Do private school students really do better academically than those in public schools? While you may think that there is no difference, there actually is surprising evidence that private schools can provide a boost in academic excellence. In fact, researchers tested 140 preschool students and discovered that, while Montessori and non-Montessori students started school with similar scores, the 70 students from the Montessori school advanced more quickly in math and literacy within the next three years of school.
Higher Achievement
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 88% of high schoolers who went to a private school ended up applying to college, whereas only 57% of public high school students did the same. In addition to this, reports from the College Board have also found higher SAT scores among students from private schools.
Academic Excellence
A report, published in 2002 by the NCES, called Private Schools: A Brief Portrait found that private school students performed higher on average than public school students on standardized tests. They were also found to score higher than the national average on the National Assessment of Education Progress, a test that measures student achievement.
In students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, the benefits of private schooling were found to be even greater, with students being nearly four times more likely to achieve a bachelor’s degree or higher when compared to their peers in public schools of the same background.
Standards of Learning
Although you may be surprised to learn just how significant the impact of private schooling is on academics when you look at the standards that many private schools have, it starts making a lot more sense. For example, private school teachers are often the best of the best, and they usually have smaller class sizes, enabling them to cater to children on an individual level. This means that fewer children are at risk of struggling and can instead get the help they need to understand and learn to the best of their abilities.
Additionally, many private schools also provide more tools for children to learn in a meaningful and engaging way. When coupled with higher standards, this leads to increases in learning and improved scores across the board.
If you are considering whether or not private schooling is best for your child, these statistics are something to keep in mind. If academic excellence is something you want for your child, you may consider reaching out to your local private school to learn more about enrolling this school year.
