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Private school may suit older students, tooBy SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA © St. Petersburg Times, published October 29, 2000 During the 1998-99 school year (the most recent numbers available), 3,105 students attended a private high school in Pinellas County. Reasons varied, ranging from a need for a smaller, more structured setting to a desire for a different educational philosophy such as religious instruction, strong academics or a sports orientation. If you want your son or daughter to switch to a private high school, you have many choices. Shorecrest Preparatory School offers a strong academic program in a secular environment. Admiral Farragut Academy can appeal to college-bound students with an interest in a military career. Canterbury School's college prep program does not include religious instruction but is affiliated with the Episcopal Church. For those students seeking a more religious orientation, there are several schools to choose from, including St. Petersburg Catholic High School, Northside Christian School and Keswick Christian School, among others. Deadlines and entrance requirements differ widely among private schools. Parents should start the process well before the beginning of the school year. Visit the school, talk to the director and teachers, and consult with students and parents at the school. Private high schools do not hold lotteries, but space is often quite limited. Many are more than half filled with a base enrollment from closely associated primary and middle schools. However, it easier to switch to a private high school as a sophomore, junior or even senior than to enter a public magnet school program after the ninth grade. As in public school magnet programs, prior academic performance, test scores and personal interviews are crucial to private school admission. The cost of tuition and fees at a private high school can exceed $10,000 a year, so it is important for parents to be sure both that the program is suitable and that the student is committed to meeting the school's often stringent standards. Some private high schools do offer financial aid or scholarships. Accreditation is a particularly important issue for parents of high school students. Private schools are not licensed, approved, accredited or regulated by the state and may use an independent accrediting agency affiliated with a religion or educational philosophy. If your son or daughter plans to go to college, be sure to check out the private school's college placement record.
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