 One of the most common objections to a private education is the cost. However, if you really take a deep look at the costs of both public and private education--yes, there is a cost to public education--you may find that it's more cost-effective in the long run to choose the private route. Here are some reasons why private education may end up being a better choice for your wallet: Taxes and home prices are higher when you live in an area with strong public schools. If you choose to live in a community that is known for having some of the best public schools in the area, you'll not only pay a premium price for your home, but your taxes to support the public school system will be higher too. According to Trulia, homes located in the best school districts can actually cost twice the national average per square foot. In this scenario, you need to take a close look at what you're actually paying for your child's public education. When you break down the numbers, you'll see that it's by no means a "free" education. If you weigh these costs against the price of a private school, you may just find that a private education is the more cost-effective route, assuming that you move to a less expensive part of town.
A private education could result in significant savings for a college education. Generally speaking, students that are matriculating in a private school setting are held to higher academic standards. They are in a learning environment where they are constantly challenged and encouraged to perform their very best. Establishing this mentality and approach to your child's education early on has the potential to eventually lead to college scholarships, which can save you a tremendous amount of money in the long run. A private education often means more one-on-one attention for students, which can prevent the need to hire a tutor or other outside help. The overcrowding issue that many public schools are dealing with is often the reason why parents look to a private education for their children. Private schools typically offer a smaller student-to-teacher ratio, which can make it easier for your child to learn, focus, and get the additional help he or she needs from teachers. In contrast, when placing your child in an overcrowded classroom, it can be more difficult for your child to get that necessary hands-on learning experience. While hiring an outside tutoring service is a great way to prevent your child from falling behind, it can also be very costly. These are just a few reasons why you actually may be paying more for a public education than a private one. Aside from the costs, the overall value that your student could receive from a private education could be substantially greater. Please contact us at St. Barnabas Episcopal School to learn more about the many benefits of our private school and how we provide a well-rounded education for students from preschool to 8th grade. |