Navigating the Landscape of Private Education in Franklin, TN

Private education is something that has become a lot more popular here in the United States.  Public education isn’t always something we want for our kids.  There are a lot of options, and it’s not really “simple.”

In fact, it can be quite complicated.  A lot of factors are at play, after all.  To say that it’s difficult to navigate the landscape of private education here in Franklin, Tennessee would be an understatement.  Don’t worry, though – that’s why we’re here!

We’ll help you untangle this knot of confusion.  Whether your child is still in daycare and you’re looking ahead, or you want to transfer your child from public school to private school, there are options.  Resources like this one: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED411611 demonstrate some of the ideas we’ll be covering.

What are Private Schools?

To start, let’s look at some of the basics.  What are private schools?  What makes them different from public education?

For the most part, they exist to provide an alternative to the traditional options.  There are a few different types of them to be aware of.

Independent Schools

These are not affiliated with any religious organization.  Instead, they’re governed by their own boards of trustees.  Typically, they have a diverse curriculum.  Something to note is that they are usually funded through tuition and donations.

Admittedly, independent options aren’t very popular in the United States.  They’re not what many parents are looking for.  

Parochial Schools

Comparatively, these are much more popular.  That’s true both here in Tennessee and across the country.  Why?  Well, it’s because these schools are affiliated with religious organizations.

We’ll be focusing on Christian parochial schools.  For instance, at GCA, there are courses that center on Christian philosophies and worldviews.  

Many parents are seeking out that type of education these days.  With the seeming decline of these values in pop culture, it can be important to teach them to our children.  We’ll discuss this further later, so stick around!

Specialty Schools

As for the last type of private school we’ll be mentioning, it’s a bit of a broad umbrella term.  Some private schools focus on specific educational philosophies.  They could also have specialized programs for students with learning differences, arts, or sciences. 

Some examples could include specialized music academies, or STEM-focused options.  They’re rare, and not often found.

Funding and Tuition

When it comes to private education, these are some of the biggest points of concern for many parents.  Where is the institution getting their funding, and how expensive will tuition be?  Obviously, this will depend on which program you’re looking at.

Generally speaking, private schools are funded through tuition payments, donations, and endowments.  This is unlike public education, which is funded through taxes.  In turn, they have much more control over their curriculum. 

Tuition can vary widely, of course.  It could range from a few thousand dollars to fifty-thousand dollars a semester.  Try checking out various options and compare their rates.  Hopefully, you can find something that fits your budget as well as your values.

Some private schools offer financial aid or scholarships based on need or merit.  This is good to keep in mind, and definitely applies to Franklin, TN!  Explore your options and see what’s available.  This makes this type of education accessible for a lot more people.

Admission Process

Again, this can differ pretty significantly depending on the institution you’re interested in.  Admission criteria vary but often include application forms.  There are also usually interviews and entrance exams.  Some competitive private schools have rigorous admission processes.

Something else to think about is that many private schools require recommendation letters from previous teachers or other adults familiar with the child.  That can take time to acquire, so keep that in mind when you’re applying.

Curriculum and Class Size

For most parents, this is going to be why they’re interested in private education.  The curriculum will be based on the values of the institution.  Parochial schools, for instance, focus on those religious values.

Private schools have the autonomy to create their own curriculum because of how they’re funded.  Therefore, these organizations can develop coursework based on Christian values.  Students will learn them and internalize them throughout the years.

Smaller class sizes are common as well.  It’s another perk of these programs.  Your child will get more personalized care from their teachers because of the smaller classes.  

That could also help them to perform better.  They may be able to focus better in a smaller class.

Extracurricular Activities

One concern that some parents have is whether or not their children will still be able to perform in extracurricular activities.  After all, this is something that many colleges and universities really want to see from potential students.  Beyond that, it’s just enriching for our kids.

Thankfully, many private schools offer a plethora of extracurricular activities.  Those could include clubs, student organizations, sports teams, and arts.  All of them can help children enhance their academic and social abilities even further!

Regulation and Accreditation

Obviously, private institutions are regulated far less than public ones.  However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t reputable and accredited.  They can be accredited by various organizations to ensure a standard of education.

When you’re researching your options here in Franklin, Tennessee, that’s something to keep in mind.  Overall, they must still comply with state educational regulations.  There is just a bit more flexibility in terms of how they achieve that.

Choosing a Private School

Parents often find this to be quite a challenge.  Educational philosophy, school culture, location, facilities, and tuition costs are all factors we have to keep in mind.  In the end, it’s up to you to decide what the most important of those things are for your children. 

Of course, there is also the matter of the values we want them to be taught.  That’s why so many families enroll their children in parochial schools.  School visits, open house events, and conversations with current families can provide insight into the right fit for a child.