# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Benefits of Uniforms in Private Schools - Admiral Farragut Academy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Based on research, there are many benefits of uniforms, including positive student behavior, academic performance, and overall success.

# data[].attributes.headline
Public schools have the option of having uniforms or not.

# data[].attributes.subject
Public schools have the option of having uniforms or not.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Benefits of Uniforms in Private Schools - Admiral Farragut Academy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Based on research, there are many benefits of uniforms, including positive student behavior, academic performance, and overall success.

# data[].attributes.headline
private schools don't allow children to be in their school if they fail classes.(Depends on the school

# data[].attributes.subject
private schools don't allow children to be in their school if they fail classes.(Depends on the school

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Do you get kicked out of a private school if you fail a class?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Answer (1 of 4): It all depends on the school. At my school, no teacher would simply let a student fail-they seek out the student, offer extra help, suggest tutoring, call the parents, etc. There are no surprises at the end of the trimester or year. We have graduation requirements, which include...

# data[].attributes.headline
Some people think private schools only have honor role classes,but public schools have average classes or honor classes.

# data[].attributes.subject
Some people think private schools only have honor role classes,but public schools have average classes or honor classes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learn about the differences between honors and average-paced courses to determine which type is best for your child's learning environment and GPA.

When students choose their schedules for the upcoming school year, many parents worry over whether or not to enroll their child in honors courses. While honors courses certainly provide students with greater challenges, many students are forced to sacrifice higher grades for the cost of more rigorous academic experiences.

Ultimately, many schools and parents are confused over which is better: higher grades or greater challenges? Since earning a high grade in an honors course is more challenging than earning a high grade in a regular paced course, students seeking to establish their new schedules should heed the advice of public school and college admission experts.

Honors vs. Average: What's the Big Difference?

While each state and school community has its own curriculum standards, most honors and average paced courses respectively adhere to similar philosophical practices. For example, Wake County Public Schools, one of the largest school systems in North Carolina, divides its high school courses into "honors" and "academic" (average) tracks. In examining the differences in Wake County Schools' 9 th grade English course options, for example, parents and students can clearly examine the basic similarities and differences between the honors and academic options.

Honors 9th Grade English: Students in both honors and academic are required to read specific texts from a county-wide reading list. An honors course, however, will generally read more texts than an academic course, as the honors course is conducted at a much faster pace. In order to work more rapidly through the diverse materials, honors students will undoubtedly be assigned more homework than an academic class. Additionally, if a student in an honors course falls behind or is struggling, the student must typically seek out tutoring assistance during his or her own time (during lunch, before / after school etc.), as the course's overall pace cannot be delayed by one student's struggles.

Academic 9th Grade English: While academic 9 th graders will read many of the same texts as the honors class, most of the reading for this track will be conducted in class, as teachers may focus more strongly on successful reading practices and strategies. Students will be working at a slower pace to ensure that all members of the class are understanding the material, and struggling students typically have more opportunities to receive help while they are in the classroom setting. Generally, students in the academic class setting will have less homework than the honors classroom.

In examining basic and generalized differences between this 9 th grade English example, some students may surmise that the academic pathway sounds much more appealing. With less homework and less rigorous grading standards, students seeking an easy "A" may believe that academic courses are their best option for success; however, choosing courses without careful consideration can lead to frustrating outcomes.

Students who are bright and determined to excel in their studies often express greater boredom in academic class settings. While the academic classes are by no means easy, they are simply not conducted at the speedier, more rigorous pace that some students crave. As a result, parents can help their child decide which track is better by evaluating their child's specific habits, interests, and needs.

Determining a Honors or Average Pathway

When deciding between honors or average paced courses, parents must first and foremost guide their students by determining each of their subject-area strengths. Many students who are able to excel in an honors math class may not excel in an honors English class, and vice-versa.

Yet before students make any definite decisions, parents and kids should find out if their school offers additional points for honors course work. As many schools now provide students with "weighted" grades, parents and kids are finding greater incentives for experiencing the advanced honors challenges. In a weighted grading system, some schools credit honors and AP students with additional GPA points. For example, a "B" in an honors class would hold the same weight as an "A" when determining a student's overall GPA. On the other hand, an "A" in an average course still counts as an "A" for the student's overall GPA.

