Private School Essay

A small proportion of the children attend schools which their parents pay for, known as 'private' ( some times referred to as 'public' or 'independent ) because they exist outside state education provision. They do not have to teach 'National Curriculum', nor make their students sit Standard Attainment Tests (SATS). They range from, small private day schools catering for primary age children to 'progressive' schools, established by individuals who wish to practice radical educational ideas, to the old and famous 'public' schools, attended by aristocracy and wealthy members of society.

Independent schools are not really independent from the state at all. They depend on their financial existence on a legal anomaly, which allows them to...show more content...

However, many remain opposed to private education arguing that most people do not have the money to purchase a private education for their children, and it is wrong that people of the well–off should be given advantages in education than the poor. Private schools are socially divisive as it splits society into two;those who can afford them and those who can not.

It has been argued that the existence of private schools is morally wrong and undermines the principle of equality of educational opportunity, because social class backgrounds rather than simple ability becomes the key to success in education.(http://www.educationforum.co.uk:30–1–05) Not all children of the same ability heve the same chance of paying for this route of educational success. Ones life chances are much improved if one goes to private school and in the future is more likely to get a better paid job.In a society that claims to be meritocratic, the existence of public schools gives an advantage to small group in society.

As already explained the schools recive money from the taxpayer, despite the fact that few taxpayers can afford to utilise these facilities. The taxpayer, also pays for training the teachers, as many come out of university, gain experience in state schools then go to the privaye sector, often attracted by the higher wages, and better conditions.

The opponents of private education argue that more money should be spent on improving the state system so everybody

Public Vs. Private Education Every parent wants what is best for his or her child. Though parents do not have control over everything in their child's development, they do have some control over their education. A person's education is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not they will become a productive member of society. Becauseeducation is so important, what kind of education is best? We need to look at both public and private schools to find out if there is a difference. The debate over which is better is a battle that has gone on since private schools were first introduced as an option for our children's education. It seems most people are of the opinion that...show more content... Studies have shown that SAT scores compared between public and private schools find that, once accounting for certain variables, public high schools appear to perform better than private high schools, at least with respect to SAT math attainment. However, studies also show students from private schools perform considerably better on all tests, than do the students from public schools. But are SAT scores and achievement tests all that we see to be important when judging a school. What about the things we can't determine in black and white? Many parents, especially those with children that have attended private schools, would argue that achievement is only part of the big picture. They ask the questions like, "What other kind of education can the school provide for its students"? This type of question cannot be addressed through academic testing. In some aspects, the private school environment seems to suggest that the student may not be better off than they are in the public schools. One argument against private schools is that they do not provide a "real world" type of atmosphere and that this is a serious disadvantage when the child grows up. A lot of parents with children in private schools feel that their children received a better academic background in a private school but due to the variety of classes and larger size of a public school, also feel that they might have suffered. They tend to point out that

Reflection Paper

High school. For all, its the two words that outs you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. For some it, brings us down a happy trip, for others, it make us cringe overtime someone mentions high school in a sentence. It all depends on your "background" in high school. There's always been this argument present stating the difference between public schools and private schools. Its been said that the students attending private schools. Yes, I can say thepublic school system has partially made me into the person I am today. Looking from a statistical standpoint, public schools have been through more rough patches more than private charter schools. Yet, we can't say private schools have it easy. Looking at a financial standpoint, private schools have it rough when planning the budget accordingly for the school year. We can go through a whole list of how distinct these types of schools are. What we are focusing on is the social aspects of these schools. In my opinion, the social aspects will help mold you into the person you are when you leave high school.Throughout my high school career, I would have to say the diversity (culture, economic status, beliefs, etc.) of the population made my experience worth while. All the after school cubs and sports is what make most of your high school experience. I've participated in many activities in high school, such as ROTC, research, lacrosse, and track. I would have to describe my experience as a leadership journey.

