Why choose a private school for your child?

August 29, 8:23 PMFullerton Community ExaminerKimberly Wolfe

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 Your child's education is something that you may grapple with. You are an involved parent. You help with homework. You may have even bought your home in a certain area because of the great school district. However, this great school is not meeting your child's needs, whatever the reason may be. You  know that you will have to pull them out of public school and send them to private or parochial school. Where do you begin to find the best possible school for your child to meet their needs?

 In a 14-part series of articles, private and parochial schools in Fullerton, CA, will be highlighted to show all available options for parents who would like to place them in a private school in the city. Schools will be highlighted. Advice will be given for you as a parent to make the best possible decision for your child. Part 1 begins with asking the question why. Why should I choose to put my child in a private school?

 It's just not working for your child.

 He or she may be lost in the shuffle in a public school classroom. They may need more one-on-one attention. You as a parent may feel like you are not being heard by the appropriate school personnel in your local public school.

 Therefore, you know it's time to begin your search. A search for a private school for your child. Where do you begin? You may also be on the fence about whether to stick it out in your local public school or to put your child in a private school. Here are five reasons why you should put your child in a private school:

• Increased parental involvement: Pre-schools are not the only place where parents help run the school. Parents are often required to volunteer a certain amount of hours in their child's private school during the year. Parents also are more involved in the PTA in private schools due to fundraising that is needed to provide the school with special programs or other necessities the school may need.
• Smaller class sizes: The average class size for a California K-6 public school was 25.2 in 2005-2006. Compare that to the size of a K-6 private school classroom which is normally not over 20 students and the choice is made for many parents. One Orange County, CA, private school with low class sizes is St. Catherine's Military Academy, which boasts 15 students per class.
• Learning style: You may want to consider a private school if your child needs extra attention. Many schools will allow a child to work at their own pace, such as Berkeley School in Fullerton, which provides an individually crafted education for each child.

 There are many other reasons to place your child in a private school. May you make the decision that's right for your child!

 Part 2 of this series will give advice from a local education expert about what to look for in a private school.