Is Private Education Worth It for Your Exceptional Child?

Every parent wants to help their exceptional child thrive, and with so many educational options available, it’s natural to ask whether a private school is truly worth the investment.

At Friends Academy, we believe a private education is more than an investment in academics—it's a commitment to nurturing your child’s full potential through intellectual challenge, personal growth, and community. 

What is a Private School?

Private schools are independent educational institutions that secure funding through student tuition, donations, and endowments instead of government support. While public schools have to follow a curriculum set by their school district, private schools can develop programs that specifically align with their educational philosophies and goals. But that doesn’t mean private schools can teach whatever they want—they’re still beholden to academic standards set by a state accreditation body.

What are the Benefits of Private Education?

Tailored Instruction for Individualized Growth

With smaller classes than most public schools, private school teachers can adjust their methods and materials to meet students’ unique needs, interests, and learning styles.

Tailored instruction allows teachers to address any gaps or challenges students face and ensure they receive the necessary tools and resources to overcome obstacles. This personalized approach ensures every student receives the support they need to succeed academically and personally. As a result, students feel understood, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

Fostering a Strong Community for Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood and Beyond

Healthy social and emotional development is essential, regardless of where your child attends school. A strong sense of belonging and connection within a supportive community promotes well-being, builds confidence, and encourages a positive self-image.

By addressing each student's unique needs and fostering a supportive environment, private schools empower exceptional learners to use challenges, thrive academically, and build meaningful relationships. Students benefit not only from their teachers’ guidance but also from one another, forming deep connections and lasting friendships.

Exposing Your Child to a Diverse and Enriching Private School Curriculum

In general, private schools have a remarkable ability to cultivate a strong community that supports social and emotional development in students. These schools prioritize creating a nurturing and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among students, parents, and teachers.

Without Common Core and standardized testing constraints, private school teachers can explore diverse teaching approaches beyond rote memorization and test preparation.

By offering a wide range of subjects and educational experiences, private schools provide exceptional students with opportunities to explore their interests, expand their knowledge, and discover their unique talents. They recognize that education goes beyond academics and strive to teach essential life skills such as empathy, respect, and resilience.

Preparing Students for College Success

When it comes to preparing for college, private schools provide a distinct advantage through their robust college counseling programs. According to Forbes, private school students made up only 8.5% of American students in 9-12th grades in 2019, but accounted for nearly 40% of the incoming freshmen classes at Harvard and Yale for 2025, and over 40% of the class of 2026 at Dartmouth.

These impressive acceptance rates highlight the effectiveness of private school college counseling in preparing students for the competitive college application process. Private schools invest in personalized guidance, help students craft compelling applications, navigate financial aid, and establish relationships with college admissions officers.

By offering comprehensive support and leveraging their networks, private schools help students achieve their college aspirations and maximize their future potential.

Nurturing Character and Values through Quaker Education

At Friends Academy, we firmly believe that Quaker values—rooted in a 350-year-old educational tradition—are essential for academic excellence and create a rigorous and academically stimulating learning model. As a Quaker school, we prioritize character development and ethical decision-making, infusing our core Quaker values of peace, integrity, equality, and community into every aspect of school life. This foundation sets the stage for an educational experience beyond surface-level learning.

A Quaker education encourages students to explore complex ideas and engage in critical thinking, helping students absorb knowledge, understand it in context, and contemplate its implications. Through reflection and open dialogue, students are encouraged to ask big questions, challenge assumptions, and develop unique perspectives.

Quaker values aren't only about individual growth. They’re also about creating a supportive and inclusive community where every student feels valued and respected. We foster an environment that encourages conflict resolution, empathy, and understanding. This helps students develop the social and emotional skills needed to thrive academically and personally.

Could Your Child Benefit from the Advantages of Private Education?

Ultimately, where you send your children to school should be based on your family’s specific needs and priorities. Educational philosophy and academic programs are important, but you should also consider how tuition and geographic location affect your decision.  

Private schools excel at providing academic and social stimulation, setting them apart from public education. While public schools play a vital role in our education system and provide valuable opportunities for many students, they're not the right fit for everyone. If you’re considering sending your children to private school, but aren’t completely assured of their value, the following could be a sign that your child needs academic or social stimulation that public schools can’t provide. 

4 Signs Private School is Worth It for Your Child 

1. High achievement or exceptional talent

Does your child consistently exceed academic expectations? Do they demonstrate exceptional talent in the arts, sciences, athletics, or other areas? If so, a private education can offer an environment that nurtures and enhances their unique strengths and abilities. Some signs to look for include:

• consistently surpassing academic benchmarks set for their grade
• a strong aptitude for scientific thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning
• displaying a natural gift in music, visual arts, drama, or any other artistic form
• displaying exceptional talent in athletics or exceptional physical abilities

2. Lack of intellectual engagement

If your child consistently feels unchallenged in their current academic setting, it could indicate that they need more intellectually stimulating opportunities to thrive and grow. Some indicators include:

• consistently expressing a sense of being unchallenged by their current coursework
• no longer showing excitement about their academic pursuits
• not feeling challenged to stretch their abilities, encounter new ideas, or engage in meaningful discussions

3. Struggle to find a sense of belonging

If your child has trouble making friends or struggles with social connections in their current school, they may need a more supportive and inclusive environment. Some indicators include:

• difficulty building friendships in their current school
• expressing feelings of social isolation or exclusion
• social anxiety, reluctance to participate in group activities, or withdrawal from social interactions

4. Unique learning style or specialized interests

If your child demonstrates a unique learning style or has particular interests that aren't adequately supported by the traditional public school system, a school that can provide tailored instruction could be beneficial. Some indicators include:

• struggling with traditional teaching methods or showing a limited response to the standard curriculum
• displaying exceptional talent or a deep passion in a particular area not fully nurtured by their current school
• seeking more knowledge or challenging subjects beyond the standard curriculum
  
  

Is the Cost of Private Education Worth the Investment?

Choosing private education for your exceptional child is not an expense but a long-term investment. By integrating values, specialized programs, and personalized attention into the educational experience, private schools help exceptional students grow into successful individuals—confident leaders and compassionate contributors to society. They instill a sense of responsibility toward others and teach the importance of using their gifts and talents to better the community.

While the cost of private education can be a concern for many families, private school financial aid opportunities make it more accessible than you might expect. At Friends Academy, our need-based financial aid program is designed to bridge the gap between tuition and what a family can reasonably afford, helping ensure that cost isn't a barrier to a transformative education.

Investing in your child's education is an important decision. We’re committed to partnering with families and exploring every possible option to make a Friends Academy education a reality for exceptional students, regardless of financial circumstances. 
When you’re ready to learn more about how a Friends Academy education can benefit your family, we encourage you to visit our Financial Aid FAQ or inquire today to connect with our admissions team.