Some Comparisons Between Private Schools And Public Schools In Canada

In Canada, children are required by law to attend school until they reach the age of 16. They can attend their local public school for free, as paid for by tax dollars. However, some parents choose to send their kids to private school instead of public school, with the belief that they are offering them a better education. Are private schools better than public schools, or are they simply equal? Does private education bring enough benefits to make the cost worthwhile? Do the two types of schools really compete with one another?

Private Schools Have Admission Requirements

When you send your child to the local public school, he will be attending school with anyone, regardless of their ability, personality, religious belief, or other characteristics. This can be good, but parents who wish to focus their children in a certain direction find that independent school gives them that chance. Private schools are able to post admission requirements. Students may have to hold to a specific religious creed, have a certain academic ability, or conform to a set of behaviour standards in order to attend a private school. For many parents, this is a huge benefit.

Private Schools Have Better Student/Teacher Ratios

Canada's public schools are overcrowded. T his causes many parents to send their kids to private schools. Most private schools have smaller class sizes, which allows the teacher to spend more one-on-one time with the students. This helps the students get more out of their educational experience.

Both Offer Standardized Testing

Both public and private schooling outcomes are measured through standardized testing. In this way, the two compete with one another. On average, Canadian private school students perform better than public school students on standardized testing. However, this may have just as much to do with the student demographic as it does with the quality of education. Factors such as stable family life, small class sizes, and more involved parents will contribute to higher average test scores in the private school sector.

Private Schools Are Better Ranked

While there are good and bad private schools, in general, private schools tend to rank higher than public schools. For example, he Fraser Institute ranks most private schools higher than public schools. Perhaps the prestigious nature of some of these schools draws better teachers, or the smaller student-to-teacher ratio improves the learning abilities of the students. Some private schools are better because they have a more intense curriculum. They do not have to use a curriculum that includes students of all ability levels like a public school does. A "college prep" program in a private school is expected to be challenging and strenuous, as compared to the "general education" provided in a public school.

So which is the best option for your family? Only you can decide that. Private school provides an excellent foundation for your child if he intends to head to college someday, and a private education allows you to avoid some of the problems with Canada's public schools, but it is an extra expense in your family's budget. The best way to make the choice is to visit the schools in your area and see which ones offer the best education for your child, helping you reach your goals of her future.