When choosing a school, you have a choice of sending your student to either a private school or a public school. Which one do you choose? You might start off the process with a list of pros and cons and then move to touring the schools. But what is it really like at each school? Glad you asked that question! As a teacher who has taught at both, I have a unique perspective.
In my experience, the public schools were more convenient for families, offered a wide range of sports and activities and a broad range of classes. Yet, they also faced their challenges. The average class size was over 30 students, and there were several students who couldn’t get the classes they desperately wanted because they were impacted. Some students failed to find a friend group and sat alone at lunch all year.
Now I teach at Contra Costa Christian Schools and see how the private school environment is vastly different from the public school environment. What I first noticed was that the class sizes are significantly smaller. Teaching a class of 18 instead of 30 +, you can really get to know your students and help them reach their full potential. Our students are able to have 1:1 conversations with their teachers and get extra help if needed.
We also offer a wide range of sports and activities, but since we are smaller, most, if not all, of our students actually get to participate! I was surprised to see that a smaller school like ours offers so many activities including drama, clubs, cheerleading and multiple sports per season.
Our school’s theme for the year is “Known and Loved,” and I can attest that this is true. The staff knows all of the kids by name and cares about them deeply, even if they don’t have that child in their classes. If we see a child eating alone, we intervene and try to help get them connected with a friend group. As a Christian school, we also encourage the students to build their faith by teaching them about the bible and offering chapel.
Teaching at CCCS has changed my perception of private schools and ultimately improved the way I teach.
By Justene Skrentny, CCCS Teacher