Interest in private education is increasing every year.
This is clearly demonstrated by official data: for the period 2022-2023, the number of students in private educational institutions increased by 14.3% and amounted to 200 thousand people.
These statistics are provided by the Ministry of Education, assessing the situation throughout the country.
Of course, private education in Russia is not as popular and widespread as in other countries. For example, in Great Britain, three quarters of schoolchildren study in private institutions. But in recent years, parents have increasingly turned their attention to this form of education, considering it "better."
Many people are sure: "If you have the means, you should send your child to a private school." Is this true? What is the strength of private education that makes it so attractive? These questions were answered by an expert in the field of education and founder of the Vector School , Denis Bikbaev .
What does "private education" mean?
First, it is worth understanding what is hidden behind the definition of “private school” and how this form of education differs from the usual public school.
A private educational institution is the same as an accredited school, only non-state. It offers primary and secondary education, and each student who completes their studies receives a state-issued certificate.
The requirements for teachers in private schools are no less than in state educational institutions, and sometimes even more. At the same time, teachers can count on slightly higher remuneration, since in private institutions salaries are calculated from their own funds - from funds, investors and from contributions from parents.
What is attractive about a private school?
When sending a child to a private educational institution, it is worth clarifying one nuance - whether the organization has received a license. Sometimes behind the sign "private school" are hidden ordinary centers that do not provide a state diploma. Certificates and diplomas of the state standard are issued only by accredited educational institutions.
"Private schools offer students an educational program developed in accordance with state standards. There are no fundamental differences compared to MOU secondary schools, but the information is presented in a more interesting form, and the small number of students allows us to be sure that each child has heard, understood, and learned the material."
To put it simply, private school is the same education, but with a different approach and attitude. But if there is no difference, why pay for private school?
There are still differences. That is why more and more parents today are “looking towards” private education, wanting their child to receive more care and attention for safety during the learning process.
For many families in big cities, the deciding factor is the number of students in the class. Even the most attentive teacher cannot hold the attention of 35 students and devote time to each one. In an overcrowded class, even the most inquisitive child may miss something or not understand something.
At the same time, the fast pace of the program does not allow going back a step and repeating the topic. This leads to the fact that children lose interest in learning and already in elementary grades they have tutors.
“In private schools, the attitude towards children and the educational process is different, if only because one teacher teaches a class not for 30 people, but for 15. He can approach each child individually and answer his questions.”
The second attractive factor is the harmonious development of the child, which is possible in the conditions of private schools. The educational process is aimed not only at explaining the material, but also at identifying the abilities of each student and developing his talents.
"Not all of us can master mathematics or Russian equally well. Recognizing a child's inclination towards a particular specialty and directing him there is the most valuable thing that a modern school can give. This is possible and necessary not only in private but also in state educational institutions."
The development of students' personal potential, as well as spiritual and moral education, are the primary tasks of the educational process. But due to the smaller number of children and the reduced workload on teachers, private schools are better able to cope with these tasks.
Harmonious development of personality also includes psychological support for students, creation of more comfortable conditions and serious control during the child’s growing up period, especially during the period of age crises associated with adolescence.
“These components make up a person’s future success and fulfillment in life – the right choice of profession and the search for a business that will bring not only money, but also satisfaction.”
Private education is a panacea
A private school has the resources to exercise more thorough control over internal processes, both by management and parents. But private education should not be perceived as a panacea - all the positive experience of schools of this format can be implemented in public education. This is precisely what the main emphasis should be on today.
"There is no point in idealizing a private school or making a municipal school the standard. A parent can send their child to a wonderful public school with a strong teaching staff. But the very approach to teaching sometimes limits the potential of the educational process. It is much more important to look at what the school offers, how interaction with students is built and whether attention is paid to the comprehensive development of schoolchildren."
Previously, we talked about what female habits demonstrate low self-esteem.
Expert: Denis Bikbaev
