Private Schools
It almost seems silly to define "private schools," but the name really applies a variety of “non-public” options, including parochial, and independent schools. These schools are considered private businesses and are not governed by the state or local boards of education. The law requires children between the ages of 5 and 17 to receive a compulsory education; but parents can decide whether that is done in a public school, a private school, or at home.
There are many types of non-public schools and each has its advantages. Children with special needs can benefit greatly in a school designed to provide tailored and individualized instruction. Although it is true that public schools are mandated to provide an education for children with disabilities, the cost and availability of specially skilled educators is prohibitive. Consequently, the available staff is stretched very thin. There is often funding available for parents who want to send their child to a school of this kind(Kennedy, 2013).
Some parents prefer their children to receive a Montessori education, while others want their children to learn within a religious framework. At times, students who want to pursue specific advanced placement or International Baccalaureate programs* might consider a private school. Budget cuts in the public sector have targeted classical programs like Latin the arts, and in many cases, sports. Those options can still be found in most private schools. Some parents have found that boarding schools ensure that their students are getting adequate after-school support for their studies, while day schools are the most popular arrangement.
It is important to note that there are application and testing requirements for entrance into private schools, but the most common deterrent choosing private school over public school is cost. While it is true that some private schools cost as much as college, there are many that are much more reasonable. If private school for your child is a goal, do some research. Many private schools have scholarship funds, and there may be other types of financial assistance available. Some states have developed voucher programs which provide the state-allotted per student dollars to parents, who can athen apply them to any school (public, private, religious) that they like. That is not an available option in El Paso County.
Click on this link to read more about voucher programs…
* Most IB schools are public schools, and Colorado has many of them.
References
International Baccalaureate Organization. (2013). Unied States: A Dynamic Presence: Growth and Chasracteristics of IB World Schools. Retrieved from International Baccalaureate Organization: https://www.ibo.org/iba/countryprofiles/documents/UnitedStatesCountryProfile.pdf
Kennedy, R. (2013, November 16). Why private School. Retrieved from Private School Review: https://www.privateschoolreview.com/articles/1