One of the most crucial times in a child’s life is the first five years. This is when a child’s natural curiosity, logic, and ability to learn are developed, as well as social skills. This is also the time when a child’s sense of identity is established.
While some schools and childcare centers in Australia offer free education for children, as a parent you may want to question whether this is truly a benefit, especially if you are located in a relatively expensive city. Are there other options available that you should consider?
The Advantages of Private Schools
A large number of Australian schools are private, and you may choose to send your child to one of these schools if you feel that they offer a good value for money. One of the advantages of a private school is that they do not charge tuition fees. This means that even if you are able to pay for your child’s education, you will not be required to do so. In these circumstances, public schools may well seem like an expensive option, especially if you are located in a capital city.
Privately-run schools also offer a broader and more advanced curriculum than many government-run schools. The educators and school leaders at private schools are also often more motivated than those at public schools, which may result in your child getting more out of the education that they provide. Finally, privately-run schools often have extra-curricular activities available to students, such as sports teams, music lessons, and art clubs. The availability of these activities may mean that your child enjoys a richer experience at school than they would if they only went to classes.
Consider The Disadvantages
Just because a school is privately run does not mean that it is perfect for every child. Many private schools may well have less experienced educators and school leaders than their public counterparts, so younger, less mature students may find that they struggle to keep up with the workload in some cases. This could potentially lead to lower productivity and increased stress for both the student and the educator.
If you are looking for a school that is close to home, and you feel that the education that your child receives is of good quality, then consider a smaller, locally-owned school that is not necessarily privately run. In these instances, you will often find that the cost of education is higher, but the benefits may be worth it.
If you do decide that a publicly-run school is the best option for your child, then make sure that you compare this to the alternatives. It would be a shame for your child to miss out on an education that could otherwise have benefited them, simply because you could not afford private school. Keep in mind the advantages of both privateness and community, and you will be able to choose the best option for your needs.
The Financial Aspect
Another important factor to consider when making a decision about your child’s school is the financial aspect. In most cases, private schools will charge more for tuition than their public counterparts. This is, in part, because private schools have to fund the extra costs associated with providing better education. Consider the cost of books, transport to and from school, food, clothing, and other necessary expenses. The total cost of sending your child to school may end up being more than you would pay for a smaller, more local school. However, if money is no object to you, then sending your child to a private school may be a sound investment.
Overall
In most cases, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to education. There are numerous factors to consider, some of which are more crucial than others. The size of your child’s class, the educational philosophy of the school, and the convenience of the location are all key factors that you should weigh up before choosing the best option for your needs. For the best chance at getting the most out of your schooling, be sure to look at all the available options, including those that are free. This way, you can choose an option that is going to be the right fit for your family.