Get more content

My Private School Experience

My essay profiles my encounters in a prestigious Toronto private school which characterize my point of view. In general, people assume that in light of the fact that I had the pleasure of attending a private school I was in a sheltered environment, devoid of struggles such as bullying and surrounded by well–disciplined students. On the contrary, my private school experience was not devoid of challenges and forced me to be vocal. I never expected that I would feel the chill of my face hitting the cold and the unpleasant gymnasium floor one unforgettable day. I felt shaky and needed to cry, but held it in. Occasions like this changed my life and made me the individual I am today. My private school classroom consisted of seven to ten students on average which allowed me to foster closer friendships. In the long run, we became excessively comfortable with each other which caused division among us. For example, I was insulted by peers which left me feeling dejected and alone. I felt the class dynamic failed to work at certain times since we had only a few experiences in common which caused disagreements among us. When you attend an all–boy school there are disagreements about what it is to be a man. A few students thought it is being an intense, solid built fellow who settles the score with his clenched hands and enjoys temporary pleasures, not somebody who is empathetic or reflects about their actions. An absence of empathy is apparent in an all–boys school due to this

Get more content

Associate Program Material Appendix F

Outline and Thesis Statement Guide

What is your thesis statement? While there are many similarities between public and private high schools there are also many differences that help you choose between public school and private.

Introduction: When it is time to attend school, how will you choose between public and private schools? While you will be attending yourself or sending your children to school your ultimate goal is to find a school that will meet you or your child's needs. Having had first–hand experience with both schools, it allowed me to compare differences of each school system.

I.First main point: The differences between public education admission and...show more content...

III.Third main point: The different requirements between teachers have to be state certified or just experts in their field. A.Public school teachers are required to hold college degrees and to be licensed by the state. 1.Public schools have certain minimum requirements for teachers including certification and specific degrees. 2.Public school teachers have to follow a specific curriculum with the degree they have. For example if a teacher has a major in English that's what they would have to teach and follow the board of education curriculum. B.Private schools have no personnel requirements other than their own. 1.Private school teachers can have a certificate that says they are an expert in their field and can be hired if the private school wants to hire them. 2.Often, private school teachers will have specialized education in the subject they teach.

Conclusion: There are many differences you have to consider but it will be worth it when you have found the right school system for you or your children. Private schools are inclusive and this leads to its own problems and prejudices. There might not be enough funds to help out students with special needs that encounter. Further, you could be required to attend different religious courses. Finally, the cost will in most cases be considerably higher than that of public schools. It is your decision of whether

In the United States, getting an education is very important. Children spend thirteen years of their life learning English, history, math, science, and various other subjects so that they may one day be a productive college student or a working class citizen. In fact, "There are 33,619 private schools in the United States, serving 5.4 million PK–12 students. Private schools account for 25 percent of the nation's schools and enroll 10 percent of all PK–12 students" ("Council for American Private Education"). Parents face many issues when deciding which school is right for their child. However, the factors that determine their choice of a private or public school are often the results of various essentials that closely mirror the parent's ideology in regards to education. Parents should send their children to a private school because private schools have smaller class sizes, the curriculum is more challenging, and the school environment is much safer than public schools.

Smaller class sizes are a pivotal reason as to why parents should send their children to private school. Private schools have smaller class sizes, which allow for more individualized instruction on various subject matters, and they improve student–teacher relationships. For instance, "Small classes allow teachers to give students more individual attention and lighten the teacher's workload, and therefore are generally considered desirable" (Choy 14). Subsequently, by having a smaller class size, a student

Get more content

Have you ever heard different people's opinion on which type of school is better? The type of schools that I'm preferring to is private, and public school. Through my four years at Butler High School, I know a hand full of people that went to private school from elementary until middle school. I always asked my peers " Why didn't you attend a private high school, since you always went to a private school all your life"?

Every time I asked my fellow peers that question, it was always a different answer. The answers would be it got too expansive, they wanted to try public school out, since they went to private school all their life, and the final answer that I got was that they wanted to explore outside of private schools, and see for...show more content...

In the following paragraphs I will be giving, reasons and evidence on why public school is better than private school. Each paragraph will be structured and going in order from my thesis statement on why public schools are better than private schools. Even though we all pay for public schools, because taxes get taken out every pay check doesn't amount to the cost that parents pay to send their children to private school. Everyone knows that private schools aren't cheap at all, and that they can be very expensive. An article that I have read stated " Private k–12 school costs also seem to be correspond with those for private colleges"(When). That's a lot of money to send your child through elementary and middle school. It is very outrages, because it seems to correspond with the amount of money you pay to go to a private college While I was reading an article is mentioned " tuition for a typical private high school in the south–east costs a relatively modest $18,900 a year. But move a few hours north that price tag becomes far more daunting" (when). So, depending on where you live can also determine the price tag, you will pay to send your child to a private school. Private schools are not fair, because they pick who they want in their schools. It's sad to say that about a school, that you're paying to send your child to that they don't accept everybody. An article

Get more content

There are different types of education that a student may receive in today's society. The choices are narrowed down into two main categories, public and private school. Many people in today's society believe it's better to send their children to private schools rather than public schools. To most parents deciding which school system will be better is based on curriculum, class size, and most of all cost. It's not an easy choice for parents to decide, but many parents feel their child is worth receiving the best education offered.

