Cyril and Methodius Catholic School | SEASPAR | Immaculate Conception Grade School | Write Right Stylus
Benefits of a Private School
Choosing a school for your child is a big decision. To teach their children the necessary skills for an ever-changing world, many parents are choosing private school education.
Schools are in the business of educating children. Private schools recognize the importance of educating parents as well. The price tag of a private school education might dissuade some parents from considering enrolling their school-age children. However, the benefits of private school are many, and it is critical for families to know their choices. Learning about the advantages of private school makes the cost of tuition a non-issue because a private school education pays dividends.
If the public school near you seems good, it may seem like the obvious choice. But if you can afford private school fees, it might seem like you should give your child exposure to a different kind of education.
How Does the Public School System Work?
In the United States, public schools are usually run by the government at the state or local level. Funding for public schools comes from a variety of sources, including taxes, lottery funds, and federal grants. Public schools must follow certain guidelines set by the state or federal government, which means that they must offer a certain curriculum and hire certified teachers. However, public schools also have a lot of flexibility in how they operate. For example, some public schools offer specialized programs like gifted and talented programs or dual language immersion programs.
How Does the Private School System Work?
In the United States, private schools are usually run by religious organizations, non-profit organizations, or for-profit organizations. Private schools do not have to follow the same guidelines as public schools, which means they can offer a different curriculum and hire teachers without certification. However, private schools must still meet certain standards set by their accrediting body. Private schools usually have a smaller student-to-teacher ratio than public schools, which means that students receive more individualized attention. With the extra cashflow they have, private schools often have more and higher quality facilities too.
What About Kindergartens?
Kindergartens are usually run by private organizations, but they may also be run by public schools or religious organizations. Kindergartens typically follow a different curriculum than public or private schools, and they do not have to meet the same standards as public or private schools. However, just like with private schools, an independent kindergarten must still meet certain standards set by its accrediting body.
First, what’s the right social and emotional fit? You might look at things like athletics, the arts, and what’s outside the classroom. Second, where is your child at academically? What are their strengths and weaknesses? And what they need to be motivated and productive.
There’s no such thing as the perfect school. Nor will any school meet all your criteria. However, any school worth its salt needs to be clear about what it provides and what it doesn’t.
Many parents choose private schools if they are seeking a defined set of values and/or academic focus. This is in contrast to public schools that are required to enroll all students, thus creating a wide spectrum of values and academic achievement.
The reality is that choosing a school comes down to many factors, and your own situation is unique.
Private schools have the distinct advantage of a low student:teacher ratio, and are filled with students who are eager to be in school and love learning. Such positive can-do attitudes easily result in energetic, dynamic, and active classroom experiences. Children thirst to learn in a culture where it is cool to be smart.
Another advantage of private schools are the teachers. Private school teachers do not choose their profession for the paycheck. Nor do they benefit from the safety of tenure. They readily share their knowledge and passion for their subject matter. Driven by the school’s mission, they are on a constant quest for improvement through mentorship. And this collaborative, can-do behavior is mirrored in the students they teach.
In a private school environment, teachers have myriad opportunities to develop connections among community members: with parents as partners on the students’ educational journey. Small class sizes also provide teachers with the ability to get to know their students very well. A close teacher-student relationship helps students feel known, understood, believed in and challenged to be their best.
Private schools prepare students for the future with academically rigorous curricula that also incorporate tough-to-teach skills like critical thinking, collaboration and proactiveness. In high school, they often will offer a wide variety of AP level courses, and encourage students to pursue a degree of choice upon completion of high school. Another plus is that private school students typically do very well on standardized tests and college entrance exams. Almost 100 percent of private school graduates go on to college and half of those attend highly selective colleges.
So how can parents weigh private schools versus public schools? The individual needs of the child should shape the choice for parents. For children with learning disabilities, not all private schools have support systems for children with learning disabilities, but some schools do a phenomenal job with students of different learning abilities. It’s important for families to ask what the school’s strengths are and their capabilities to really serve the child based on his or her unique needs.
