Some private school myths prevent parents from fully exploring their options. With the right education, a child gains the foundation necessary for future success. While we tend to focus on academics, this is also relevant for their leadership skills, confidence, poise, and more. 

Our drive to give children the best start is why many parents look to private education. From Montessori schools to classical schools, Houston families want the best for their children. 

However, pervasive misinformation about private education stops some parents from weighing their options. Often, they leave their kids to the public school system. That’s why we want to explore a few of the most common private school myths. 

Myth #1: Only Wealthy Parents Can Afford to Send their Kids to Private School

One of the most enduring private school myths is that only the extravagantly wealthy can afford it. Of course, many affluent families pay for private education. However, they do not comprise the entirety of the private school community. 

As you consider your options, here are a few things to remember about private education. 

  • Private education is a significant investment, but it’s just that – an investment in your child’s future. 
  • Often, schools offer scholarships and financial aid to help families offset the cost of tuition, fees, etc. 
  • Apply for financial aid even when you don’t think you qualify. Typically, award amounts range from modest coverage to substantial coverage. 
  • When a school seems like the best fit for you and your children, it’s important to not allow that to determine whether a student applies. 

Myth #2: Private Schools Are Only for Religious Families

According to a study by CAPE, roughly 78% of private schools have a religious affiliation. Clearly, that’s the majority of schools. However, there are thousands of private schools across the United States. 

In Houston alone, there are over 1,000. When families want to find a school without a religious focus, those opportunities are available. Additionally, many secular families choose to have their children attend a Christian or Catholic school. 

Often, this is because they see the reinforcement of values and character as a benefit of private education. 

Myth #3: Private School Students Have no Time for Fun

Oftentimes, private education is rigorous. Schools have high expectations at the academic and personal levels. Moreover, this applies even to young students. 

However, this leads to many private school myths about students never being allowed to be children. Some believe that there’s no time for fun or play because there’s so much focus on diligent work. 

The truth is that students have a good deal of time for study, relaxation, hobbies, play, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, many schools recognize that free time and play are essential to the growth of younger students. 

Myth #4: Private Schools Lack Diversity

Oftentimes, there’s more diversity in a group than people realize. In many private school communities, you find people from different backgrounds. This includes financial backgrounds as well as cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. 

As the country continues to grow and become more diverse, so do the opportunities for students. This allows a broad spectrum of students access to private education. 

Myth #5: Private Schools Are Only for Top Performing Students

As far as admission goes, private schools accept more than the “highest performing” students. Truly, as diverse as students are in cultural and financial backgrounds, private education embraces students with an array of learning styles. 

In the day-to-day academic life of private education, the goal of a school is to offer the highest level of education. That applies to each and every member of the student body. For public schools, the logistics of large classes and standardized testing make this quite difficult. 

On the other hand, private schools tend to have smaller classes and more freedom in the curriculum. This allows them to provide individualized support and attention. These benefits apply to every student, not just the highest performing ones. 

Myth #6: Academics Overshadow Art & Athletics

Among the private school myths we hear is the one that schools sacrifice arts and sports to focus on academics. However, many schools have athletic programs and physical education to ensure students move and exercise. Additionally, smaller class sizes allow for more opportunities for student participation. 

Similarly, private schools often value the arts quite highly. Whether this applies through extracurricular activities or the curriculum, they provide access to visual arts, theater, dance, and music. 

Other Private School Myths Weighing On Your Mind?

You never know what to expect from a private school until you experience it firsthand. Oftentimes, families find that private education is nothing like what they see in movies or TV shows. Moreover, every school is a unique entity. 

That means one anecdotal story doesn’t apply across the board. Do you want to experience a day in the life of a private school student? Schedule a consultation to see our classical school!