Why Make The Switch From Public to Private Education?

Listen to City Cast Houston's recent episode (00:16:54) to hear Village School Enrollment Officer, Cassie Riddle talk about the differences between public and private education and how you can make the switch today.

Class Sizes and Personalized Attention

One of the most commonly cited differences between public and private education is class size. Public schools, often constrained by district budgets and zoning requirements, tend to have larger student-to-teacher ratios. In some classrooms, individual attention can be limited simply due to the number of students teachers are responsible for each day.

Private schools generally have more flexibility in setting enrollment numbers. Smaller class sizes may allow teachers to better understand each student’s learning style, offer more tailored feedback and build stronger relationships over time.

Safety and Campus Environment

Safety has become a growing concern for families across all types of schools. Public schools follow district safety protocols, yet resources and implementations vary widely. Some campuses face challenges with supervision, access control or consistency in addressing behavioral concerns.

Best practice should prioritize physical security and controlled access as part of their campus culture. Features like on-site security personnel, gated entrances, student ID badges and zero-tolerance policies around bullying may offer families a greater sense of reassurance.

College Preparation and Academic Guidance

Public high schools offer a wide range of academic programs, including AP courses and college counseling. However, due to heavy counselor caseloads and school size, many students have limited access to personalized guidance.

It is always preferred to begin college preparation as early as possible, ideally by 8th grade. Students should be paired with a dedicated college counselor, ensuring long-term support in course selection, testing timelines and admissions planning.

College planning support varies widely between schools. In public high schools, the average student-to-counselor ratio can be quite high. In Texas, the ratio is approximately 1 counselor for every 390 students. Nationally, it’s about 1 to 408. These numbers often limit the amount of individualized attention a student can receive when preparing for college applications, course planning or long-term academic goals.

Private schools typically offer more personalized guidance. At The Village School, students are paired with a dedicated college counselor beginning in ninth grade. For the 2025–26 school year, the projected student-to-counselor ratio is approximately 1 to 170, allowing for more consistent, tailored support throughout high school. Counselors also serve as academic advisors, helping students make informed choices about courses, extracurriculars and long-term goals.

Consistency in Staffing

Another concern some parents cite is teacher turnover or reliance on substitutes in public schools. Staffing challenges, budget constraints and district policies negatively impact classroom continuity.

While staffing stability can vary at any school, private institutions have greater flexibility in hiring and retaining educators, resulting in lower teacher turnover and a more consistent academic experience for students.

Barriers to Making a Change

Even when families are interested in exploring private education, a few common concerns tend to arise.

• Cost: Tuition is a significant factor for many families. However, some schools offer scholarships or financial aid and are better equipped to secure college scholarships for graduates. A child’s education is an investment, not a point-of-sale or simple one-off transaction.
• Admissions Process: Private schools typically require an application, which may include teacher recommendations, academic records and interviews. While this may feel unfamiliar, dedicated admissions officers are there to guide families through each step.
• Perception of Inclusivity: Private education has sometimes been viewed as exclusive or limited in diversity. However, The Village School is committed to building inclusive communities reflected in its status as the #1 most diverse private school in Texas.

What to Consider when Evaluating Options

Ultimately, the decision to move from public to private education depends on your child’s needs, your family's priorities and the learning environment you believe will help them thrive. Some families make the switch at the start of a school year. Others transition mid-year when it's clear a change is needed.

If you're considering this shift, it may be helpful to:

• Research schools with values and academic approaches aligned with your goals
• Speak to current families about their experiences
• Visit campuses in person to observe the environment and ask questions
• Understand application timelines and admissions requirements

Exploring a Private School Option: The Village School

For families in the Houston area, The Village School is one private institution offering a broad range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. With smaller class sizes, early college counseling, a secure campus environment and a non-denominational, globally diverse student body, Village serves students from early childhood through high school.

The school offers rolling admissions, meaning families can apply and enroll at different points in the year. Students receive individualized support from the moment they arrive and are quickly integrated into the community.

To learn more or schedule a tour, visit www.thevillageschool.com/switch.

Choosing the right school isn’t about public or private—it's about finding the right fit for your child. With careful research and open conversations, families can make confident, informed decisions that support their child’s long-term growth and success.