The quality of teaching and the expectations of the students differ from the two schools. Advocates ofprivate school argue that the education received in one of these facilities is more valuable and...show more content...

One of the most important distinctions between public and private schools is the cost. The question regularly asked is, "Can I afford to send my child to private school?" Public schools are funded by tax dollars, whereas private schools demand tuition from their students. With private schools able to charge for tuition, and many charge for textbooks and materials, some offer scholarships for students to help with what is commonly a great final cost. Public schools are prohibited from charging for tuition, or other fees that could incur, such as: transportation, materials, and textbooks. Most of the time if public schools need more money for education, taxes are raised. Uniforms are no longer just a private school requirement as many public schools have started to enforce this as well. Whichever education system a parent chooses there will always be a cost, it is just the difference in price that has parents wondering is it worth it.

The school chosen is an investment in your child's future and not a decision to be made lightly. Education is vital in today's society. Parents will always want what is best for their child especially when it comes to education. The better the education the farther you will go in life. Deciding what and where to receive the best education is always going to be a question for the masses.

Thesis: Many people in today's society believe it's better

Private Versus Public Education

Many struggling parents wish they could send their children to private schools essentially from kindergarten through the twelfth grade. And so my question is: What is the real worth of a private education? According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Education posted by College Smart, private school students generally perform higher than their public school counterparts on standardized achievement tests. As a product of public elementary and high school education, I am currently seeing some of the struggles that public school students face after high school graduation when they enter college. I realize now that, behind the high tuition costs, private schools provide caring, challenges, and...show more content...

I am a person who can remember never having read more than two books in a year, and in fact I did not read one book in ninth grade. One of the memories that upsets me most is that in English classes where students were expected to develop or improve their writing skills, teachers would grade my essays "Excellent." The reason why I am upset is because currently I am having difficulty with fragments, agreement, and other grammar issues that take forever to sort out. Back then, I really had been led to believe that my writing skills were excellent. Needless to say, most teachers in public schools are just trying to survive, and sometimes they can be careless about how they lead students on. This has a lot to do with why the majority of public school students do not attend elite colleges such as Yale, Harvard, or Princeton. We just never had a chance. Those doors were closed on us a long time ago.

Children attending private schools sometimes do not understand that such education is a privilege rather than a must–have. My aunt's daughter was attending a private high school in the Dominican Republic. Instead of trying to do her best, my cousin opted to miss days from school and consequently her grades dropped, which resulted in her then having to attend a public high school. Public education could not do much for her. She said, "I'm out a few days and I'm able to pick up right away, but that would not have been the case Get

Public Schools vs. Private Schools

A good education is an essential part of a child's development. Today, parents have a choice in their child's education and can evaluate both public and private schools. Although both public and private schools provide education and opportunities for students, parents should evaluate the differences and choose the option that best suits their child and families' needs. In this paper, I will compare and contrast five major areas that relate to public and private schools including class size, cost, curriculum, services, and teachers. One of the first major differences between public and private schools is class size. Public schools follow state and federal guidelines in regard to class size. Most...show more content... Another difference among public and private schools is the curriculum. Public schools must follow the curriculum that is outlined by the state. The state outlines a curriculum for each subject at each grade level (Great Schools Staff, n.d.). The state also mandates the assessments for each grade level (Great Schools Staff, n.d.). The curriculums are similar among different states in the hope that if a students moves mid year, they will remain on track for their new school. Private schools have the ability to set their own curriculum. Private schools might advertise specialized curriculums in order to entice students (Great Schools Staff, n.d.). For example, private schools that are religiously affiliated will have religious based classes in addition to their basic curriculum. This is something that parents need to consider too. Also, private schools determine their own assessments and do not have to participate in standardized testing. Special education services are another difference between private and public schools. Public schools follow state and federal guidelines and therefore must follow the special education laws (Great Schools Staff, n.d.). All students can attend public school and

