Private School vs. Homeschooling

I rant a lot about public schools. Quite frankly, I think they suck. Just my honest opinion. Feel free to disagree with me.

But what about private schools?

Off the top of my head:

• They are generally smaller and have a better teacher-to-student ratio.
• They have a more challenging curriculum.
• Parents pay for the privilege of having their kids attend, so the parents are more motivated to make sure their kids do well.
• Private schools can boot any kid that is a troublemaker.
• Many times, the teachers, parents and students see each other outside of class (at church), so they all know each other better.
• Teachers can freely and openly talk about God and Jesus.

Now, I don't think private schools are equal to homeschooling, but I think (and this is just my opinion) that they are an option I might consider if I needed to. I certainly would feel better about private schools as opposed to public schools.

Comments? Thoughts?

Private Schools as an option

I have been asked about my views on private schools versus public schools versus homeschooling.

My views on public schools are pretty obvious (read my previous posts), so I will focus on private schools and homeschooling.

I believe private schools are a viable option for education. I think homeschooling is better (which I will explain later), but private schools are a far cry above public schools.

I think private schools do a better job for several reasons:

• They can pick and choose whom they admit - public schools can't.
• They can (and do) remove kids that are disruptive.
• They deal with kids who are disciplinary problems quickly and swiftly.
• They have more contact (in my experience) with parents.
• The curriculum is more challenging.
• They enforce a code of conduct based on Biblical Laws.

They do a better job with less money per student (on average) than public schools. Teachers at public schools tend to make more money than those in private schools. The teachers I know at private schools don't do it for the money - they do it for other reasons: many do it so that their kids can get a reduced tuition rate. AND it is worth the pay cut to be able to teach in a better environment.

Now, why do I think homeschooling is better than private school? A few reasons:

• Cost
• I am not really keen on the whole "group mentality" thing.
• Time is spent with family, not at school.

Thoughts?