requirements

This curricular flexibility allows private schools to create distinctive educational experiences that might better match your child’s interests and learning style. It also enables them to respond more quickly to emerging educational research and evolving college or workforce needs.

2.4. School Culture and Discipline Approach

Private schools often establish distinctive approaches to student behavior and community expectations. These frameworks for school culture can create environments that feel safer, more orderly, and more conducive to learning.

Many private schools feature:

• Clear behavioral expectations and consistent enforcement
• Character development programs integrated throughout school life
• Honor codes that promote integrity and personal responsibility
• Traditions that build school pride and community
• Service requirements that foster empathy and civic responsibility

For some students, especially those who thrive with clear boundaries and expectations, these structured environments provide security and confidence. Other students might find some approaches too restrictive. Consider your child’s temperament and which type of environment would help them develop self-discipline and character.

2.5. Parent Involvement and Partnership

Private schools typically expect more substantial parent involvement than many public schools. This partnership approach often includes:

• Regular communication about student progress
• Volunteer expectations for school events and programs
• Parent education opportunities
• Community-building activities for families
• Shared understanding of educational and character development goals

This partnership can create powerful alignment between home and school, reinforcing consistent messages and expectations. However, it also requires more time and engagement from parents, which may or may not fit with your family’s other commitments and resources.

2.6. Affordability and Value Assessment

Private school tuition represents a significant financial commitment for most families. When evaluating this investment, consider:

• The full cost beyond tuition (uniforms, transportation, activities, etc.)
• Available financial aid, scholarships, or variable tuition programs
• Payment plans that might make tuition more manageable
• The specific value your child would receive from this particular environment
• Whether the benefits justify the financial sacrifice in other areas

Many private schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial financial aid packages. Don’t assume a school is financially out of reach without exploring these options. Many schools with variable tuition programs adjust rates based on each family’s financial situation, making private education more accessible than the published tuition rates might suggest.

3. Faith-Based Education Considerations

For families considering faith-based private schools, additional factors come into play:

3.1. Integration of Faith and Learning

Faith-based schools aim to help students develop a cohesive worldview where their academic understanding and spiritual beliefs reinforce rather than contradict each other. This integration might include:

• Exploring scientific concepts within the context of created order
• Discussing literature through moral and ethical lenses
• Studying history with attention to religious influences and movements
• Approaching character development through spiritual formation
• Incorporating prayer, worship, or religious studies into the school day

This integrated approach helps students see connections between different domains of knowledge and develop a framework for making decisions that’s consistent with their faith tradition.

3.2. Faith Community Benefits

Beyond academics, faith-based schools offer distinctive community benefits:

• Shared values and vocabulary among families
• Celebration of religious holidays and traditions
• Mentorship from adults who model faith commitments
• Peer relationships with others navigating similar values
• Support for parents in faith formation of their children

These community aspects can be particularly valuable for families seeking to reinforce their religious traditions and provide children with a consistent message between home and school.

4. Making Your Decision

As you evaluate whether private school is right for your family, consider these practical steps:

1. Visit multiple schools – Nothing replaces the experience of seeing a school in action. Observe classes, speak with teachers and current parents, and get a feel for the school culture.
2. Involve your child appropriately – Depending on their age, include your child in the process. Their comfort and engagement will be essential to their success.
3. Consider a trial period – Some schools offer shadow days where prospective students can experience classes firsthand before making a commitment.
4. Evaluate alignment with your child’s needs – Consider your child’s specific learning style, social dynamics, interests, and challenges when assessing fit.
5. Check accreditation and outcomes – Research the school’s accreditation status, standardized test scores, college placement, and other outcome measures that matter to your family.
6. Assess the total investment – Beyond tuition, consider all costs (time, transportation, extracurricular expenses) and whether the value justifies these investments.

Remember that the “right” school can change as your child grows and develops. What serves them well in elementary years might not be the best fit for middle or high school. Be open to reassessing periodically as your child’s needs evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private School Decisions

1. How much does educational quality really vary between public and private schools?

Educational quality varies tremendously within both public and private sectors. Some public schools offer outstanding programs with dedicated teachers and excellent resources, while others struggle with large class sizes, limited funding, or challenging environments. Similarly, private schools range from those with exceptional academic programs to others that may not offer substantial advantages over public alternatives.

The key is to evaluate each specific school rather than making assumptions based on whether it’s public or private. Look at teacher qualifications, curriculum, student outcomes, and school culture to assess quality. For many families, the right private school offers advantages through specialized programs, values alignment, smaller class sizes, or particular educational approaches that better suit their child’s needs.

