<p>Not all private schools are created equal and it can also vary widely as you move across the country. For example, in some cities the parochial high schools are a better option (and often the ONLY option) to poor performing public school districts yet the education they provide is not comparable to more elite non denominational private day schools.</p>
<p>Here in Dallas, the top two schools are single sex schools that share a brother/sister relationship and are on a level that is all their own. There’s a third (very small) all boys Catholic school that is outstanding and is a very close peer but has a very rigid European curriculum and again has only about 35 boys per grade. The “second tier” of schools includes two co-ed schools, one non denominational and the other an Episcopal school as well as the two Catholic single sex schools. </p>
<p>The remainder of private schools fall in line below this and include the remainder of religiously affiliated schools and non denominational schools and even here, there’s a big difference from top to bottom. Many of these schools are surpassed educationally by the top public schools but meet other needs that their parents are looking for either religiously or in other cases, just a better overall alternative to the neighborhood public.</p>
<p>In short, the best private schools offer an unparalleled educational opportunity with the best teachers and facilities with tough admission standards, small class sizes, kids who really want to learn and a hefty price tag. Not all kids are good fits for these schools, even very bright ones, but the kids that are a good fit will be very well prepared for anything any college can throw at them.</p>