When it comes to education choices, you want to make sure you are not beholden to false information. However, there are numerous misconceptions about private education. We want to help you have everything you need to make a fully informed decision about the school choice for your children.
In this article, we are discussing and dispelling some of the most common private school misconceptions so you can make an informed decision regarding your child’s education. While there are many other myths about private education, here are the seven we’re talking about here:
- Private Education Is Just For Rich Kids
- Private Education Is Not Diverse
- Private Education Doesn’t Provide Arts Or Athletics
- Private Education Is Not Academically Rigorous (Or Too Academically Rigorous)
- Private Education Is All About Religion
- Private Education Does Not Require Licensed Teachers
- Private Education Shelters Kids
Seven Misconceptions About Private Education
1) Private Education Is Just For Rich Kids
Misconception: Private school is for rich kids. I don’t want my kids to become snobs.
In Florida, public and charter schools receive government funding, so they do not charge tuition. Private schools do not receive public funds and must utilize other means to pay teachers and administrators, build and maintain buildings, and perform the functions of an educational institution. Typically, this will involve some combination of fundraisers and tuition.
With tuition charges comes the idea that parents must be wealthy in order to afford for their children to attend. However, that could not be further from the truth. For schools like ours, the goal is often to provide the highest quality education as affordably as possible. Furthermore, many institutions offer some form of financial assistance and scholarship opportunities.
That means that there are plenty of kids from all socio-economic backgrounds in any given private school. It also means that there are likely many options for your family if you have your heart set on a specific institution. Before you make a decision about private schools based on economics, we would encourage you to reach out and find out what help might be available.
2) Private Schools Are Not Diverse
Misconception: Private schools are small and mostly homogeneous. I want my kids to have diversity.
This misconception piggybacks off of the idea that private school is just for rich kids. Some erroneously believe that private schools cater to one socio-economic status. It is our school’s mission to make sure every child has access to a high-quality education in the Orlando area.
We are inspiring young minds to spark their entrepreneurial spirit as global-scale problem solvers, active learners, giving students hands-on support in every step of their journey to success.
We are knowledge intermediaries, providing bridges, not walls, to our students. Our institution is a collaborative link, where brilliant minds come together to create surprising solutions. We celebrate the diversity of ideas, and value every voice. Just like the legendary companies that emerged from garages, we know that together we are capable of unleashing the potential of each student, so that our assistance and the support of families can bring out the best in everyone.
Our values:
- People: a treasure
- Entrepreneurship: our mindset
- Innovation: our air
- Excellence: passion for what we do
- Creativity: unlimited potential of young people
- Truth: ethics and transparency side by side
We are committed to serving every student possible, so your child will be in a diverse environment at Pluris Academy. Private schools are anything but homogeneous.
3) Private Education Doesn’t Provide High Quality Extracurricular Activities
Misconception: Private schools have limited athletics and creative extracurriculars. How can my kid live out their entrepreneurial dreams?
Some argue that private schools lack the capacity and finances to provide a diverse selection of sports and extracurricular activities. It turns out that the opposite is true. Private schools are often able to provide unique organizations and athletic programs.
Private schools recognize the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in their students. That's why they offer a range of extracurricular activities and programs that aim to help students develop their skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
We endeavor to help students embrace their inner entrepreneurial spirit through a variety of extracurricular activities.
4) Private Education Is Not Academically Rigorous (Or Too Academically Rigorous)
Misconception: Private schools focus too much on religion to the exclusion of academics. *Or alternatively, private schools are too tough for average students.
A common and incorrect private school misconception is that private school academics are not consistently rigorous or entirely too challenging.
Pluris Academy is an accredited Kindergarten through 12 college preparatory school where bright, curious young boys and girls aim for a bar set high in an atmosphere of challenge and support that brings out their best as learners and as people, inspiring thinkers and developing leaders.
Pluris Academy engages students in a rich and stimulating educational experience of the highest quality, opening their minds to new possibilities while providing outstanding preparation for the next steps of their lives.
The curriculum is challenging, forward-thinking, innovative, and flexible, designed to help students from various backgrounds and with a range of talents and interests reach new levels of accomplishment.
5) Private Education Is All About Religion
Misconception: Private schools focus too much on religious education.
As an academic institution, we prioritize providing a rigorous education in all subjects for our students. At our school, we believe that a broad understanding of the world is essential to preparing students for success in their future endeavors.
We approach each subject with a comprehensive and objective worldview, seeking to ensure that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Our goal is to help students find answers to the most complex questions they may encounter in their academic journey. We believe that every student deserves a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in all aspects of life.
Our approach is inclusive, and we welcome students from all backgrounds and belief systems. We believe that diversity of thought and experience is essential to fostering a dynamic and innovative learning environment.
6) Private Education Does Not Require Licensed Teachers
Misconception: Private schools don’t have to require teachers to be licensed by the same standards as public schools; therefore, they are not as qualified as public school teachers.
While the state of Florida does not require private school teachers to be licensed, many institutions do look for licensed teachers. Furthermore, private schools like ours are searching for and employing the best and most qualified teachers. Our teachers have mastered the subjects they teach and are effective communicators.
At Pluris Academy, you can count on your child’s teachers being qualified, often licensed, and exceptionally capable of communicating their wealth of knowledge.
7) Private Education Shelters Kids
Misconception: Private school puts kids in a bubble, so they aren’t prepared for the real world.
Many parents choose private education for their children because it provides a safe and secure environment where students can learn at their own pace. This allows them to process the many complex issues that we are all exposed to at various times in our lives.
It's not about sheltering kids from the world but rather presenting these issues in a controlled and age-appropriate manner. Private schools often have smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, which can be beneficial for students who need extra help or have unique learning styles.
Additionally, private schools often have a strong sense of community and offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and programs that can enrich a child's educational experience.
Find Out More About Pluris Academy
We understand that choosing the right school for your child can be overwhelming, and there are many misconceptions about private schools. That's why we're here to help!
If you're interested in learning more about the advantages of private education in Orlando, FL, and how your child can thrive at Pluris Academy, we encourage you to contact our team. We'd be happy to answer any questions you have and give you a personal tour of our campus.
Contact Pluris Academy today to schedule a visit and take the first step towards a brighter future for your child.