The importance of a quality education is well known, and choosing the right educational program is one of the biggest decisions you can make as a parent. This is especially true for gifted learners who need additional support to keep them motivated for learning. For most parents, the decision will come down to a choice between public and private school programs. While each has advantages, private schools offer these benefits that specifically impact the gifted learner.
Smaller Student-Teacher Ratios
Individual attention is critical for a student’s success. Yet, many public school budgets make it necessary for schools to try to fit as many students as possible into a class. In a private school setting, your gifted learner will enjoy smaller class sizes where the teacher is able to focus on meeting each kid’s individual needs. A smaller class also makes it easier for introverted children to feel comfortable speaking out loud in class to share their ideas.
Opportunities for Volunteering
Service learning opportunities provide a chance for gifted learners to get hands-on experience while letting their talents shine. Although public schools offer ways for kids to volunteer, the projects tend to be short such as a Saturday litter clean up. In a private school, however, service learning is incorporated into the curriculum so that students can benefit from sharing their skills with others throughout the year. From making lunches for the homeless to working on a farm, these projects build self-confidence.
Academic Enrichment
Public schools tend to focus on getting kids to pass tests in the core classes such as mathematics and reading. While this is important, a gifted learner will quickly grow bored once they have mastered the content. For this reason, private schools offer a variety of classes that can be tailored to a student’s learning goals. For example, a rocket engineering class will challenge a student who works above their grade level in science. Choir, yoga and cooking classes are a few more courses that can help round out a gifted learner’s schedule.
Constructive Feedback
One of the hallmarks of a gifted learner is their ability to self-regulate their learning when they are provided with support from their teachers and parents. In public schools, traditional letter grades are commonly used that provide little information about why a student fails or succeeds. Private school settings provide more flexibility for teachers regarding how they grade. Written evaluations, comments by an incorrect answer and the opportunity to try again makes it possible for gifted learners to get the most out of every assignment.
Sense of Community
Private school students return every year to an environment that fosters safety and camaraderie. Due to the smaller class sizes, students have the opportunity to get to know one another, and working side by side as they work through new concepts promotes bonding. This not only improves safety in the school by reducing incidences of bullying, but it also helps gifted learners socialize with their peers.
The early years of a child’s education influence their future academic careers, so it is important to make sure they have a solid foundation. By understanding the benefits of a private school for gifted learners, you can make an informed decision regarding your child’s education that will put them on the right path for success.
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