To determine which classes are best, parents and students can follow basic decision-making steps together:

Make a list of the subject areas in which the student excels vs. the courses in which the student struggles.

Evaluate the courses that were deemed difficult. Have the student reflect on why each particular subject area was challenging. Was the struggle due to poor instruction, lack of organization, inability to turn in homework on time, or due to deeper course-content challenges? Once the parent and child have discussed the specific problems in each subject area, use the discussion to make decisions about whether or not the academic setting could help students gain greater support in specific areas.

Next, for the areas in which students excel, students may want to consider signing up for an honors section of the course. Prior to signing up, however, students should reflect on key questions:

-Am I willing to sacrifice an A in order to participate in a more challenging class?

-Does my school offer "weighted" grades for honors work?

-Will I be able to handle the honors content and assignments amidst my extra-curricular obligations? (Consider sports, hobbies, part-time jobs, etc)

-Do I prefer faster-paced courses or more steady and supportive environments?

Ultimately, both average and honors courses are designed to meet the unique needs of kids of diverse learning paces and abilities. For greater guidance and information, parents and students can arrange for a meeting with their school's guidance counselor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Should my Public School Child Enroll in Honors or Average Paced Courses? | PublicSchoolReview.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about the differences between honors and average-paced courses to determine which type is best for your child's learning environment and GPA. When students choose their schedules for the upcoming school year, many parents worry over whether or not to enroll their child in honors courses.

# data[].attributes.headline
you can still stay in a the same school if you failed by making up what you did,summer school,or another option is to stay in the same grade to pass.

# data[].attributes.subject
you can still stay in a the same school if you failed by making up what you did,summer school,or another option is to stay in the same grade to pass.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Can high school make you repeat a grade if you failed?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Answer (1 of 9): depends on how high school graduation criteria is set up in your school district. If you are on a credit system then there are no grades that you repeat it is a subject that your repeat.

# data[].attributes.headline
public schools have more children in a class than in private schools.That means public schools have bigger buildings to hold more children.

# data[].attributes.subject
public schools have more children in a class than in private schools.That means public schools have bigger buildings to hold more children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Before applying to college, you'll spend hours researching your top choices and your safety schools. In your search, you may see that the schools will be described as "private" or "public." Public colleges are those owned and supervised by states, while private schools are just that, ones that are owned privately. When considering the types of universities, you want to apply to, you will want to know their fundamental differences. Below are what factors to consider when choosing between these types of institutions.

Price

Tuition price is the most obvious difference between private and public colleges. Since public schools are funded via subsidies and taxes, they tend to be more affordable, but this isn't always the case. For example, if you are an out-of-state student, you could face higher tuition prices for a state school than your in-state peers. Since the incentive for in-state students is higher for these schools, they have a discount compared to those who live in a neighboring state. Depending on the state, fees for out-of-state students can range anywhere between $16,000 and $38,000 higher than their in-state peers.

Private colleges are funded by donations and tuition fees. Many think of private schools as the Ivy League schools, such as Harvard, Yale and Columbia University. In fact, there is a large list of private schools including institutions such as Northeastern University, Rice University and Bowdoin College. The price of a private university is higher than that of a public college. The average public, in-state student pays about $9,970 in tuition versus a private college student paying an average of $34,740. Those who attend these schools count on the degree they will earn being well-worth the price.

Keep in mind that both types of schools can receive grants and can collect financial aid from students.

Acceptance rates

An acceptance rate is the percentage of students a school accepts from their application pool. These rates create a competitive nature between private schools and between students. Private colleges are known for their acceptance rates as many students compete to earn that prestigious degree on their resume. But acceptance rates may be low for many of these private schools because they have students from all over the world applying to get into their programs. A program with a 10% acceptance rate that receives 200,000 applications still has 20,000 accepted and going to their school. Public colleges have higher acceptance rates, because those that apply tend to be local or in the same region of the university. In this case, if 20,000 people apply and the school has a 40% acceptance rate, about 8,000 students are accepted.

