Benefits of a private school education

One of the most important questions that parents face is how to educate their child. The first fundamental choice that must be made is whether to opt for a public or private school. Amity International School Amsterdam explains the many benefits of private school in the Netherlands.

Private schools can be more expensive, and it's true that there are many Dutch public schools that do an excellent job of educating their students. So, is the financial investment required for private schools really worth it?

Academic opportunities

Private schools tend to have lower student-to-teacher ratios, allowing teachers to spend more time with each child

One major advantage of private education is that your child will likely be challenged to a greater degree and be held to a higher academic standard. Compared to Dutch public schools, private schools provide additional challenging educational experiences through extracurricular activities, field trips, worldwide renowned curricula such as the International Baccalaureate programme, and programmes for gifted children.

Studies show that private school students have brighter academic prospects than public school students, allowing most of the students to attend the university of their choice.

Leaders of tomorrow

Private schools help to prepare students for the future by going beyond offering the mandatory subjects required by the national Dutch curriculum. They offer academically rigorous curricula that also incorporate tough-to-teach skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and proactiveness. Private schools adapt quickly to changes in technology and culture and many well-known leaders in politics, business, society and the arts have attended private education.

Additional learning resources

Another advantage of private schools is that they are often better equipped to offer families high quality on-campus and remote learning experiences and the choice and flexibility to move between the two. Private schools tend to have lower student-to-teacher ratios and more campus and classroom spaces to break students and teachers into small pods. They also have the resources to invest in the technology and professional development to support teachers.

Culture and values

It can often be easier to find a private school that aligns with your family’s values and incorporates them into its everyday curriculum. There are many different types of private schools - day school or boarding school, religious or non-denominational, co-ed or single sex - and, unlike other school choices, private schools are usually mission-driven with their own unique philosophy.  

Community

Private schools often tend to have an international community vibe and value diversity. According to a Fraser Institute survey (2007), 62 percent of parents with children in the private school system believe their school’s environment is motivating, supportive, and nurturing. Former students repeatedly report that the friendships they formed in private school have lasted post-graduation. A strong sense of pride is often instilled in private school alumni, creating rich networking opportunities upon entering the workforce.

Private schools try to instil a love for learning

Individualised education

Private schools tend to focus on limiting their class sizes, allowing them to offer individualised education based on your child’s needs. They have the flexibility to effectively challenge each student while also instilling a love of learning. As a result, students feel confident and assured in their academic abilities throughout their learning journey. This “freedom within a framework” engages students, taps into their natural curiosity and stokes their desire to learn, creating lifelong learners who thrive in school and beyond. 

Small class sizes

With lower student-to-teacher ratios, private school teachers can tailor their lessons to their students’ unique skills, interests, passions, and curiosities. Small class sizes also allow teachers to develop close relationships with their students, which is key to their intellectual and emotional growth and learning. A close teacher-student relationship helps students feel known, understood, believed in, and challenged to be their best.

In their study, the Fraser Institute states that 91 percent of parents surveyed said that the dedication of the teachers was their main reason for choosing private school. Teachers are both qualified and passionate about their subjects, often holding advanced degrees in their field.

Importance of soft skills

Soft learning skills like respect, empathy, self-control, and cooperation that are integral to both academic achievement and success in life are recognised by private schools. The importance of these soft skills is more often built into their curriculum rather than treating it as an add on. This creates an environment where students feel secure knowing their classmates value compassion and respect; perform better academically because they can practice self-control; and become the best versions of themselves because they feel more confident.

Amity International School Amsterdam offers education to children from the age of 3 to 15. It’s Amity’s mission to empower everyone in their community to thrive and make a positive difference. Amity Amsterdam currently has spaces available in various year groups, please contact their Admissions Team via [email protected] for more information.