The public school system has done a world of good since nationwide compulsory education laws were enacted in 1918. However, a traditional educational model isn’t ideal for every child. We recently sat down with educators from Currey Ingram Academy, one of the most prominent boarding schools in the South, for insight on how parents can tell if their child’s public school isn’t fully meeting their needs.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of public schools?
Currey Ingram Academy: Public schools are readily available, and there are schools that serve every ZIP code in the U.S. They are also free, and the vast majority of educational systems offer some accommodations for students with needs like learning differences. However, they are not nearly as flexible as private options. If you look at boarding schools in the South, you can see why. Private schools are not dependent on standardized testing for funding. Our educators have a bit more freedom to reach individual students on their level and in a way that makes the most sense for the students.
Q: What are some signs that my child is not thriving in public school?
Currey Ingram Academy: While many people believe that grades are the be-all, end-all indicator of success, this isn’t true. Your students may not be learning to their full potential if they are constantly disinterested and bored in a traditional classroom setting. Like other boarding schools in the South, Currey Ingram gets to know each student’s strengths and learning style–and adapt to it. This way, educators and administrators can help our young learners stay motivated and engaged.
Q: How does public school overcrowding affect the educational experience?
Currey Ingram Academy: There are many different ways that an overcapacity classroom can affect a child’s ability to learn. First, individual students don’t get the amount of attention they may need. Teachers are often spread so thin that even students with an IEP don’t get the personalized attention they need. Safety can also be an issue in public schools. Staff with an excessively high number of students can’t always keep their finger on the proverbial pulse of everything that’s going on. Significant issues, such as bullying, may slip through the cracks.
Q: How can a private school benefit my child?
Currey Ingram Academy: Private schools have smaller class sizes and more stimulating coursework. At Currey Ingram Academy, our students enjoy personalized learning; in fact, we have an average student-teacher ratio of 4.5:1 school-wide. With that in mind, our students are given grace when they need time to catch up with their classmates. Our campus is considered one of the most beautiful boarding schools in the South, situated on 83 acres in Brentwood, Tenn., just outside of Nashville. Students here also have access to plenty of outdoor activities and fresh air so they can work their energy out in a healthy and productive manner.
While public schools are undoubtedly beneficial, we would like to encourage our readers to remember that education is not one-size-fits-all. If your child is struggling or not living up to their full potential, remember that you have options. You are also your child’s greatest advocate, and only you know what’s best for the young learners and your family.
To learn more about how Currey Ingram Academy can benefit your child, give us a call or contact us online, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.