Misconceptions are opinions held based on incorrect or faulty information. We can hold certain pieces of information in our minds as if they are true and make judgments based on faulty data.
Misconceptions exist about everything. Unfortunately, they can keep us from making good decisions for the wrong reasons.
When it comes to education choices, you want to make sure you are not beholden to false information. However, there are numerous misconceptions about private education. We want to help you have everything you need to make a fully informed decision about the school choice for your children.
In order to help you make a well-informed decision about your child's education, this post will discuss and dispel some of the most widespread myths about private schools. While there are many other myths about private education, here are the six misconceptions we’ll discuss in this article:
- Private Education Is Just for Rich Kids
- Private Education Is Not Diverse
- Private Education Is Not Academically Rigorous (Or Too Academically Rigorous)
- Private Education Is All About Religion
- Private Education Does Not Require Licensed Teachers
- Private Education Shelters Kids
Seven Misconceptions About Private Education
1) Private Education Is Just for Rich Kids
Misconception: Private school is for rich kids. I don’t want my kids to become snobs.
In Michigan, public and charter schools receive government funding, so they do not charge tuition. Private schools do not receive public funds and must utilize other means to pay teachers and administrators, build and maintain buildings, and perform the functions of an educational institution. Typically, this will involve some combination of fundraisers and tuition.
With charging tuition comes the idea that parents must be wealthy in order to afford for their children to attend. However, that could not be further from the truth. For schools like ours, the goal is often to provide the highest quality education as affordably as possible. Furthermore, many institutions offer some form of financial assistance and scholarship opportunities.
That means that there are plenty of kids from all socio-economic backgrounds in any given private school. It also means that there are likely many options for your family if you have your heart set on a specific institution. Before you make a decision about private schools based on economics, we would encourage you to reach out and find out what help might be available.
2) Private Education Is Not Diverse
Misconception: Private schools are small and mostly homogeneous. I want my kids to have diversity.
This misconception piggybacks off of the idea that private school is just for rich kids. Some erroneously believe that private schools cater to one socio-economic status.
St. Paul Lutheran School Royal Oak is committed to academic excellence and the development of mind, body, and spirit. Our dedicated teachers and staff create a nurturing environment that promotes motivation, self-discipline, and respect for others.
We are committed to serving every student possible, so your child will be in a diverse environment at St. Paul Lutheran School Royal Oak. Private schools are anything but homogeneous.
3) Private Education Is Not Academically Rigorous (Or Too Academically Rigorous)
Misconception: Private schools focus too much on religion to the exclusion of academics. *Or alternatively, private schools are too tough for average students.
A common and incorrect private school misconception is that private school academics are not consistently rigorous or entirely too challenging.
In addition to religious teaching, students receive the highest-quality academic instruction within a supportive environment. We are committed to making sure students master reading, spelling, handwriting, English, literature, mathematics, social studies (geography, civics, history, and so on), science, computer education, fine arts (music, art, and so on), physical education, and health.
Modern instructional methods and materials, such as films, videos, and other audio-visual aids, are employed to offer our students the best educational experiences possible. The majority of the literature and other materials utilized in the classroom are secular.
Our school's purpose is to teach our kids how to respond to these concepts in a Christian manner. We love it when parents help support our educational programs at home. You’re never out of the loop regarding your child’s academic experience at St. Paul Lutheran School Royal Oak.
4) Private Education Is All About Religion
Misconception: Private schools focus too much on religious education.
This misconception walks hand-in-hand with the one above. The focus on religious education must supersede academic instruction and will leave students with a lot of biblical knowledge but little academic knowledge.
Of course, as a Lutheran school, we do place an emphasis on teaching biblical doctrine and making sure every student gets to hear the gospel as often as possible. However, as we discussed above, it is not to the exclusion of an academically rigorous education in all subjects.
The difference for us, and what sets Christian schools apart, is that we approach each subject with a biblical worldview. Having a biblical worldview means that you view society, history, and other subjects through the lens of Scripture. We want to help students find the answers to the most challenging questions in God’s Word.
5) Private Education Does Not Require Licensed Teachers
Misconception: Private schools don’t have to require teachers to be licensed by the same standards as public schools; therefore, they are not as qualified as public school teachers.
While the state of Michigan does not require private school teachers to be licensed, many institutions do look for licensed teachers. Furthermore, private schools like ours are certainly searching for and employing the best and most qualified teachers. Our teachers have mastered the subjects they teach and are effective communicators.
At St. Paul Lutheran School Royal Oak, you can count on your child’s teachers being qualified, often licensed, and exceptionally capable of communicating their wealth of knowledge.
6) Private Education Shelters Kids
Misconception: Private school puts kids in a bubble, so they aren’t prepared for the real world.
Private education provides a safe environment in which children can learn at an age-appropriate pace so they are able to properly process the things to which we’re all exposed at various times in our lives. It is not a matter of sheltering kids but presenting issues in a controlled environment.
Reach Out To St. Paul Lutheran School In Royal Oak, MI
There are many other misconceptions about private schools. We would love to answer your questions and help you better understand the advantages of Christian private education. You’re welcome to call us any time and we’ll do our best to help dispel misconceptions and provide concrete answers about how your child can thrive at our private Christian school.
Contact the team at St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak, MI, for more information about our school and how your child can grow and thrive here.