Since a large portion of the U.S. population has never set foot in a private school, it’s understandable that many myths and misconceptions about private schools persist. Despite the numerous educational advancements made in the past decades by private and public schools alike, some individuals still have outdated notions about the nature of private education.

However, most private schools are far from the hyper-strict, exclusive, and stuffy institutions they are stereotyped to be. If you’re thinking about sending your child to a private school, be sure you don’t ascribe to these three all-too-common private school myths:

1. Private School Is Extremely Expensive

While private schools in lower Manhattan can seem pricey at first, not all private schools are prohibitively so. Progressive schools and private preschools often have payment options, financial aid, and scholarships to make admissions more inclusive. As such, wealthy children are not the sole attendants of private schools; in fact, though an estimated 5.9 million children attended private schools in the fall of 2018, 80% of students from families that earn over $100,000 a year attend public school. As it turns out, private schools aren’t as prohibitive as they seem.

2. All Private Schools Are Strictly Religious

It’s true that many, if not most, private schools have religious affiliations. However, just because a school has religious courses and activities does not mean that it requires all students to completely adhere to religious doctrine. Far more often, the school merely expects students to show respect for the institution’s religious practices and history. Before dismissing a religious school, do a little research about its expectations for students, teachers, and parents. Or, you can look for secular private schools in lower Manhattan.

3. Private School Teachers Aren’t Up to Scratch

Sometimes, parents assume that private school teachers aren’t qualified for their jobs. While it is true that private school educators are not required to have state teaching certification, private schools still seek the best and brightest faculty attainable. After all, private schools sell quality education as a product, and if teachers don’t perform, the school could suffer a drop in attendance. While many private school teachers do not necessarily follow traditional career paths, private schools still seek experienced individuals with excellent teaching abilities. In fact, since private school teachers often have extensive subject background through actual work experience, they are sometimes best equipped to prepare students for life after school.

If you’re considering sending your children to private school or nursery school, don’t believe these three myths. Separating fact from fiction can help you make the best decision for your family.

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