For parents considering whether to choose private or public education for their children, academics, athletics, community, and class size are important factors. However, safety is often the key concern for parents of school-aged children. In this article, we have compiled a short list of four ways in which private Christian schools are safer than public schools.
Four Ways Private Schools Prove To Be More Safe Than Other Education Options
1) Private School Students Are Less Likely to Experience Violence
Both private and public schools are committed to facilitating safe learning environments on their campuses; however, crime and violence toward students occur less than half as often in private schools, according to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics. Additionally, a higher percentage of public school students report that they have experienced theft while at school.
2) Private Schools Students Are Less Likely To Experience Gangs And Bullying
Shockingly, per the NCES study, almost 20% of public school students reported that gangs are present on their campuses, compared to just 2% of private school students. Bullying-related statistics favor private institutions as well:
- Students Who Were Bullied: 28% Public, 21% Private
- Students Who Were Made Fun Of: 18% Public, 14% Private
- Students Who Were Subject of Rumors: 19% Public, 13% Private
- Students Who Were Pushed, Shoved, Tripped, or Spit on: 8% Public, 5% Private
There are several factors that contribute to the lower bullying rates in Christian private schools, including:
- Lower class sizes and more individual attention for students
- More opportunities for community
- Higher parental involvement
- Emphasis on the gospel, grace, and mercy
3) Private School Teachers Are Less Likely To Experience Threats
A particularly troubling statistic pertains to the percentage of teachers threatened with or injured by physical violence from students. 10% of teachers have been threatened, and 6% have been harmed by students. In contrast, just 3% of private school teachers report threats or physical violence.
Additionally, over 40% of public school teachers state that behavioral interruptions interfere with their ability to teach, compared to just 22% for private schools.
4) Private School Students Are More Likely To Engage With Teachers and Administrators
Private schools feature class sizes well below the national average of 25 students per classroom. At St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak, our classrooms typically range from 10 to 20 students. Small class sizes facilitate a greater sense of community, encourage student engagement, and contribute to higher teacher retention.
With greater availability of attention from teachers and administrators, students are less likely to experience the neglect and loneliness that contribute to violent behavior.
Reasons Private Christian Schools Are Safer
There is not one single answer to why private schools are safer than public institutions; however, there are several contributing factors:
- Private schools offer a safer place for discussion: With more individual attention, students find private schools safer places to discuss ideas and raise questions.
- Small student bodies: Private schools often have fewer students as a whole, so school counselors and administrators also have more opportunities to mentor students.
- Biblical worldview: At private Christian schools, students are taught to view the world through a biblical, Christ-like lens. This helps establish their fellow students and teachers as people created in the image of God. They learn to value humanity as Jesus does.
- The presence of the gospel: The gospel demonstrates how much Jesus loves each student, which in turn can help each child see their own value and establish a healthy self-esteem.
- Emphasis on Christ’s teaching: Jesus taught his followers to love their neighbors and their enemies and to do good to those who hate them. Private schools have the freedom to discuss and emphasize the importance of Jesus’ teachings and use the Bible as an academic textbook and guide for living.
Find Out More About Safety At St. Paul Lutheran School In Royal Oak, MI
Providing a safe and nurturing environment for our students is our top priority at St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak, MI. We are dedicated to ensuring that each student feels valued, supported, and able to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
Our committed staff and strong community make St. Paul Lutheran School Royal Oak a truly special place for students to learn and grow. We invite you to come visit our campus and learn more about how your child can thrive in a safe environment at St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak, MI. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a tour.