The reasons for sending a child to a private school are as varied as the children who attend them. Some children begin their private school education on day one and others wait until high school. Small class size, religious–based, and single sex are a few reasons parents may cite for choosing a private school, but it usually comes down to getting the best education for their children.

Following are just a few reasons why families choose private schools:

Student teacher ratio
When classes are small students not only get more attention, but teachers are able to cover more material. At private schools in the Baltimore area the average student teacher ratio is 9:1, while according to the website schoolsk-12.com, public schools average 31:1. 

“Small classes allow the teachers to have a better sense of who your child is, and what his or her specific strengths and weaknesses are,” states an article in Private School Review. “Your child will also have more opportunities to speak up and participate in class discussions.”

High standards
Students at private schools are usually more challenged academically. On the high school level, the course load is heavier and students are often expected to participate in extra-curricular activities as well as community service.

“Being in the Honors Program, I have become hard-working, and am now able to stand on my own,” says Audrey Van de Castle a Mercy High School graduate. “The workload in the Honors Program prepared me for my college journey. Mercy has made me proud to be a woman, and willing to take a stand for the things that I believe in."
 

Photo courtsey of Mount Saint Joseph school

College preparatory
Many Baltimore area private high school schools boast that100% of their graduates attend college, and for some schools, such as Notre Dame Preparatory School, college preparatory is part of their name. Preparing students to be college bound is not only a result of teachers inspiring students in the classroom, but also due to the support of college guidance counselors.

Roland Park Country School’s website, like many others, states their commitment, “A strong College Counseling program is directed by two full time college counselors. At RPCS, 100% of our students go to college. RPCS instills a lifelong love of learning in its students and prepares them for success in higher education and beyond.”

A sense of community
In choosing a private school, one joins a community with a shared mission. That mission may be to address different learning styles or to incorporate a belief system.

According to Private School Review, “When you decide to enroll your child in a private school, your family becomes part of a network of families with the same goals. The very specific personalities of private schools often lead the students to have a strong sense of pride and loyalty to the school and its community. The student may also benefit from affiliation to the school far beyond graduation day.”

Jessica Jankoviak, a spokesperson for Mount Saint Joseph school agrees, “At private schools, there is a certain amount of grouping, but students are also part of a bigger entity. At Catholic schools in particular, students gather for Mass and prayer on a regular basis.” She feels that the sense of community often lingers long after students have graduated and reports, “Currently 28 out of 90 staff members at Mount Saint Joseph are alumni of the school. Additionally, this year, we have 13 alumni reunions and 25 alumni events.”
 

Photo courtsey of Roland Park Country School

Sense of self
In choosing a particular private school for their child, parents have determined the features of the school that will bring out the best in their student. When a child is well-suited to a school’s teaching style and academic emphasis, it results in a positive experience.
 

“RPCS we nourish each student’s mind and also her sense of self,” says Jean Waller Brune, head of school. “An all-girls' school creates a culture of achievement where each girl forms her own sense of identity: what she believes in and how she translates those beliefs into action are critical. The journey from Kindergarten to college is one that girls make together, challenging and supporting one another along the way. Beyond our curriculum—solidly traditional in its goals and innovative its methods we aim for each student to achieve the three Cs of competence, confidence, and connectedness.”
 

Shianne Antoine, a current Mercy student, exemplifies the benefits of choosing a private school. She says, “Mercy has helped me to develop my talents by allowing me to use my strengths in class, by helping to improve my dance skills, and by helping me open up more. In my classes we all feel like family. The environment at Mercy has allowed me to feel comfortable participating in class, and becoming a part of discussions. This leads to earning great grades. Being part of the Dance Troupe has allowed my dance skills to improve and let my inner light shine through my dancing. Plus, I've had the opportunity to dance in front of many different audiences! Before Mercy, I was like an oyster in its shell, hiding it's pearl. Now I have learned to open up and offer my talents with the community around me."