Size

Private and public universities also differ in size of classes and student population. Typically, private universities have both smaller classroom sizes and a smaller student population. Public universities tend to have more students and have a larger ratio of students to professor. The sizes of classrooms and those on campus varies from school to school, so if this is a major part of your decision making, you will want to do research on each school you are considering. Only want to be at a university with smaller class sizes? Per the U.S. News & World Report, you may want to consider these universities that have a majority of classes with fewer than 20 students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Public vs. Private Schools: What's the Difference? | ExploreHealthCareers.org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tuition price is the most obvious difference between private and public colleges. Since public schools are funded via subsidies and taxes, they tend to be more affordable, but this isn't always the case. For example, if you are an out-of-state student, you could face higher tuition prices for a state school than your in-state peers.

# data[].attributes.headline
while private schools do not have to except special needs children.

# data[].attributes.subject
while private schools do not have to except special needs children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Private versus public! It's a debate that rages across the playgrounds and living rooms of America. In fact, according to a 2009 GreatSchools and Harris Interactive poll, nearly one in four parents are currently considering switching their child's school either from private to public or public to private as a result of the economy.

What's better for your youngster? How can you compare private and public schools when they seem so disparate? Is it like comparing apples and oranges - two different things that can't be fairly held to the same standards?

As any parent who has toured both kinds of school knows, it's not always easy to answer these questions. Many people have a bias one way or another. Some assume that private schools offer superior everything, justifying their tuition costs. Others contend that public schools provide more real-life experiences or, in some cases, more-developed specialty programs in athletics or science.

While this primer won't dare takes sides, it will touch on the most fundamental differences between public and private schools - as well as a few subtle distinctions that might make all the difference for your child.

The bottom line

The most obvious discrepancy between public and private schools comes down to cold, hard cash. The good news for parents is that public schools cannot charge tuition. The bad news is that public schools are complicated, often underfunded operations influenced by political winds and shortfalls. Financed through federal, state, and local taxes, public schools are part of a larger school system, which functions as a part of the government and must follow the rules and regulations set by politicians.

In contrast, private schools must generate their own funding, which typically comes from a variety of sources: tuition; private grants; and fundraising from parents, alumni, and other community members. (Ever wonder why private schools celebrate Grandparent's Day and public schools don't?) If the school is associated with a religious group, the local branch may provide an important source of funding as well.

For parents this quickly translates into the bad news: high tuition costs and sometimes an exhausting work calendar of parent-sponsored fundraisers. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the median tuition for their member private day schools in 2008-2009 in the United States was $17,441. Tuition for boarding schools was close to $37,017. (Of the 28,384 private schools in the United States, about 1,050 are affiliated with the NAIS. Average tuition for nonmember schools is substantially less: Day schools charge $10,841 and boarding schools $23,448.)

Parochial schools are even more affordable. The for the freshman year of secondary school. (Thank you, Pope Benedict XVI!) National Catholic Educational Association reports that the mean tuition for parish elementary schools is $2,607 and

The potential benefits of private schools accrue from their independence. Private schools do not receive tax revenues, so they do not have to follow the same sorts of regulations and bureaucratic processes that govern (and sometimes hinder) public schools. This allows many private schools to be highly specialized, offering differentiated learning, advanced curriculum, or programs geared toward specific religious beliefs. There are exceptions to such generalizations - charter and magnet schools are increasingly common public schools that often have a special educational focus or theme.

The admissions game

Another obvious distinction between public and private schools results from their respective admissions procedures. By law, public schools must accept all children. In many cases, enrolling your child involves little more than filling out a few forms and providing proof of your address to the local school district office. In practice, however, getting your child into the public school of his or her choice can be much more complicated.

Because not all public schools have resources for helping students with special needs, enrolling a child with a learning disability or other disorder may entail a more complex process. Similarly, in school districts with "school choice" policies, the procedure for finding a public school may require that parents enter a lottery to gain admission for their child into their top pick. Finally, at the high school level, many districts in larger metropolitan areas offer special schools with competitive enrollment based on students' GPAs or artistic portfolios.

Private schools, by their very definition, are selective. They are not obligated to accept every child, so getting admitted may involve in-depth applications with multiple interviews, essays, and testing. Because private schools define the identity of their communities, they often pick and choose between candidates based not only on their scholastic achievement but also their ethnicity and religious background - as well as the special attributes (or assets) of their parents.

