Misconceptions are opinions held based on incorrect or faulty information. We can hold certain pieces of information in our minds as if they are true and make judgments based on faulty data. 

Misconceptions exist about everything. Unfortunately, they can keep us from making good decisions for the wrong reasons.

When it comes to education choices, you want to make sure you are not beholden to false information. However, there are numerous misconceptions about private education. We want to help you have everything you need to make a fully informed decision about the school choice for your children. 

In this article, we are discussing and dispelling some of the most common private school misconceptions, so you can make an informed decision regarding your child’s education. While there are many other myths about private education, here are the seven we’re talking about here:

1. Private Education Is Just for Rich Kids
2. Private Education Is Not Diverse
3. Private Education Doesn’t Provide Arts or Athletics
4. Private Education Is Not Academically Rigorous (or Too Academically Rigorous)
5. Private Education Is All About Religion
6. Private Education Does Not Require Licensed Teachers
7. Private Education Shelters Kids

Seven Misconceptions About Private Education

1) Private Education Is Just for Rich Kids

Misconception: Private school is for rich kids. I don’t want my kids to become snobs. 

In Ohio, public and community schools receive government funding, so they do not charge tuition. Private schools do not receive public funds and must utilize other means to pay teachers and administrators, build and maintain buildings, and perform the functions of an educational institution. Typically, this will involve some combination of fundraisers and tuition. 

With charging tuition comes the idea that parents must be wealthy in order to afford for their children to attend. However, that could not be further from the truth. For schools like ours, the goal is often to provide the highest quality education as affordably as possible. Furthermore, many institutions offer some form of financial assistance and scholarship opportunities. 

That means that there are plenty of kids from all socio-economic backgrounds in any given private school. It also means that there are likely many options for your family if you have your heart set on a specific institution. Before you make a decision about private school based on economics, we would encourage you to reach out and find out what help might be available. 

2) Private Education Is Not Diverse

Misconception: Private schools are small and mostly homogeneous. I want my kids to have diversity. 

This misconception piggybacks off of the idea that private school is just for rich kids. Some erroneously believe that private schools cater to one socio-economic status. It is our school’s mission to:

“To follow Christ’s example, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, prepare children for a life of discipleship by helping them grow in faith, knowledge, and character. Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20 “‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’”

We are committed to serving every student possible, so your child will be in a diverse environment at St. John Lutheran School. Private schools are anything but homogeneous. 

3) Private Education Doesn’t Provide Quality Arts or Athletics

Misconception: Private schools have limited athletics and creative extracurriculars. How can my kid live out their sports/creative dreams?

Some argue that private schools lack the capacity and finances to provide a diverse selection of sports and extracurricular activities. It turns out that the opposite is true. Private schools are often able to provide unique organizations and athletic programs. 

At St. John, we offer a range of extracurricular activities and high-quality athletic programs. 

4) Private Education Is Not Academically Rigorous (or Too Academically Rigorous)

Misconception: Private schools focus too much on religion to the exclusion of academics. *Or alternatively, private schools are too tough for average students. 

A common and incorrect private school misconception is that private school academics are not consistently rigorous or entirely too challenging. 

In addition to religious teaching, students receive the highest-quality academic instruction within a supportive environment. We are committed to making sure students master reading, spelling, handwriting, English, literature, mathematics, social studies (geography, civics, history, and so on), science, computer education, fine arts (music, art, and so on), physical education, and health.

Modern instructional methods and materials, such as films, videos, and other audio-visual aids, are employed to offer our students with the best educational experiences possible. The majority of the literature and other materials utilized in the classroom are secular.

Our school's purpose is to teach our kids how to respond to these concepts in a Christian manner. We love when parents help support our educational programs at home. You’re never out of the loop regarding your child’s academic experience at St. John Lutheran School. 

5) Private Education Is All About Religion

Misconception: Private schools focus too much on religious education.

This misconception walks hand-in-hand with the one above. The focus on religious education must supersede academic instruction and will leave students with a lot of biblical knowledge but little academic knowledge. 

Of course, as a Lutheran school, we do place an emphasis on teaching biblical doctrine and making sure every student gets to hear the gospel as often as possible. However, as we discussed above, it is not to the exclusion of academically rigorous education in all subjects. 

The difference for us, and what sets Christian schools apart, is that we approach each subject with a biblical worldview. Having a biblical worldview means that you view society, history, and other subjects through the lens of Scripture. We want to help students find the answers to the most challenging questions in God’s Word. 

You might ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” With a biblical worldview, the answer to that question is, “No one is good, no not one.” 

If God totally removed all evil from the world, we would no longer be in it. However, by his grace, he gives good things to people who do not deserve them, namely, eternal life through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.

Ultimately, bad things don’t happen to good people. People who make poor choices are redeemed by God through Jesus. 

6) Private Education Does Not Require Licensed Teachers

Misconception: Private schools don’t have to require teachers to be licensed by the same standards as public schools; therefore, they are not as qualified as public school teachers.

While the state of Ohio does not require private school teachers to be licensed, many institutions do look for licensed teachers. Furthermore, private schools like ours are certainly searching for and employing the best and most qualified teachers. Our teachers have mastered the subjects they teach and are effective communicators, as well as certified professionals. 

At St. John Lutheran School, you can count on your child’s teachers being qualified, state certified, and exceptionally capable of communicating their wealth of knowledge. 

7) Private Education Shelters Kids

Misconception: Private school puts kids in a bubble, so they aren’t prepared for the real world. 

Private education provides a safe environment in which children can learn at an age-appropriate pace so they are able to properly process the things to which we’re all exposed at various times in our life. It is not a matter of sheltering kids, but presenting issues appropriately in a controlled environment. 

There are many other misconceptions about private schools. We would love to answer your questions and help you better understand the advantages of Christian private education. Contact the team at St. John Lutheran School for more information about our school and how your child can grow and thrive here.