| The choice of where to send your kids to school is | | | | many public schools in North America with reputations |
| one all parents have to make. It can be as simple as | | | | equal to most competitive private schools. It is just a |
| choosing a particular neighbourhood in which to | | | | matter of doing your homework to find them. |
| purchase your home. But the choice between a | | | | A second factor is Values. These are the intellectual, |
| private or public school education can be especially | | | | philosophical or religious attributes most important to |
| difficult due to two important factors that often arise. | | | | you and your family. Because of government funding, |
| Cost is arguably the biggest issue. Here, public school is | | | | there are restrictions to public schools regarding the |
| always the cheapest option. Private school tuition can | | | | development of curricula. Private schools enjoy greater |
| run anywhere between $4,000 to well over $50,000. | | | | freedom in the creation of academic and |
| When the tuition fees are very high, parents must | | | | extracurricular activities that reflect the institution's core |
| weigh the benefits against the financial sacrifices that | | | | values. This freedom may also lead to ideologically |
| will need to be made. Some will find the smaller class | | | | focused, sometimes exclusive programs that do not |
| sizes, faith-based curricula or university preparation | | | | allow much room for alternative viewpoints. Public |
| invaluable and others may not. It is also important to | | | | school programs are more likely to reflect the diversity |
| note that many private schools now have financial aid | | | | of the surrounding community, which can be very |
| and scholarship programs. Susan Hazell, former | | | | attractive to parents interested in giving their children a |
| executive director of the Canadian Association of | | | | more well-rounded education experience. |
| Independent Schools says,"There's been quite a shift in | | | | Finally, the choice between private and public school |
| the thinking of these schools compared to 25 years | | | | education is a personal one. There are many more |
| ago. Now they are really keen to get the best | | | | factors to consider besides the ones listed here. Every |
| students possible, from all demographics." | | | | family is different, as is each child within a family. The |
| The US and Canadian governments offer tax | | | | decision should always come down to what is best for |
| incentives to parents looking for an alternative | | | | your child. |
| education for their children, as well. However, there are | | | | |