Get more content

Education is something that everyone considers a priority. A school is an institution where students acquire knowledge and skills that will be of use in their future, so choosing the best school for them is vital. One difficult situation that parents have to go through is deciding where to send their children to school: private or public. Everyone wants to get the quality education that he or she deserves because having a good quality of education leads to a productive learning process. It also enables students to create better output in their studies. There are certain factors indicating that private schools have a better quality of education than public schools. The first thing to consider is the facilities. Private schools do not get funds from the government. Instead, they secure funds through tuition fees and sponsors. Therefore, private schools have the higher budget than public schools. The classrooms are spacious enough to accommodate the students. There is a sufficient supply of chairs for everyone. The technical facilities of private schools are also worthy. The laboratories (computers and science) are up–to–date, and the equipment is technologically advanced. The comfort rooms and the school itself are well maintained. In general, private schools exert effort in enhancing their facilities to provide a community that is worth to learning. The student–to–teacher ratio; the students per class in private schools are on the average number (one teacher

Would you change your school? Would you go to a private school instead of a public school? Or to a public school instead of a private school? Private and public education is different in many ways such as their performance, enrollment, and the overall education taught but yet they have somewhat similar teachers.

Students' performance in public and private schools differ a lot. Private schools often have better grades and test scores. It is proven that kids who go to a public school and attend a private school perform better (Williams 17). Student performance varies but the advantage would probably have to go to the private schools.

Teachers in private and public schools are similar yet have some differences. There are...show more content...

So, more than likely the way teachers are paid probably does not really affect the way they teach.

The enrollment in public and private schools is much different. The amount of kids in a school/classroom is going to effect the way the kids learn. The less kids in a class probably the better their going to do. While the more kids enrolled in school the worse the kids are probably going to do. Public schools usually have 300–599 students enroll (Klieg 22). They have an average of 527 kids per a school (Klieg 22). Where Private schools enroll below 300 kids and have an average of 190 kids per a school (Klieg 22). Enrollment has gone up slowly with about 46.8 million kinds in public schools and about 5.9 million kids in private schools (Klieg 21). The enrollment in schools will probably still continue to rise.

The overall education in both public and private schools could drastically be improved. There are many things that people could do to improve education. For instance one way to improve private education is to make them have to take certain tests. As stated by Mary Williams "No State requires private schools to take the same tests as public schools (Williams 62)." So therefore there is the public schools like in Missouri for example; where they must take the MAP tests and such other tests, while the private schools are just sitting around doing the normal routine. No, these tests aren't for a

How important is it for you to provide this for underprivileged students?

It's huge for me to help all kids, kids are our future if we give them all the tools they can do anything they want in this world. For me, it's trying to put kids in the right situation, and give them the opportunity to succeed in whatever field they choose.

Did you have many educational experiences such as the one that you're currently providing growing up in SC?

I went to a private high school, my parents received help from a lot of anonymous donors that I'm truly grateful for. It's cool that I'm in the position to help kids do the same thing that was given to me.

How was the educational system for you growing up before you went to private school?

It was rough, I went to public school up into seventh grade my parents felt like private school was going to help me be a better leader so they stressed a private school education. It was a dramatic change for me, but I needed it for college, and for after college.

What's the difference between Public and Private School?

It was different, in Public school you have everyone from your neighborhood, and the surrounding neighborhoods, it was fun, but going to private school is different, you have all these types of kids from all over Charleston that were all about their education. It was a huge change for me and it took me a while to adjust, but looking back it was the best decision that I made.

Do you think that if

I am choosing to focus on a problem from within my work setting. The problem that I am focusing on is the lack of discipline in private schools. My study was completed in the private school St. Peter's. I visited here for four hours. St. Peter's was founded by Mother Katharine Drexel in 1913 and the school provides quality education to students of all faiths in a culturally, diverse Christian environment. I had a conversation with the employees there and they shared with me things about both the school and church. The educational program encourages the growth and development of Catholic faith and values, academic excellence and civic responsibility. The staff and students also ensured to express to me that they commit themselves to assist families in fostering the spiritual, academic, emotional, social, and physical growth of the students. Teachers informed me that through a curriculum rooted in gospel values, they strive to educate the students to take their places in the church and the society of the 21st century. The school service grades Pre–K though Eighth and has 18 teachers that service 212 co–ed students. The question to be researched is: How is disciplined handled with students that are enrolled in private schools.