Teachers, curriculum, and class size

While most people assume that teachers at private schools are as qualified as those at public ones, it's important to note that all teachers in a public school are usually state certified or, at a minimum, working toward certification. Certification ensures that a teacher has gone through the training required by the state, which includes student teaching and course work. Teachers in private schools may not be required to have certification. Instead, they often have subject-area expertise and an undergraduate or graduate degree in the subject they teach.

There's a similar discrepancy between curriculum development in private and public schools. Public schools must follow state guidelines that set out specific standards and assessment procedures. In theory, this creates a certain amount of quality control. Private schools, on the other hand, can choose whatever curriculum and assessment model they wish. This freedom to design their own curriculum or avoid standardized tests can result in higher standards for students - or lower.

Many states recognize the value of small classes and have provided funding to keep class sizes small in grades K-3. As students advance to higher grades, class size tends to get bigger in public schools, especially in large school districts and urban schools.

While many private schools provide small classes with low student-to-teacher ratios, there is no guarantee that such schools will keep their class size below a certain level. Some private schools - Catholic ones, in particular - traditionally have larger classes than public schools.

Special needs

Due to special education laws, public schools must educate all children and provide the necessary programs to meet their special needs. This means that all school districts have special education programs and teachers who are trained to work with special-needs students.

Private schools do not have to accept children with special needs, and many choose not to (although there are a small number of private schools designed for special-needs children). As a result, most private schools do not have special education programs or teachers trained to work with that student population. Some private schools will try to help all the students they admit, but extra resources may come at an additional cost. Other private schools practice something called "counseling out" - recommending that children with learning disabilities look elsewhere for a school.

How do you know what's right for your child?

Don't rely on hearsay and rumor when it comes to deciding between private and public. Visit the schools and ask the teachers lots of questions. Read school profiles on GreatSchools. At the end of the day, the best school for your child is a highly personal decision based on your family; your values; and, most important, the special needs, idiosyncrasies, and interests of your kid. Let the debate rage on, but don't forget about the one person for whom this decision is far more than sandbox banter.

Testing at private vs. public schools

Private school students typically score higher than public school students on standardized tests, but a 2006 study (pdf) by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which took into account students' backgrounds, told a different story.

Public school students in fourth and eighth grade scored almost as well or better than their private school peers in reading and math, except that private school students excelled in eighth-grade reading.

A Harvard University study (pdf) challenged the results, using the same data but different methods. Researchers found that private schools came out ahead in 11 of 12 comparisons of students.

Earlier in 2006, an analysis of math scores by two University of Illinois researchers found similar results to the NCES study. "Charter, Private, Public Schools and Academic Achievement" states that "after accounting for the fact that private schools serve more advantaged populations, public schools perform remarkably well, often outscoring private and charter schools."

But as a dissenting view from the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation's Education Gadfly newsletter showed, the debate over which kind of school does a better job is far from settled.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Private versus public! It's a debate that rages across the playgrounds and living rooms of America. In fact, according to a 2009 GreatSchools and Harris Interactive poll, nearly one in four parents are currently considering switching their child's school either from private to public or public to private as a result of the economy.

# data[].attributes.headline
public schools must except all children for example all genders must be excepted and disabled children,too.

# data[].attributes.subject
public schools must except all children for example all genders must be excepted and disabled children,too.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Private versus public! It's a debate that rages across the playgrounds and living rooms of America. In fact, according to a 2009 GreatSchools and Harris Interactive poll, nearly one in four parents are currently considering switching their child's school either from private to public or public to private as a result of the economy.

What's better for your youngster? How can you compare private and public schools when they seem so disparate? Is it like comparing apples and oranges - two different things that can't be fairly held to the same standards?

As any parent who has toured both kinds of school knows, it's not always easy to answer these questions. Many people have a bias one way or another. Some assume that private schools offer superior everything, justifying their tuition costs. Others contend that public schools provide more real-life experiences or, in some cases, more-developed specialty programs in athletics or science.

While this primer won't dare takes sides, it will touch on the most fundamental differences between public and private schools - as well as a few subtle distinctions that might make all the difference for your child.

