Are Private Schools Safer Than Public Schools?

When choosing a school for your children, there are a few important factors to consider. One of the biggest is whether your child needs a special learning environment.

It’s no secret that school shootings are happening more often and more frequently in public schools. With this in mind, we wonder: Are private schools safer than public schools?

Student-to-Teacher Ratio

The student-to-teacher ratio in private schools is often lower than in public schools, allowing teachers to get to know each child better. This allows students to feel more engaged during lectures, and it also gives teachers a chance to identify any problem areas that may be affecting learning. This can be beneficial for students with learning disabilities, as it allows them to get the attention they need.

Another benefit of private schools is that they can be located closer to home than public schools. This is important for parents who have to travel a lot for work, and it can be helpful for children who are still in elementary school and need to be picked up and dropped off each day. Additionally, many private schools have security on campus, which can make them a safer environment for students.

Private schools can also offer a broader curriculum than public schools. They are more likely to offer advanced placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs, and other specialized studies. They are also more likely to allow students to take part in sports and arts programs, which can help them become well-rounded individuals. This can be especially useful for children who are more interested in social interaction and creativity than academics. A recent recap showed that secondary school graduates from tuition-based schools scored 3.1 points higher on the ACT, and the same results were seen on exams in reading.

Safer Learning Environment

In a recent EdChoice study of scholarship participants, parents listed school safety as one of the top three factors that influence their choice of school. They cited access to a religious environment and values-based instruction as their primary reasons, but school safety was close behind. Private schools prioritize student safety in a variety of ways, from smaller class sizes to closer relationships with local law enforcement.

Smaller classrooms allow teachers to get to know students better and help them develop their strengths and weaknesses. Students are also given more opportunities to express their ideas and discuss issues that might come up during a lesson, which can lead to deeper understanding of the material rather than mere memorization. In addition, the close relationship between teacher and student creates a more trusting learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions.

Private schools place a high priority on teaching students respect for their peers and authority figures. They often have a zero-tolerance policy on bullying and other misconduct, which contributes to a safer learning environment. Students are there to learn, not fool around or cause trouble. They understand that if they do something wrong, they will be punished quickly and fairly. This helps to create a more respectful learning environment and gives parents peace of mind knowing their children are safe at school.

More Individual Attention

Unlike classrooms in public schools that can have dozens of students, private school teachers get to know their students. This helps them understand each student’s learning style and provide individualized help when needed. Teachers also have an opportunity to connect with parents as partners on their child’s educational journey.

As a result, families can feel confident that their child is in good hands. Many private schools offer a safe environment for students with extra needs, including physical challenges and emotional issues. In addition, private schools have plans in place to deal with situations like natural disasters. For example, a boarding school may need to find housing for students and animals as well as make sure their classrooms are safe for continuing lessons in the wake of a wildfire.

The combination of challenging academics and smaller class sizes allows teachers to better understand the learning styles of their students. This is especially beneficial for children with attention issues who need a more intimate learning experience.

Additionally, private schools are more likely to have a rigorous admissions process, which creates a student cohort of students with a high aptitude for learning. This creates a more competitive environment between students and can motivate them both academically and behaviorally. Private schools also offer more co-curricular activities, which is another great way for students to develop their skills and interests outside the classroom.

Stronger Community

Whether it is due to the fact that they know each student on a first-name basis or simply because of their smaller class sizes, private schools tend to create a tight-knit community for their students. This sense of belonging goes a long way in promoting student safety. Administrators and teachers monitor each student closely, catching loneliness, depression or other issues before they spiral out of control.

Private schools also have a strong discipline code, which discourages violence of any kind. In addition, many schools are located in rural spaces that provide a natural buffer from the urban and suburban chaos that surrounds many public school campuses.

In addition, private schools have more flexibility in terms of how they implement preventative measures to ensure the safety of their students. For example, they can choose to close the campus during lunch or utilize drug sniffing dogs to screen all incoming students. Public schools must abide by strict state and federal laws, which can often result in lengthy due process before a student is expelled or even suspended.

Ultimately, parents care more about the safety of their children than anything else. The recent EdChoice study reflects that parents find it frustrating to be trapped by their ZIP codes and unable to access safe learning environments for their kids. Private school choice offers families a way to break out of this trap and give their children the education they want and deserve.