“Private School is for the Elite” and Other Myths

The subject of private school has been known to induce eye-rolling and negative comments.  Many believe that private school is synonymous with elitism, that the schools lack diversity, and that the student bodies are full of snobby kids.  Without delving into where these stereotypes come from, let’s address their accuracy.

No one can argue that the private schools with sky-high tuition and admission standards are out-of-reach for most families.  However, just as there are cars for every budget, there are private and independent schools that offer reasonable tuition and accessible financial aid, making it easier for middle- and lower-income families to choose private education.

Meanwhile, private and independent schools have embraced diversity as essential for modern education and real-world preparation.  This commitment is reflected every day in their classrooms and admissions offices and in the mission statements of institutions like The Park School, located in Brookline, Mass., which “is committed to being a metropolitan, coeducation day school of diverse races, religions, cultures and backgrounds.”

And while snobbery can be found anywhere, with private schools placing an increased importance on diversity and character, what unites today’s students is a love for learning and a desire to succeed. That is often what drives students and their families through the application process to begin with and it plays out in the classroom.

From admissions to financial aid to diversity, K-12 private education has never been more accessible. And while the admissions process may seem stuck in another era, even that is being brought into the modern age. Parents can now consult sites like Private School Innovator (PSI), a student-to-school digital platform that helps families research and compare programs and financial aid availability, and attend events like thePSI School Forum, all of which aim to simplify the process.  Thanks to advances in technology embodied by sites like PSI, what may have seemed like an intimidating admissions process has become another common misconception about private school.

Just add it to the list.