When the pandemic hit last year, many parents were left with no choice but to look for alternative options for their children's education. Private schools were one of the options that some parents considered, but what about the cost of private education in the USA? Is it really worth the ever-increasing price?According to the National Coalition on School Diversity, racially diverse learning environments have a positive impact on the academic performance of students of all races. Unfortunately, disparities still exist in terms of discipline and police referrals and arrests in schools. This has caused some black parents to choose to enroll their children in predominantly black schools, which may be less resource-rich but can provide a positive space for black children to assert themselves in their identities. Similarly, parents of transgender or gender non-conforming children, or those who are members of the LGBTQ community, may choose to enroll their children in progressive, independent private schools in areas where local or state laws are hostile to LGBTQ people.
GLSEN found that nearly one-fifth of LGBTQ students reported changing schools because they felt insecure or uncomfortable at their previous school. Private schools do a great job of marketing how much they will train your child to be an anti-racist systems thinker, calming progressive conscience. But when looking at the schools available to their children, parents should consider several factors of educational quality because a high or low cost does not automatically correlate with the quality of the school, whether public, charter or private. The choice of school allows public education funds to be used for any type of public school, private, charter and even at home. These schools still receive their funding from tax money, but they operate outside the local public school system. A small school, even one with lots of resources, can't support so many different programs because it simply doesn't have enough students to participate in them.
If you have two or more children, living near a good public school is likely to cost less than paying for a private school. For parents who want the best possible education for their children, the choice between a private school and a public school is difficult. Many parents choose charter schools for their children because they believe they offer a better education than the local public school. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, public schools must provide educational programs for students with disabilities and hire teachers who are trained to work with those students. However, public schools offer the benefits of better education for children with disabilities, more diversity and a wider range of extracurricular activities. Some schools simply don't admit students who need certain special learning accommodations, and those that do usually don't offer any special education programs. When evaluating the costs and benefits of a private school, it is important to keep in mind that the type of school you choose has a significant impact on your decision.
A family with an average income would pay only 7% of their income to send a child to a Catholic elementary school, but more than 50% for a seven-day boarding school. In conclusion, when considering private school education in the USA it is important to consider all factors such as cost, quality and diversity before making a decision. It is also important to remember that public schools offer many benefits such as better education for children with disabilities and more diversity.
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