The bottom line

The most obvious discrepancy between public and private schools comes down to cold, hard cash. The good news for parents is that public schools cannot charge tuition. The bad news is that public schools are complicated, often underfunded operations influenced by political winds and shortfalls. Financed through federal, state, and local taxes, public schools are part of a larger school system, which functions as a part of the government and must follow the rules and regulations set by politicians.

In contrast, private schools must generate their own funding, which typically comes from a variety of sources: tuition; private grants; and fundraising from parents, alumni, and other community members. (Ever wonder why private schools celebrate Grandparent's Day and public schools don't?) If the school is associated with a religious group, the local branch may provide an important source of funding as well.

For parents this quickly translates into the bad news: high tuition costs and sometimes an exhausting work calendar of parent-sponsored fundraisers. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the median tuition for their member private day schools in 2008-2009 in the United States was $17,441. Tuition for boarding schools was close to $37,017. (Of the 28,384 private schools in the United States, about 1,050 are affiliated with the NAIS. Average tuition for nonmember schools is substantially less: Day schools charge $10,841 and boarding schools $23,448.)

Parochial schools are even more affordable. The for the freshman year of secondary school. (Thank you, Pope Benedict XVI!) National Catholic Educational Association reports that the mean tuition for parish elementary schools is $2,607 and

The potential benefits of private schools accrue from their independence. Private schools do not receive tax revenues, so they do not have to follow the same sorts of regulations and bureaucratic processes that govern (and sometimes hinder) public schools. This allows many private schools to be highly specialized, offering differentiated learning, advanced curriculum, or programs geared toward specific religious beliefs. There are exceptions to such generalizations - charter and magnet schools are increasingly common public schools that often have a special educational focus or theme.

The admissions game

Another obvious distinction between public and private schools results from their respective admissions procedures. By law, public schools must accept all children. In many cases, enrolling your child involves little more than filling out a few forms and providing proof of your address to the local school district office. In practice, however, getting your child into the public school of his or her choice can be much more complicated.

Because not all public schools have resources for helping students with special needs, enrolling a child with a learning disability or other disorder may entail a more complex process. Similarly, in school districts with "school choice" policies, the procedure for finding a public school may require that parents enter a lottery to gain admission for their child into their top pick. Finally, at the high school level, many districts in larger metropolitan areas offer special schools with competitive enrollment based on students' GPAs or artistic portfolios.

Private schools, by their very definition, are selective. They are not obligated to accept every child, so getting admitted may involve in-depth applications with multiple interviews, essays, and testing. Because private schools define the identity of their communities, they often pick and choose between candidates based not only on their scholastic achievement but also their ethnicity and religious background - as well as the special attributes (or assets) of their parents.

Teachers, curriculum, and class size

While most people assume that teachers at private schools are as qualified as those at public ones, it's important to note that all teachers in a public school are usually state certified or, at a minimum, working toward certification. Certification ensures that a teacher has gone through the training required by the state, which includes student teaching and course work. Teachers in private schools may not be required to have certification. Instead, they often have subject-area expertise and an undergraduate or graduate degree in the subject they teach.

There's a similar discrepancy between curriculum development in private and public schools. Public schools must follow state guidelines that set out specific standards and assessment procedures. In theory, this creates a certain amount of quality control. Private schools, on the other hand, can choose whatever curriculum and assessment model they wish. This freedom to design their own curriculum or avoid standardized tests can result in higher standards for students - or lower.

Many states recognize the value of small classes and have provided funding to keep class sizes small in grades K-3. As students advance to higher grades, class size tends to get bigger in public schools, especially in large school districts and urban schools.

While many private schools provide small classes with low student-to-teacher ratios, there is no guarantee that such schools will keep their class size below a certain level. Some private schools - Catholic ones, in particular - traditionally have larger classes than public schools.

Special needs

Due to special education laws, public schools must educate all children and provide the necessary programs to meet their special needs. This means that all school districts have special education programs and teachers who are trained to work with special-needs students.

