Families choose to send their children to a private high school for a number of reasons, such as having religious affiliation or curriculum and opportunities that a public school may have. Private high schools are not inexpensive, so if you plan on investing in a private school education for your children, it is important to select the right one. Use the following tips to select the best private high school for your children:
Academic Record
Before enrolling your children in a private high school, take the time to learn more about the school's academic record. Some of the things to consider are the average SAT and ACT scores of the students attending the school, the availability of accelerated and advanced placement classes, and the average GPA of the students attending the school. This information can help you determine if a private high school provides the academic resources that your children need to succeed.
University Acceptance
Many parents choose a private high school in order to increase their children's chance of being accepted into top universities. When looking at different private high schools in your area, ask about past students and what universities they are attending. While enrolling your children in a private high school doesn't guarantee that they will be accepted to a top university, a record of past students going to highly rated universities shows that the school knows how to prepare a student for college and help him or her get accepted.
Student Development
Attending a private school involves more than just academics-- it is also important to know how a private high school can support and develop your children. Look for a private high school that has a number of clubs and sports teams that your children can become a part of. Student development is an important part of high school, and a private high school that offers programs that help a teen grow are very beneficial.
Tuition Costs
Each private school sets their own tuition, and some can cost more than others. Before enrolling a child in a private high school, make sure that you understand all the fees and can comfortably afford to pay them. This is especially important if you plan to enroll more than one teen in a private high school. Private high schools have a number of advantages, but it doesn't benefit anyone in your family if you enroll your children in a private school that costs more than you can afford.