Literature Review Private schools are not like public schools in this very important regard: students have rights in a public school; but they do not have rights in a private school. They are governed by what is known as contract law. That contract which you signed with the school spells out all the obligations of the parties to that contract. Somewhere buried in the fine print will be a statement to the effect that one of your child's obligations is to abide by the rules and regulations of the school and its community as set forth in the school's handbook and elsewhere. According to the staff; the school discipline policy reflects the ideals of the gospel, and helps the individual student be responsible and accountable for his/her actions. Approved methods of correction include reminders, conferences with parents, withholding privileges, reparation for damages, detention, suspension, or expulsion. They made sure to mention that corporal punishment is never permitted. Discipline

Get more content

As time has gone by, Americans have increasingly paid more attention to the schooling process, trying harder all the time to get the best education possible for their children. As a result, more parents are turning from the public school systems to the private schools. This happens for several reasons. First, students that graduate from private schools tend to be better prepared for college. Second, private schools open up many opportunities to succeed in the business world. Last, the private schools allow the parents and the student to decide which school they feel will give the student the best education possible. Overall, private schools offer a better education for high school students than do public schools.

Students...show more content...

This feeling of security allows the students to learn more, which allows them to retain more knowledge. When more knowledge is retained, the students do better on tests, and get into a better college as a result. A survey was done in 1982 showing that "public schools employed one security guard for every 1,824 pupils while Catholic schools employed one guard for every 17,055 pupils" (Lieberman, Private 117) The competition to get into the private school of choice reflects the competition to get into a college. The private schools prepare the student for the application process by keeping the students on a very competitive level. The competition also teaches the students discipline.

Private schools also prepare the student for the business world. There are many strategies to becoming a successful businessperson. One of these traits is the ability to work as a team. In private schools the students have more chances to grow in that area because of the class size. However, public schools are more centered on the idea that students must fend for themselves, and teachers "are accountable to multiple constituencies, while needing to respond to the varying capabilities and needs of their students" (Benveniste 52). Another large part of being successful in the business world is the communication skills. In a private school the class size is Get more content

Public School vs. Private School

There have been many discrepancies between the values of a public school as opposed to a private school. Advocates of private school argue that the education received in one of these facilities is more valuable and rewarding than any other educational opportunity. On the other hand, supporters of public schools feel that the students are better–rounded, both scholastically and worldly, when in public schools. As a public school graduate, I feel that I have been exposed to all types of diversity and situations that have made me better adapted for the real world.

First things first, much of the difference between the two have to do with money. Public schools are funded bytax dollars,...show more content... The degree does not have to be in education, due to alternate route, but it has to be a valid college degree. There is no personnel requirement for teachers in private schools.

Studies have proven that participation in extra–curricular activities boost self–esteem, and it also gives children time for personal interaction, ultimately building friendships. Self–sufficiency is also promoted. Public schools offer more athletics, clubs, and extra–curricula?s. Some of these clubs are also school–related, such as tutoring, promoting progress in the classroom. There are more activities offered because the school size is generally larger than that of private schools. Also, since the state controls the school, it is mandatory to have after–school activities.

Diversity of the student population is another beneficial factor among public schools. All residents are allowed to attend the schools, so there are usually all different children attending. This diversity is also being shown through clothing. Public schools do not have to wear uniforms, allowing for freedom of expressions. There are still dress codes, but it based on what you should not wear as opposed to what you have to wear.

On the other hand, private schools have their positives as well. As stated before, private schools and classes tend to be smaller, allowing for more one–on–one interaction between the teacher and

Thesis: Private school students are more likely to have a better viewpoint in learning, a firm stance in education, and will be more successful in colleges than of public school students.

I.Introduction

A.Attention Getter: According to NCES data, 88 percent of private high school students apply to college, compared to 57 percent of publichigh school students. Every day parents contemplate whether to send their children to private or public school. There are many dangers that come with public school like exposure to drugs, alcohol, bullying, and violence. Private school promotes, honor towards authority, an outstanding scholastic standpoint, and an overall professional boost for college. (www.capenet.org)

B.Reason to Listen: At some point of our lives, we, as future parents, will have to choose whether to send our children into a public or a private school.