Private schools do not have to accept children with special needs, and many choose not to (although there are a small number of private schools designed for special-needs children). As a result, most private schools do not have special education programs or teachers trained to work with that student population. Some private schools will try to help all the students they admit, but extra resources may come at an additional cost. Other private schools practice something called "counseling out" - recommending that children with learning disabilities look elsewhere for a school.

How do you know what's right for your child?

Don't rely on hearsay and rumor when it comes to deciding between private and public. Visit the schools and ask the teachers lots of questions. Read school profiles on GreatSchools. At the end of the day, the best school for your child is a highly personal decision based on your family; your values; and, most important, the special needs, idiosyncrasies, and interests of your kid. Let the debate rage on, but don't forget about the one person for whom this decision is far more than sandbox banter.

Testing at private vs. public schools

Private school students typically score higher than public school students on standardized tests, but a 2006 study (pdf) by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which took into account students' backgrounds, told a different story.

Public school students in fourth and eighth grade scored almost as well or better than their private school peers in reading and math, except that private school students excelled in eighth-grade reading.

A Harvard University study (pdf) challenged the results, using the same data but different methods. Researchers found that private schools came out ahead in 11 of 12 comparisons of students.

Earlier in 2006, an analysis of math scores by two University of Illinois researchers found similar results to the NCES study. "Charter, Private, Public Schools and Academic Achievement" states that "after accounting for the fact that private schools serve more advantaged populations, public schools perform remarkably well, often outscoring private and charter schools."

But as a dissenting view from the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation's Education Gadfly newsletter showed, the debate over which kind of school does a better job is far from settled.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Private versus public! It's a debate that rages across the playgrounds and living rooms of America. In fact, according to a 2009 GreatSchools and Harris Interactive poll, nearly one in four parents are currently considering switching their child's school either from private to public or public to private as a result of the economy.

# data[].attributes.headline
public schools out perform private school.

# data[].attributes.subject
public schools out perform private school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Findings Challenge Common Assumption

Everyone knows that private schools are better than public schools. At least that's a common assumption - and one that just might not hold up.

A 2005 study seriously challenges this bedrock assumption of the advocates for private school vouchers and other school privatization schemes.

The study shows that public school children outperformed their private school peers on a federal math test. Common sense and now this study also suggest that private school standardized test scores tend to be better more because of their students' socioeconomic background than because of anything the school is doing.

"A New Look at Public and Private Schools: Student Background and Mathematics Achievement" appears in the May issue of the prestigious Phi Delta Kappan magazine. The study's authors are Sarah Theule, an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and Christopher Lubienski, an education professor at Urbana-Champaign in the Department of Educational Organization and Leadership.

"Our findings suggest that it is time for a critical reexamination of common assumptions regarding the effectiveness of public and private schools," say the authors. "As market-style reforms change the public school landscape, prompting many to call for various forms of privatization of schooling options, it is important to examine the evidence regarding whether private schools are, indeed, more effective than public schools."

After accounting for the socioeconomic background of students, the researchers "actually found just the opposite of what was expected: public schools outperformed private schools..."

Lubienski told the Christian Science Monitor that the findings "really call into question the assumption of some of the more prominent reform efforts" and that they challenge the assumption that "the private-school model is better and more effective, and can achieve superior results."

It's just one study, but the findings point to the need for more research and, say the authors, should "give pause" to those pushing for the wholesale privatization of public education.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Study Suggests Public Schools Outperform Private

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Everyone knows that private schools are better than public schools. At least that's a common assumption - and one that just might not hold up. A 2005 study seriously challenges this bedrock assumption of the advocates for private school vouchers and other school privatization schemes.

# data[].attributes.headline
you can still have uniforms in a public school.

# data[].attributes.subject
you can still have uniforms in a public school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Uniforms can be a contentious topic in US public schools, particularly for the kids wearing them.

"The research we've seen finds that the majority of students don't want to wear school uniforms," says Deborah Weinswig, founder and CEO of Coresight Research, which surveys adults with school-age children as part of its retail research. "[Uniforms] restrict individuality, they're expensive, they're too old-fashioned, they don't follow any of the current fashion trends and they aren't flattering."

Yet as American kids head back to public school this month, far more of them will be wearing uniforms than did just a decade ago. In the school year that ended in 2016, 21.5% of US public schools required students to wear uniforms, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That's up from 13.8% in 2006.