By Sherry Wells
Education Resource
Cyril and Methodius Catholic School
Cyril and Methodius School provides an excellent Catholic education from Pre-K through 8th grade in a compassionate environment that strives to develop each student spiritually, academically, physically, and emotionally. In 2019, SSCM was awarded a National Blue Ribbon, which is a trademark of excellence in education. This prestigious recognition is only awarded to 50 non-public schools throughout the nation. Our Philosophy is to guide each child to realize their unique talents and fulfill his/her potential. Our goal is to enrich and develop each student through Catholic Faith by promoting self-esteem, discipline, common sense, and courtesy in a positive, healthy, respectful and safe environment. Address: 607 Sobieski St, Lemont, IL 60439. (630) 257-6488. school.stcyril.org LEARN MORE
SEASPAR
SEASPAR is a special recreation association offering therapeutic recreation programs and services – including 2 multi-sensory room – for people with disabilities served by the park districts of Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lemont, Lisle, Westmont, and Woodridge, and the villages of Brookfield, Indian Head Park, and Western Springs. Visit SEASPAR.org or call 630.960.7600 for more information about our year-round programming for all ages and all abilities! LEARN MORE
Immaculate Conception Grade School
As an educational ministry of Immaculate Conception Parish, we partner with parents to prepare students for lives as Catholic leaders. As Christians empowered by the Holy Spirit, we focus on formation through prayer, message, concern, and service to the community. We teach students to live lives that embody these values, are centered in Christ, and strive for their greatest academic potential. We invite you to schedule a tour and take a closer look. Pre-K 3 through 8th Grade. Contact: Mrs. Sheila Wachholder, Office Manager at swachholder@icgradeschoolelmhurst.org. Registration for 2022-2023 is Now Open. Address: 132 Arthur Street, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126. 630.530.3490 www.icgradeschoolelmhurst.org LEARN MORE
Wheaton Bible Preschool
Our engaging curriculum introduces children to age-appropriate, early learning activities. Developed for preschoolers 2.5 through pre-kindergarten, children can explore, play, and learn to love God and others in our beautiful facility with 50+ play centers. Our licensed, nine-month program is designed to stimulate and develop a strong cognitive foundation in compliance with Illinois early learning standards for preschoolers. We provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to explore science, crafts, music, math, reading readiness and more! Gwen Wujciga, Preschool Director | (630) 876-6674 | gwujciga@wheatonbible.org | 27W500 North Avenue West Chicago, IL 60185 | www.wheatonbiblepreschool.org | Call or visit our website to schedule a free tour. LEARN MORE
Write Right Stylus
Improving kids’ handwriting just got a whole lot easier! Write Right Stylus is the first tablet stylus designed for children to help with grasp and penmanship. Whether playing games, doing homework, or practicing letter formation, Write Right is trusted by thousands of schools and parents because it is functional with all touch screen devices, requires no battery or charging, and ultimately helps kids gain confidence in their handwriting. Because of its symmetrical design, it can be used by both right- and left-handed writers! Learn more on our website at www.WRStylus.com or find us on Amazon! LEARN MORE
Help Children Succeed in School
Children spend half of their waking hours in school or doing school-related activities. Studies show that children whose parents are involved in their education do better in school than children whose parents are not involved. Parental involvement in children’s education is a stronger indicator of student success than a family’s cultural background or socioeconomic level, or a child’s natural individual academic capability.
Here are two ways you can help your child succeed in school:
Set up a regular study time at home
Completing homework helps children learn and retain new information, improves their understanding of subject matter and enhances academic performance. Begin with small improvements and work toward establishing the ideal homework setting. Some helpful suggestions:
- Choose a “learning-friendly” location.
- Keep the area quiet and free of distractions.
- Schedule a study time that best fits family routines.
- Break up study time for children who have difficulty with concentration.
- Require your child to finish his or her homework before enjoying other activities.
Communicate effectively with school staff
This may not always be easy to do, but it can be extremely beneficial to your child’s success. Some helpful suggestions:
- When attending school activities like conferences or open houses, be prepared to discuss concerns you want to address. If necessary, write down questions and take notes during discussions with teachers or administrators.
- Begin communicating with school staff members when things are going well for your child. Don’t wait until there is a problem to talk to teachers or administrators.
- Let teachers know that you appreciate their work.
- When there are problems, address them early, when they are small. Work with school staff members as a team to identify a problem, determine the best solution and follow through by taking action.
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