C.Thesis Statement: Private school students are more likely to have a better viewpoint in learning, a firm stance in education, and will be more successful in colleges than of public school students.

D.Credibility Statement:

1.I have attended private school for 6 years and have attended public school for 4 years.

2.I have used scholarly journals and articles from credible authors, writers, and speakers. All of my sources are beneficial to this topic.

E.Preview of Main Points:

1.First, I will describe private schools' curricular advantages, class sizes and its qualified teachers

2.Second, I will

Plato said, "You must train the children to their studies in a playful manner, and without any air of constraint, with the further object of discerning more readily the natural bent of their respective characters" (Plato). Education has increased as a topic of conversation among parents in America today. The importance of a goodeducation has increased in value, and parents are searching for the best possible school for their child in preparation for college. Many believe the most opportune way for their child to succeed in studies is by attending a private school. On the other hand, another group of parents thinks that public schools are the better route. Nevertheless, public schools have been proven to be more successful in the...show more content...

Students have a greater chance of excelling in grade school and beyond with more qualified teachers. Obviously, private schools are at a disadvantage. Without the leadership of competent, experienced teachers, a student's academic achievement is considerably limited.

Another form of advantage for public school students is the sources of funding. Public schools are funded by federal, state, and local funds. In contrast, private schools receive their main funding support from tuition paid by the parents of the child. This is an awkward contrast, however, since tuition only pays for a portion of the total expenditures of a child's education. Again, private schools are forced to limit their student's academic ability due to another limiting cause, monetary constraints. Public students would never have to worry about this problem since they receive government funding. It would relieve the parents from worrying about the burden of funding their child's education.

Public schools also offer a larger outlet for extracurricular activities. Numerous clubs are offered through thousands of public schools due to the size and demand of certain clubs and activities. Private schools have a hard time equaling the number of extracurricular activities offered by public schools due to reasons including financial support, demand, number of students, and capable student sponsors. This is a detrimental drawback to private schools since schools of higher education

Get more content

Parents often wonder how to start off their children's education. Depending on ones religion or beliefs a private or public school is a choice most parents face. Of course, each school offers it's own pros and con's the choice is simple. Public schools offer the best well rounding of a student.

While being enrolled in a public school, students are faced with real outside world problems, are with a different blend of students each year, and are also introduced to the latest technology faster. While, a public school the money is offered to them by the state easier then havingdonations like a private school. Ones child will most likely be with the same students throughout their educational years. Classes aren't as big and varied like ...show more content...

These classes allow students to pursue a career from the knowledge they have obtained. For example, one might take a business class, which could lead to a career in the business industry. On the other hand, in Private schools they only provide the necessary classes required by the state. In some intermediate private schools, Home Economics and Shop classes Brady 2 aren't even offered.

Unlike Public schools these classes have been offered since fifth or sixth grade and up. The uniforms in private schools ones child will be wearing would not allow the child to show character in his self. Uniforms may make life easier in the long run, but think of how many different ways in style people express themselves. There's skater,prep, sporty, gothic, hippie, or whatever is convertible. In public schools, ones child has many different ways to fit in or dress how they feel is convertible to them. The sports in private schools aren't that excelled as ones in public schools.

Like in private intermediate schools there are not a variety of sports. Public schools offer sports as young as their primary schools. Sports in Public schools seem to be widely known and are more funded. The money that Public schools receive go towards uniforms, equipment, and top of the line coach's. Public schools show to the community that they will educate and well round you child better then

Everyone knows that private school is more expensive than public school, but has it ever occurred to you why it is like this? Private schools are not just trying to take your money, they are just trying to provide a quality education, without the government funding that public schools get. The tuition money goes to very important things; high quality teachers, better resources and the overall quality and stability of the institution. It is true that private school tuition is expensive, but private schools have been proven to be more orderly and safe, have more engaged teachers, better equipped for religious and special needs, and students have better test scores and are better prepared for college and the rest of life. Private schools are known for setting high standards, engaging students, and sparking the desire to learn. If the standards are set high, the students will work hard to reach them. Private school students generally perform higher than public school students on standardized achievement tests. In the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), private school students scored well above the national average. (CAPE | Council for American Private Education." CAPE) Private schools do a great job challenging their students to stretch their capacity; they require more courses for graduation than public schools in math, science, social studies, foreign language, and computer sciences. Requiring more courses for graduation may seem like a lot of work, but it