2. Will my child miss out on diversity if they attend a private school?

This depends entirely on the specific school. While some private schools lack socioeconomic or racial diversity, others have robust financial aid programs and intentional diversity initiatives that create varied student populations. When diversity is important to your family, ask schools about:

• Their demographic makeup across various dimensions (socioeconomic, racial, religious, etc.)
• Specific programs to support diverse populations
• Financial aid statistics and accessibility initiatives
• How diversity, equity, and inclusion are addressed in curriculum and school culture

Many private schools recognize the educational value of diverse perspectives and are working to create more representative communities. That said, if broad socioeconomic or cultural diversity is a top priority, you’ll want to examine each school’s specific composition carefully.

3. How do we handle it if one child would benefit from private school but others seem to be thriving in public school?

Many families successfully navigate having children in different educational environments. This approach recognizes that each child is unique and may benefit from different settings. If considering this route:

• Be transparent with your children about why different environments might better serve their individual needs
• Avoid framing one option as “better” than another, but rather as differently suited to each child
• Consider the logistical challenges of managing different schedules, events, and parent involvement expectations
• Evaluate whether the financial investment in one child’s education might impact resources available to siblings for other opportunities
• Assess whether the different school cultures will create conflicts in family values or practices

Sometimes the right solution is different schools for different children, while in other cases, finding a single environment that can adequately serve all your children’s needs (perhaps with additional support where needed) might be preferable.

4. How difficult is it to transition from public to private school (or vice versa)?

The transition experience varies based on the child’s age, personality, academic preparation, and the specific schools involved. Most private schools have experience integrating new students and provide support during transitions. To facilitate a smooth change:

• Communicate openly with both schools about your child’s learning style, strengths, and areas for growth
• Identify and address any academic gaps before the transition if possible
• Connect with other families who have made similar transitions to learn from their experience
• Prepare your child by visiting the new school multiple times and discussing what to expect
• Allow adjustment time and maintain regular communication with teachers during the transition period

Most children adapt to new educational environments within a few months, especially when parents and schools work together to support the transition. However, major transitions are best timed to coincide with natural breaking points (like the start of a new school year or at least a new semester) rather than mid-year if possible.

5. Does private school really give children advantages for college admission?

The relationship between private schooling and college admission is complex. While some selective private high schools have strong records of placement at competitive colleges, what matters most is how well the school prepares students academically and supports their college application process. Advantages might include:

• More personalized college counseling due to lower counselor-to-student ratios
• Curriculum designed specifically for college preparation
• Strong relationships with college admissions offices developed over years
• Greater access to advanced courses and specialized programs
• More structured support throughout the application process

However, students from public schools are admitted to elite colleges every year, and many public schools offer excellent college preparation. The best approach is to choose a school (public or private) that will help your specific child develop their strengths, address challenges, build strong academic skills, and grow as a person—these factors ultimately matter more for college success than the school type itself.

6. How can we determine if the financial sacrifice for private school is worth it for our family?

This deeply personal question requires honest assessment of your family’s values, resources, and alternatives. Consider:

• What specific benefits would your child gain that aren’t available through public education in your area?
• How significant are these benefits for your child’s particular needs and situation?
• What other uses of these financial resources might also benefit your child or family?
• Are there less expensive alternatives (charter schools, homeschooling cooperatives, etc.) that might provide similar benefits?
• Will the investment create financial stress that impacts other aspects of family life?

For some families, the aligned values, specialized programs, or supportive environment of a private school justify significant financial sacrifices. For others, the local public schools, perhaps supplemented with carefully chosen extracurricular activities, provide excellent education without the financial strain. There’s no universal right answer—only the best decision for your specific family circumstances. Remember to look into financial aid, scholarships, or variable tuition, as well. 

Conclusion

The decision about whether to choose private education is multifaceted and deeply personal. Beyond simple comparisons of test scores or college placement rates, it involves assessing your child’s unique needs, your family’s values and priorities, and the specific educational options available in your community.

Whether you ultimately choose public, private, or another educational path, the most important factor is finding an environment where your child feels both challenged and supported—a place where they can develop academically, socially, emotionally, and in alignment with your family’s values.

If you’re considering private education, we encourage you to visit several schools, ask thoughtful questions, and involve your child appropriately in the process. Take time to observe classes, talk with current parents, and get a feel for each school’s culture and approach. This firsthand experience, combined with careful consideration of your family’s needs and resources, will guide you toward the right educational choice for your children.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

At Fredericksburg Christian School, we understand that choosing the right educational environment is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. We invite you to experience our balanced approach to education firsthand by scheduling a campus visit. Our admissions team would be delighted to show you our facilities, introduce you to our dedicated teachers, and discuss how our programs might align with your child’s unique needs and your family’s values. 

We offer personalized tours throughout the year and welcome the opportunity to answer all your questions about our approach to education. Contact our admissions office at (540) 373-5355 to take the first step in exploring whether FCS might be the right fit for your family.