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purpose of a private school is to give each student the individual attention
that he or she needs to thrive intellectually, socially and emotionally.
Private schools require their students to take a core curriculum of
English, Mathematics, History, Science, Foreign Language, Music and
Art - from Kindergarten through High School. In Albemarle County and
the Central Virginia area there are many fine private schools.
Types of Private Schools
In order to determine the private school that suits you and your child
best, you must first identify and define the specific needs of your
child. The following schools offer a variety of ways to meet many different
children's needs and you can choose the one that best suits your child:
• Boarding School - the children live in a dormitory
at school, away from his or her family.
• Day School - the majority of its students live
in the community with their parents.
• Religious Schools - the students are provided
with the opportunity to learn about their specific religious beliefs.
Religion is a core part of their curriculum.
• Military Schools - the students are offered
military-style discipline and training.
• Special Schools - the school adapts their teaching
methods and facilities for children with learning disorders and/or physical,
mental or emotional disabilities.
• Professional Schools - these schools offer
a curriculum for those students with special gifts in the arts.
• Coed Schools - boys and girls share classes
and all other educational opportunities equally.
• Single-sex Schools - enrollment is restricted
to only boys or only girls.
• Schools for Postgraduates - these schools are
for people who have graduated from high school but need to repeat their
senior year in order to get the academic credentials to attend the college
of their choice.
Differences Between Public and Private Schools
The biggest difference between public and private schools is their
sources of support. Public schools gain their funds through local, state
and federal government help while private schools are sustained by tuition
payments and occasionally by funds from other nonpublic sources. Some
other differences are:
• Parents can choose between religious affiliated and nonsectarian
schools.
• Most private schools charge tuition.
• On average, public school teachers receive higher salaries and
more benefits, but one important benefit that private school teachers
receive is free tuition for their own children.
• The State Board of Education does not accredit private schools.
Instead, they receive accreditation from a private umbrella organization
of associations whose membership is made up of private schools.
• Students must apply to private schools. Not all students are
accepted in private schools, whereas public schools must admit all students
who live within the locality.
• Private school principals (or headmasters) have more influence
over curriculum, discipline, budgeting and hiring than public school
principals.
• Typically, the average class size in a private school is smaller
than in a public school. Smaller classes allow teachers to give students
more individual attention.
• Exposure to crime or threats is more common in public schools
than private schools.
• Many private schools have rigorous academic programs.
Educational Philosophy and Goals of a Private School
The philosophy and goals of a private school can vary from school to
school, including development of musical talents, religious training
and treatment of learning disorders. One goal that all private schools
do share is:
"To teach students the basic liberal arts and sciences and eventually
to prepare each student for college."
Rules and Regulations
Discipline and its application are important elements of any school's
philosophy. Almost every private school has their own rules and regulations,
which they classify in five groups:
1) Dress and Decorum
2) Absence Policies
3) Behavior
4) Academic Effort
5) Ethics and Moral Conduct