Unlike a number of other countries, such as the UK, the US doesn't have a culture of students wearing uniforms outside of private schools. The first documented conversations on the subject only began in the 1980s, as sociologist David L. Brunsma describes in his book The School Uniform Movement and what it Tells Us about American Education. Among other benefits, uniforms were floated as a way to help curb incidents of violence, including gang violence.

Not all uniforms are as nice as Success Academy's.

Since then, schools have turned to uniforms for a variety of reasons. While there's no conclusive evidence that they boost student performance, administrators view them as helpful in creating a sense of community and a school culture that fosters seriousness about learning.

"The idea is to support equality," says Anne Michaud, a spokesperson for Success Academy, the largest free public charter school network in New York City. "If children are dressed in same or similar fashion, they aren't distracted by each others' clothing and judgments about what others are wearing. Uniforms are an equalizer."

Success Academy has required students to wear uniforms since opening its first school in 2006. Today, the roughly 17,000 students it serves across its 47 schools all wear them. Michaud adds that the communal feeling uniforms support is particularly beneficial for their racially and ethnically diverse schools, and that uniforms are practical and cost-effective, since parents don't have to worry about keeping their kids dressed in the latest fashions.

Courtesy of Success Academy

Some of the vibrant uniforms at Success Academy.

Prices can vary, though. In the UK, the charity Family Action warned in 2011 that uniforms were putting a financial burden on poor families, and complaints about the expense from parents pop up on occasion.

In the UK, more than 80% of secondary schools require uniforms, says Sir Kevan Collins, chief executive of the Education Endowment Foundation, and the number is still growing. "There's been a rise and more attention to it," Collins says, "with a stronger focus on the school uniform not being a generic uniform that all kids wear in all schools but actually distinguishing your school."

Of course they're more embedded in the culture in the UK. In Collins's experience, students tend to like the uniform, especially if they were involved in the design process.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
More US school kids than ever are wearing uniforms this fall

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Uniforms can be a contentious topic in US public schools, particularly for the kids wearing them. "The research we've seen finds that the majority of students don't want to wear school uniforms," says Deborah Weinswig, founder and CEO of Coresight Research, which surveys adults with school-age children as part of its retail research.

# data[].attributes.headline
you don't have to pay to be in a public school.

# data[].attributes.subject
you don't have to pay to be in a public school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By design American private schools are really private. While in most cases they observe applicable state laws with respect to minimum requirements concerning what is taught, private schools are answerable to their boards and their clients, i.e., the families who send students to them.

2. Private schools are more affordable than you think.

Granted, some private schools are very expensive. Especially boarding schools. However, since they generally seek to attract a diverse student population, most private schools offer generous financial aid packages.

3. Several private schools are free.

Years ago several benefactors established schools which will cost eligible students virtually nothing to attend. In more recent times the Cristo Rey network of schools has made a private school education almost free for families of limited means.

4. Some private schools are residential.

Residential private schools are known as boarding schools. Your child will attend classes as well as eat and sleep at the school. Professional, experienced adult supervision ensures the safety of your child 24/7.

5. Most private schools are day schools.

In a day school your child attends classes during normal daytime hours. Extracurricular activities and sports are typically included within that day time schedule.

6. Some private schools offer a blend of day and boarding options.

Boarding schools located in a town or city often offer a day student option for local families. That can reduce the cost of a private school education significantly.

7. Some private schools are religious schools.

Roman Catholic, Muslim, Christian, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Seventh Day Adventist, Quaker, Jewish and dozens of other religions are represented in the private school world. If educating your child in a school which observes and practises your religion is important to you, there will be a private school suitable for your needs and requirements.

8. Some private schools are non-sectarian.

Non-sectarian usually means that a school does not adhere to any particular religious beliefs. School functions will include prayers and readings from the Bible and other religious writings. But apart from that there is no denominational emphasis.

9. Some private schools offer military training.

Looking to send your daughter or son to a school with Junior ROTC and other military training? Then you should review and evaluate private military schools. They offer excellent academics combined with the focused military training you want.

