Should I Send My Child to a Rochester Private or Public School?

Rochester is undoubtedly a bustling hub of activity and excitement, making it an ideal location to raise a family. But, as your children continue to grow up, you may begin to question where they could go to school. Plus, since there are so many merits associated with both public and private schools, it can be very hard to select the best option for your lifestyle and budget. As such, this article will list a collection of key questions you should ask yourself when sending your child to school in Rochester.

1. Is Your Child Old Enough to Start School?

Sending your child off for their first day of school is a truly unforgettable experience and can evoke a lot of feelings for both you and your loved one. However, you should also consider whether your child is old enough to start school or whether they require a bit more time to mature and grow under your guidance. Though you may believe that it's important to put your child in education as soon as possible, the National Center for Education Statistics notes that data from October 2021 states that only 50% of 3 to 4-year-olds were actually enrolled in school. As such, before you begin to ask whether you should send your child to a public school or a private school in Rochester, you should assess whether they are ready to start school altogether. Rochester Subway also highlights that private education is available at every level, so even if your child does not start Pre-K as expected, they can still enroll in a private establishment further down the line.

2. What Are Their Future Ambitions?

If your child is very academically driven, MYRA suggests that sending them to a private school in Rochester may help them to get noticed by an abundance of reputable colleges and businesses. Yet, if your child is not that way inclined, shipping them off to a vast educational establishment may not be the best route for helping them achieve their future goals. For example, if your child is interested in working in a trade, attending a public school may give them a better chance of securing a desirable apprenticeship or a place in a technical program. In addition, some parents fear that sending their child to a private school will make them seem overly elitist. Yet, data explains that 25% of all U.S. schools are considered to be private schools, so it seems that these institutions are becoming a lot more commonplace.

3. Will Your Children Become Isolated?

Alongside teaching your child about the key principles of our world, schools are designed to help children socialize and form strong bonds with their peers. As such, since the University of Rochester notes that a public school welcomes around 30,000-40,000 students at a time, enrolling your child in a public school may be a great way for your child to come out of their shell and make life-long friends. Moreover, NCES highlights that a public charter school usually gets a lot of its funding from the public and is typically governed by a legislative body. Therefore, these types of schools are a perfect resource for those who may not have the funds to send their child to a private school in Rochester but still want them to experience the best education possible.

A child's first day of school is a huge milestone and is also a key sign that they're growing into the person they were always meant to be. Yet, since there are so many different types of schools in Rochester, many parents still feel a lot of anxiety about their children's futures. Therefore, if you are still struggling to decide whether to send your child to a public school or a state school, consider using some of the tips and tricks discussed throughout this article to offer you a helping hand.