Delivering Educational Value
Toronto has a
large selection of public and private junior schools for parents to choose from.
At this critical age of development, it is important for parents to get a sense
of the fundamental values of each institution before selecting which type of
school to enroll their children in. Private junior high schools offer students better
educational value and prepare students for secondary and post-secondary
institutions. Private schools develop well-rounded individuals who are capable
of analytical thinking and writing. Students maintain a strong sense of both
personal and social responsibility and tend to thrive in a structured
environment deeply rooted in the school’s core values.
The goal of
private junior high schools is to help students achieve the grades required to
enter reputable universities and provide them with the necessary tools to ensure
success once they are there. This involves a focus on developing the following:
- excellent
communicators and problem solvers
- informed
students who think productively
- self-directed
learners with independent thinking skills
- youth who
are engaged in their education and aim for personal growth
- confident
junior high students with leadership skills
- adolescents
who have respect for authority, their peers and themselves
By instilling
these values and character traits into children during the formative years of junior
high school, parents and teachers are giving them the best gift possible.
Smaller Classrooms, Parental Involvement
There are many
benefits to investing in private junior high school education. Private schools
believe that a reduced teacher-to-student ratio is fundamentalin helping students attain the height of personal success. With smaller
classroom sizes, teachers are able to identify areas of strength and weakness
and can personally address any issues that may arise in the early stages. No
child is simply "just another student.”
Private schools are
built on different core relationships. The most important being the
relationship between student and teacher. However, engaged parental involvement
is of paramount importance to the success of a student’s development. Not only
does this engage communication on all levels pertaining to a student’s progress
but also fosters a positive relationship between student and parents. Private
schools tend to hold more parent-teacher events such as luncheons and
conferences. This fully engages the parent, who can then partner with the
teachers in supporting development outside of the classroom.
Advanced Leadership
Teachers who work
in a private institution tend to hold advanced degrees in the subjects they
specialize in. According to a Fraser Institute study completed in 2007, 91 per cent of
parents chose private education vs. public because of the dedication of the
teachers. Teachers also build strong relationships with their students and are
often seen as role models.
By participating
in extra-curricular activities, students learn how to effectively balance
leisure time with work, gaining a valuable skill that applies to any stage of
life. These clubs, athletic teams and organizations also help students develop
meaningful and positive relationships with their peers while giving them the
chance to discover their natural gifts and talents in the areas of art, music,
culture and sport.
These fundamental
skills that are instilled in students contribute to the positive learning
environment in private schools, one where each student is encouraged to succeed
and attain their own personal best. Children who are enrolled in a private
educational institution are better prepared for future academic challenges.