10. Most private schools require admissions testing in one form or another.

Unlike public schools which pretty much have to accommodate anybody within their geographic boundaries who registers, private schools admit applicants after a rigorous and thorough admissions process. This process includes among other things a standardized admissions test such as the SSAT or ISEE.

11. Many private schools offer just the early grades: PK-3.

Most communities of any size will have a pre-school or two or three. These schools come in all flavors and sizes so do your due diligence very carefully. Most of the time you will know that the school is a good one when there are way more applicants than places. You might want to consider putting your child's name on the list shortly after she is born in the case of some very highly sought after urban pre-schools. If a school follows the Montessori, Waldorf or Reggio Emilia philosophy, be sure to check it. It just might suit your needs.

12. Other private schools offer grades PK-8.

The PK through grade 8 schools are frequently found attached to a religious establishment. When that is the case, tuition is generally affordable. The religious component, however, is not optional in most of these schools. In addition to the faith-based PK-8 schools, there are usually a few non-sectarian PK-8 schools available as well.

13. Many private schools offer only high school grades 9-12 (13).

Most private high schools are college preparatory schools. That is, their curricula are designed to prepare your child for college level studies. There are many ways to accomplish this, of course. Investigate. Compare. Ask lots of questions. You will find the school which is the best fit for you and your child.

14. Many private schools offer all the grades from PK-12 (13).

Most of the private schools which offer all the grades are day schools. They will have an upper and a lower school each with its own faculty and administration. Assuming that things work out, it is rather comfirting to know that once your child gets into a primary grade, she could conceivably stay at the same school right through until graduation from grade 12.

15. Some private schools cater exclusively to students with special needs.

Children with special needs deserve to be taught by highly experienced professionals who know how to teach children with special needs. The small class sizes found in these schools coupled with plenty of one on one time with the teachers make these schools very effective at what they do.

16. Athletics are compulsory at most private schools.

Athletics are not aptional at most private schools. They are an integral part of school programs. The idea simply put is that a healthy mind needs a healthy body. Typically schools will set aside an afternoon in the middle of the week for sports and other athletic activities. Everybody gets involved - students and teachers. The scope of athletic programs offered depends on many factors. If a particular sport is important to your child, investigate thoroughly. Not every school has a natatorium or an equestrian program.

17. A few private schools specialize in sports.

A very limited number of private schools specialize in certain sports such as skiing or tennis. If you feel that your child needs an advanced level of instruction or a major focus on a specific sport, private school may well prove to be your best option.

18. Extracurricular activities are also compulsory at most private schools.

Just as with athletics everybody gets involved with extracurricular activities in private school. Private schools believe that their students learn important life lessons by being involved in an extracurricular activity.

19. Each private school decides what it is going to teach and how it is going to teach it.

Private schools exceed whatever state-mandated minimum requirements exist in the core subjects. They teach those subjects and many other ones in a manner they choose

20. Many private schools belong to the National Association of Independent Schools.

The NAIS is the trade association for private K-12 education. Located in Washington, DC, it offers a wealth of information and guidance for its members. It also promotes and protects the interests of private schools.

21. Private school teachers tend to have degrees in their subject areas.

An education degree is acceptable currency in teaching. But a degree in your subject area, such as Mandarin or physics, is what most private schools will expect you to have.

22. Many private schools offer needs-blind admission.

If your child can meet or exceed the academic standard for admission, the school will help you be able to afford to send your child to the school.

23. Many private high schools offer extensive Advanced Placement programs.

Advanced Placement or AP courses are important to many parents who see them as a way of guaranteeing success in college. Some progressive private schools do not offer AP courses. If this aspect of your child's education matters to you, investigate, observe and ask questions.

24. A small number of private schools offer the International Baccalaureate diploma program.

The International Baccalaureate or IB program is, as the name implies, an international curriculum. It is based in Switzerland. The IB curriculum is comprehensive and covers elementary grades through high school.

25. The National Center for Education Statistics offers a wealth of data and information about private K-12 schools.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
25 Things You Need to Know About Private Schools | PrivateSchoolReview.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By design American private schools are really private. While in most cases they observe applicable state laws with respect to minimum requirements concerning what is taught, private schools are answerable to their boards and their clients, i.e., the families who send students to them. 2. Private schools are more affordable than you think.