Considering a private school? There are lots of choices. Cost, of course, is a big factor.
By JON WILSON
Published August 29, 2004
[Times photo: Dirk Shadd]
Bethanie Currier, 10, listens to teacher Sue Conza during a reading class at Morning Star Catholic School of Pinellas Park, 4661 80th Ave. N. The school serves children with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. It has 50 children in grades 1-8.
OVERVIEW: Private schools have a particular purpose and philosophy. They may be religious, nonsectarian or vocational, for example. Some specialize in college prep courses, while others tailor curricula to particular learning styles. Private schools are not licensed, accredited or regulated as schools by the state. Many private schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Those not accredited by SACS have accreditation standards of independent accrediting organizations with varying standards of quality and requirements.
CHOOSING: Parents should ask about teachers' educational background and whether the school encourages continuing education for its instructors. Ask whether teachers and administrators have had background checks. Investigate which organization accredits the school. Determine how the school is governed: board, church, trustees or a proprietor. Find out what expectations are concerning student conduct and parental involvement. If possible, ask other parents about the communication process between the school and families.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: For a list of private schools in Pinellas, go to www.fldoe.org and, on the right-hand side, click on directories, nonpublic schools. For information about accreditation and choosing a school, go to www.floridaschoolchoice.org and click on nonpublic schools. Some private schools have their own Web sites.
ST. PETERSBURG - About one in six Pinellas County students is enrolled in a private school, according to state figures, and parents have more than 100 to choose from.
They might be independent religious schools or church affiliated, independent secular academies, special-needs schools or schools that emphasize particular learning methods, such as Montessori, which promotes independent learning.
Even with such attractions, private school attendance is not necessarily expanding.
"It's a hard call," said Pete Fisher, middle school director at St. Paul's School in Clearwater. "My sense is it's not a huge bulge. Public schools have tried to expand offerings, such as in charter schools, and there are also fundamental schools."
The social aspect of some private schools is sometimes seen as a positive factor.
"A group of people who know each other socially, here's a place they can send their kids to school. You're getting to meet people that make good contacts," Fisher said.
Fisher, who went to public schools and also has taught in them, points out a downside: the expense.
Tuition may vary from a few hundred dollars to nearly $30,000 for a year's study.
But some parents are willing to pay the price - and make sacrifices to do it - because they feel the schools offer more controlled and traditional hours, see them as safer and appreciate smaller classes with perhaps a wider curriculum.
Because cost can be such a factor, parents contemplating a private school should be aware of how tuition is to be paid and whether scholarships are available. They should also research the school's financial history.
Distance from home and transportation are other major factors to consider.
Parents often wonder about a teacher's educational background, but Fisher said that in general, qualifications are what they are in public schools.
"We're looking for the same teachers the public schools are," he said. "It's a very similar group of people."
