The Benefits of Private School Education: Is It Worth the Investment?

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Private school education offers a unique environment, combining academic excellence with individualized attention and opportunities that go beyond the classroom.

As a Jesuit, Catholic, all-boys high school in Boston, BC High forms young men of intellect, character, faith, and leadership. BC High educates the whole person, instilling students with strong values and a commitment to service. Combined with BC High’s mission-driven approach, the academic benefits of a private school education helps shape young men into leaders who succeed in college and in life.

Private vs. Public School: Understanding the Difference

Both public and private schools share the goal of educating young people, but frequently take very different approaches. Some of the benefits of private school education include smaller class sizes, greater access to resources, and faculty who can tailor instruction to student needs and interests.

Without the constraints of state funding and regulations, private schools can design programs, courses, and supports that align with their mission and their students. Moreover, private schools offer students greater opportunities to expand their horizons through service, travel, research, and more.

Many families choose private education because it offers a personalized experience designed to encourage their child’s growth and ongoing success. 

Class Sizes and Individual Attention

Classes in private schools are typically smaller, allowing students to receive more one-on-one support. Smaller classrooms also contribute to greater active participation in discussions, and give students the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with teachers.

Access to Resources and Opportunities

Private institutions often go beyond the basics to provide expanded extracurriculars, advanced coursework, specialized facilities, and leadership programs. These added programs give students more ways to explore interests and passions — or discover new ones.

Faculty Dedication and Expertise

Private school teachers often have advanced degrees and are encouraged to innovate and develop course material. They tend to be passionate about the subject material, and their commitment to student success helps create a dynamic, engaging learning environment.

Academic Advantages of Private Education

One of the advantages of private education is the strength of the academic experience. In addition to smaller classes and dedicated faculty, students benefit from a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. Pairing academic excellence with personalized support ensures that students are challenged — while also receiving guidance along the way.

College Preparation and Rigor

Like many private schools, at BC High we design our curriculum to prepare students for competitive colleges. Demanding coursework, AP and honors options, and tailored guidance helps them reach their academic potential and navigate the college admissions process with confidence.

Enriched Curriculum and Learning Environment

Private education offers a rich academic setting that encourages curiosity and critical thinking. Rather than complete tasks based on rote memorization, students are challenged to think broadly and deeply, develop logical arguments, and pursue academic interests through research opportunities. These experiences build skills that prepare students for success in college and beyond.

Benefits of a Private High School Environment

One of the benefits of a private high school education—and a private middle school education—is an experience that extends far beyond academic achievement. At BC High, we emphasize personal growth, leadership, and character formation in addition to academic rigor.

Service is at the heart of the Jesuit tradition. Our students not only support local communities through service initiatives but also learn to see their talents as gifts meant to serve others. With our focus on Jesuit values, BC High educates the next generation of compassionate, community-minded leaders. 

Leadership and Character Formation

Our five Centers of Human Excellence illustrate the pursuit of excellence through Jesuit education. Programs in innovation, leadership, global studies, belonging, and spirituality help our students grow into men of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment.

Co-curricular and Service Opportunities

BC High boasts an impressive selection of co-curricular activities. Clubs, athletics, performing arts, and robust service programs and spiritual retreats allow students to build confidence, explore new interests, and grow as well-rounded individuals.

Why Private Schools Offer Strong Student Support

Private schools offer tailored student support. Public schools often don’t have the resources to provide each individual student with targeted attention, encouragement, and guidance.

A private institution invests deeply in each student’s academic and personal well-being. BC High students benefit from an array of student support offerings: academic and college advising, health and wellness resources, campus ministry, and co-curricular experiences that holistically nurture student development.

Academic and Personal Guidance

Middle school students receive daily structured advising to help them stay on top of school responsibilities and manage the challenges that come with adolescence. At the high school level, students receive support and build connections through BC High’s House System. The House System gives high schoolers dedicated faculty support and the opportunity to connect with students of all ages. 

Whole-Student Development

The BC High experience centers around the Jesuit concept of cura personalis—care for the whole person. Our challenging academic curriculum is matched with support systems that cultivate community, health, and resilience, ensuring students feel seen and empowered. 

Private Benefits of Education: Family and Community Connections

Parents considering the pros of private school should include opportunities for family connections on that list. For Boston-area families, BC High offers a private educational experience that gives families greater engagement in their sons’ lives. Through open communication, school events, and unique traditions, BC High invites families to participate in the life of their son’s school.

Additionally, private education presents students with unique opportunities to forge lifelong connections.

Family Engagement and Communication

Regular updates, accessible faculty, and parent programming keep families actively involved in their child’s education.

Brotherhood and Community Traditions

Longstanding traditions and shared experiences reinforce a deep sense of community that becomes a defining part of a student’s identity.

How to Choose the Right School for Your Child

Every student is unique. When choosing the right school, families should consider what environment will nurture their child’s unique strengths and support their growth. Important criteria include understanding a child’s academic goals, learning style, and social needs, while considering the values families want reinforced throughout their child’s education.

The Student’s Educational Goals

Some students benefit from greater attention or academic rigor. When weighing different schools, consider whether the institution will help your child thrive, challenging them academically while providing the support they need to succeed.

Social and Emotional Development

The adolescent and teenage years are especially important for boys. A school that makes your child feel safe, supported, and confident is especially crucial during these developmental stages.

Family Values and Expectations

Education has the capacity to shape a child’s character, future, and sense of purpose. It’s important to find a school whose mission aligns with your family’s values and hopes for your child. 

Experience the Benefits of Private Education at BC High

Private education has the potential to offer a powerful combination of academic rigor, personal support, and meaningful community. Through our core Jesuit values, rigorous academics, and co-curricular and service opportunities, BC High prepares young men not only for college, but for lives of leadership, service, and integrity. 

Families interested in understanding how a private school education could benefit their son are encouraged to take the next step and visit BC High in person.

Visit our campus and attend an open house experience what makes BC High an exceptional place for young men to learn and grow.