Is it wrong to send your kid to private school?

Dear reader, you have been presented with a complex moral dilemma: whether to enroll your elementary school-age child in a public school or a more exclusive private institution. The author of this article argues that the decision should not be based on utilitarian philosophies that prioritize the well-being of all children over the specific needs of your own.

Instead, they suggest considering the unique commitments and values that parents hold, such as ensuring their child's well-being and fostering a sense of identity and continuity for their family.

The article cites research showing that the academic advantages of private schools often disappear when factors like family income, education level, and neighborhood socioeconomic status are taken into account. In fact, a study led by Robert Pianta and Arya Ansari at the University of Virginia found that after controlling for these variables, the private school advantage in academic performance vanished.

Additionally, a separate analysis of large, nationally representative datasets showed that public school students performed just as well in math as their private school counterparts, or even outperformed them, after accounting for demographic differences.

The author also raises concerns about the psychological effects of attending exclusive, high-achieving schools. They argue that the relentless pressure to compete and achieve, combined with the constant comparison to others and the tie between self-worth and achievement, can have a detrimental impact on a child's psychological well-being.

The article concludes that if the public school your child is attending is already considered "okay," there may not be a compelling reason to move him to a private school, as the potential benefits may not outweigh the potential drawbacks.