Deciding whether to move your child from public to private school is a significant and sometimes overwhelming choice.
Many parents initially opt for public schooling because of its accessibility, location, and cost-free education. However, as children grow and educational priorities shift, families may begin to wonder whether a private school environment might be a better fit for their child’s needs.
Many families find themselves considering this transition for various reasons—academic, social, or even values-based. Importantly, in North Carolina, families making this switch have access to financial support through the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship, which can significantly alleviate the cost of private school tuition.
In this blog, we will explore the common reasons families choose to move their children from public to private schools, the benefits of private schooling, and what factors you should consider when making this decision.
Why Families Consider Moving from Public to Private School
There are many reasons parents choose to switch from public to private schools after their children have already started using the public system. Often, the decision comes down to a few key areas where families feel their current school isn’t meeting their child’s needs.
1. Private Schools Have Smaller Class Sizes and More Individualized Attention
One of the most common reasons parents look to private schools is the desire for smaller class sizes and more individualized attention. Public schools, especially in densely populated areas, can have very large class sizes, often with 25 to 30 students per class.
This can make it challenging for teachers to address the unique needs of each child. In contrast, private schools typically offer smaller class sizes, allowing teachers to provide more personalized instruction and support for every student.
At Resurrection Lutheran School, for example, our smaller class sizes ensure that each student receives the attention they need to succeed. Teachers can offer targeted support for students who may be struggling and provide enrichment for those who need additional challenges. This level of individualized attention is difficult to achieve in a public school setting.
2. Private Schools Can Have Christ-Centered Values
Public schools, by law, must remain secular institutions, which can leave parents feeling that their child’s education is lacking in values-based instruction. For families who prioritize a Christian education or want their child’s learning to be rooted in faith, private schools can offer an alternative.
At Resurrection Lutheran School, we integrate Christian teachings into every aspect of our curriculum. Students not only learn academic subjects but also receive instruction in biblical principles, helping them grow in their faith and character.
This focus on both academic and spiritual development sets private Christian schools apart from public schools, where religious education is absent.
3. Private Schools Have Strong Academics and Curriculum Flexibility
Another reason parents consider switching from public to private school is for more academic rigor or flexibility in the curriculum.
Public schools are often bound by strict state guidelines and standardized testing, which can limit the depth and breadth of their curriculum. Private schools, on the other hand, have more flexibility in designing their programs to meet the needs of their students.
For example, at Resurrection Lutheran School, our curriculum not only meets high academic standards but is also designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning.
This kind of flexibility allows private schools to offer a more well-rounded and challenging educational experience for students, without being restricted by state mandates or standardized testing requirements.
4. Private Schools Provide Safety and Discipline
Safety is a top priority for every parent, and some families feel that their public school’s environment is not as safe or well-disciplined as they would like.
In larger public schools, it can be difficult for teachers and administrators to maintain control and ensure that every student feels safe and supported. Incidents of bullying, disruptive behavior, and even security threats can be more prevalent in larger, less controlled environments.
Private schools, with their smaller student bodies and more focused discipline policies, often provide a safer and more nurturing environment. Resurrection Lutheran School takes pride in maintaining a safe, structured environment where students can focus on learning without fear of bullying or other distractions.
Our strong community atmosphere also helps foster positive relationships between students and staff, creating a sense of belonging and security.
5. Private Schools Can Have Interesting and Unique Extracurricular Opportunities
For families whose children have specific interests or talents, public schools may not always offer extracurricular activities or enrichment programs that match their needs. Private schools often provide a wider range of extracurricular opportunities, from music and arts programs to advanced athletic teams and academic clubs.
At Resurrection Lutheran School, we offer a variety of extracurricular activities that allow students to explore their passions outside of the classroom. These programs help develop well-rounded individuals and provide valuable opportunities for socialization and personal growth.
Key Considerations Before Making the Switch from Public to Private School
If you’re seriously considering moving your child from public to private school, there are several important factors to take into account. The transition should be made thoughtfully and with your child’s best interests in mind.
1. Your Child’s Academic and Social Needs
Before making any major changes to your child’s schooling, it’s important to assess their current academic and social experience. Are they struggling to keep up in class? Do they need more individualized support? Are they unhappy or feeling disconnected from their peers?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then a smaller, more personalized learning environment like that offered by private schools may be the solution.
2. The Financial Commitment
While private schools often offer numerous benefits, they do come with a cost. Tuition can be a significant financial investment, but in our area, the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship program can help.
This program provides financial assistance to eligible families, offering up to $6,492 per year to cover private school tuition for students transitioning from public schools. By taking advantage of this scholarship, private education may be more affordable than you think.
3. The Transition Period
Switching schools can be a difficult adjustment for children, especially if they’ve already established friendships and routines in their public school. It’s important to talk to your child about the potential transition and involve them in the decision-making process.
Many private schools, like Resurrection Lutheran School, work hard to ensure that new students feel welcomed and supported as they make the transition to a new school environment.
4. Long-Term Educational Goals
When deciding whether to move your child to private school, it’s essential to think about your long-term educational goals. What do you want for your child’s future? Do you prioritize academic excellence, a values-based education, or smaller class sizes? If these align with your goals, private school may offer a better pathway for your child’s success.
Why Resurrection Lutheran School Is The Right Choice
If you’re thinking about making the switch from public to private school, Resurrection Lutheran School in Cary, NC, is here to help you through the decision-making process.
We offer a comprehensive Christian education for students from preschool (known as Junior Kindergarten) through eighth grade, focusing on academic excellence, moral development, and spiritual growth.
1. RLS is Committed to Christian Education
At Resurrection Lutheran School, we believe that education should be about more than just academic achievement. We integrate Christian values into every part of our curriculum, helping students grow in their faith while also excelling in their studies.
Our goal is to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for both academic success and a life of Christian service.
2. RLS Provides a Personalized Learning Environment
Our small class sizes allow teachers to build strong relationships with each student, offering personalized instruction and support that is difficult to achieve in a public school setting. We are committed to helping every student reach their full potential, both academically and personally.
3. RLS Has Strong Academics
At RLS, we follow the North Carolina State Standards as a baseline while integrating national standards and extension activities. We place a high value on writing with a focus on both composition and intellectual depth.
Our goal is to provide a rigorous core curriculum in the Lutheran tradition emphasizing the holistic development of the student (academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual). Students are prepared for “honors level” coursework in high school.
While some RLS students choose a parochial high school, the majority of our students will matriculate into their local public high school.
Is Private School the Right Move for Your Child?
Deciding whether to move your child from public to private school is a deeply personal decision that depends on your family’s values, your child’s needs, and your long-term educational goals.
If you feel that your child would benefit from smaller class sizes, individualized attention, a values-based education, or a more supportive environment, private school may be the right choice.
The North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship can make private education more affordable for families transitioning from public schools, offering a pathway to the type of personalized, faith-based education that Resurrection Lutheran School provides.
At Resurrection Lutheran School, we are committed to helping children grow academically, spiritually, and personally. If you’re ready to explore the possibility of a private Christian education for your child, we invite you to contact us and learn more about how we can support your family in making this important decision.
Contact us today at Resurrection Lutheran School to learn more about how we can help your child thrive in a Christian learning environment!
