Canadian prep schools offer high school students a unique experience. About six percent of all students in Canada attend prep school. In preschool, your child will be exposed to a variety of programs designed to make them a well-rounded person. Traditionally, prep schools have a strong academic and athletic focus and offer opportunities for cultural and leadership activities. If you are considering a prep school for your teenage child, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of your decision.
Benefits of private school
Academics – Private schools are sought out by parents for their rigorous academic programs. Statistically, more high school students attend college and get good grades on their college entrance exams than private school students. There is a wide range of choices including International and French Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and UK O and A Levels. There are traditional British-style preparatory schools, Christian schools, Montessori schools and Waldorf schools, as well as liberal education schools with specific educational philosophies.
Athletics – Most preparatory schools require participation in a sports team in order to attend school. Prep schools give a lot of support to their athletic teams, and they often have a wider variety of sports than public schools, like scuba diving or golf.
Language Development – Most Canadian preparatory schools offer extensive training in English, French and other languages. Some require students to be proficient in at least two languages in order to graduate. The language training at the Gymnasium goes beyond the experience at public schools.
Low student-teacher ratio – Small classes mean your teen will get more attention from their teachers. The interaction between teacher and student is an essential part of the learning experience. In prep school, your child’s teachers will know them very well and will be able to keep students on track with their studies.
Parent Involvement – As parents are the ‘customers’ of the primary school, they are deeply involved in the lives of their children and the school. Parents participate in school-wide events and other activities. Unlike public schools, where vocal parents are sometimes considered a nuisance, private school administrators welcome parental feedback.
Disadvantages of private school
Cost – This is by far the biggest deterrent to private prep schools. Prep school can cost $10,000 to $28,000 per year. These costs can be increased if you choose private boarding school. These schools are a big financial commitment and this should be the biggest factor in your decision.
High Pressure – The academic pressure of prep school can be a lot for a teenager. The increased homework load and high student expectations can create a high-pressure environment. If your student isn’t used to college prep classes, he or she may have trouble adjusting to the more rigorous curriculum.
Keeping Up With Classmates – In prep school, your teenage student may be exposed to an entirely different social class than what they are used to. The spending limits and lifestyles of their extremely wealthy classmates can put additional pressure on them to conform. Your student may want to spend extra money on clothing and activities to keep up with the rest of the class.
Fundraising – Although private schools are funded by parents, there is no shortage of fundraisers to sponsor various extracurricular activities or new building projects at the school. Expect to be invited to many dinners and events where donations are expected.
Thanks to Amy Nutt | #Primary #Schools #Pros #Cons
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