A few years ago, my parents were told their children would not amount to anything. Hosting a dinner one Saturday night, they had planned on an evening of relaxation; but during a conversation, a guest gave this shocking remark, leaving them speechless. Unbeknownst to my eight-year-old self, who had been playing downstairs, my future had been summarized in a succinct yet degrading statement.
What is most bizarre about this incident is that this comment arose from the belief that private schools better served students’ needs than public schools. Looking back, I am less upset than curious about this fallacy.
How could one be so quick to judge a child’s future successes based on the superficiality of the school they went to? But most importantly, how is this notion misleading, and how could it affect current students?
Personally, I value an education that seeks to bring out and emphasize my strengths. For example, the opportunity to write for the newspaper has facilitated my interviewing skills and ability to take leadership in a group dynamic. As a student journalist, I have had the privilege of meeting individuals of diverse backgrounds, interests, and perspectives, aiding in my own communication and personal capabilities.
Top Tier Admissions stated that generally, public schools are characterized by larger, more diverse student bodies. Clubs and extracurricular activities are more accessible to students, with a wide variety being able to peak many interests.
I, for one, appreciate the range of activities MN has to offer. From speaking with members of the show choir to seeing the close-knit community of the Education Academy, I have witnessed the formation and security many have made within their high school experience.
Another perspective to note is the assumption that private school students have access to superior teaching and academic courses.
Pew Research Center disclosed that 52% of public school teachers have at least a master’s degree, while only 41% of private and public charter school teachers have a master’s degree.
The caliber of teaching does not correspond to the type of school one attends. I have had my fair share of teachers who left me feeling frustrated and confused, but countless have inspired me and instilled confidence in my abilities as a student; this experience could be said of every individual who has gone through the educational system.
Many will argue that private schools have higher academically performing students, prompting favorability due to standardized testing’s importance in college admissions.
However, most do not note the underlying discrepancies between test scores between private and public schools. The majority of private school students are of higher socio-economic status, allowing for the increased availability of test prep courses and tutors.
In comparison, academically rigorous classes, contrary to popular belief, can actually be more accessible to public school attendees than private ones. Private schools, commonly implementing rigid curriculums and restrictions on enrolled AP courses, can contribute to reduced opportunities for challenging coursework.
Meanwhile, MN offers 26 AP courses, compared to Creighton Prep’s 25 and Marian’s 17, with students being able to take some as early as freshman year. Being able to take college-level courses earlier has left me feeling more eager and prepared for my future educational endeavors.
I want to stress that neither public nor private school education outweighs each other. When thinking of education’s meaning, one should question what education is doing for them instead of focusing on the minute details.
For me, this means attending a school that fits my needs and allows me to feel connected to the community. Most importantly, I want to leave a school with a feeling of purpose and confidence, knowing I left as a better person. I am sure those who set out with this mindset will amount to anything they desire, whether they receive a public or private school education.