schoolsearch: Another choice option: private school

Another choice option: private school

[Times photo: Michael Rondou]
Wellington School’s computer lab uses a tiered design that lets the instructor, Lisa Sanchez, see every screen from the front of the room. Every student in the school takes a class in the lab.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 15, 2002

Some parents opt to pay tuition to send their children to private schools, lured by some educational philosophy or academic focus they think is not offered in public school.

Each year, more than 20,000 children get up each morning to grab their book bag and head not for a public elementary, middle or senior high school, but for a secular or religious private school.

As at any public school, they learn to read and write and solve mathematical problems. They study science, social studies, foreign languages and art and music and they participate in sports.

So why do their families -- whose children are eligible for a free, public education -- often sacrifice to pay tuitions that can rival the cost of a college education?

These families seek some educational philosophy or academic focus they think is not available in a public school.

It may be a desire for smaller classes and more individualized attention from teachers, a safer environment sheltered from the stresses of the larger society, an emphasis on high-level academics or the structure of military discipline.

Often, that reason is tied to religious beliefs. By law, public schools cannot advocate the practice of religion or even allow public prayer. But such restrictions do not apply to private schools. As a result, many private schools are affiliated with local churches and include religious training as a required part of daily classes.

Most church-affiliated schools offer an elementary-level education. Many of these children re-enter the public school system for the broader academic offerings in middle and senior high schools.

But private middle and high schools exist and flourish, as well. Religious schools range from the tiny Five Oaks Christian School in Pinellas Park, which graduated a grand total of two seniors last spring, to the larger and more well known Northside Christian School (58 graduates) or St. Petersburg Catholic (140 graduates).

They include specialized schools such as Center Academy, serving students with learning disabilities, secular college-prep programs at Shorecrest Preparatory School, and naval military training at Admiral Farragut Academy.

The one thing all private schools have in common is tuition. Because they are not supported by public tax dollars, their customers -- families who enroll their children -- must pay for teacher salaries and other operating costs.

In the past year, tuitions at many private schools have risen sharply, sometimes by thousands of dollars a year. Most private schools offer some level of financial aid to qualified families. A statewide scholarship program is also available for needy, qualified families.

What effect the public school system's "controlled choice" plan will have on private school enrollments is not clear.

Will some parents of children now enrolled in private school consider returning to public schools? Or will parents who do not "win" the choice lottery opt for a private school, rather than a potentially distant public school?

What is clear, however, is that private schools remain a traditional choice available to parents.

If you are considering a private school for your child, you should keep several points in mind:

If you now qualify for extended grandfathering in the public schools, you will lose that right when your child moves to a private school. If you later return to the public school system, you will be required to participate in the choice program.

Private schools are not regulated by the state or the local school system. They are not required to offer a standard curriculum or hire certified teachers. Private high schools may not be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Diplomas received from such schools may not be recognized by all colleges.

Each private school has its own admission and registration requirements and may have only limited openings at nonentry grade levels. Nonrefundable deposits may be required upon application.

Just as families involved in the choice program, families interested in private schools should do their due diligence, visit the school and talk to staff and parents. Be careful to check application deadlines because they will differ from school to school.