What should parents consider when deciding whether to switch a child to private school?
They should examine teachers’ credentials, school test scores and class sizes. Research indicates that the smaller classes and teacher/student ratios usually found in private schools can lead to greater student achievement. But there are conflicting studies about whether students who switch to private schools under voucher programs wind up doing better. Some students are happier in public schools, which usually are closer to their homes and attended by neighborhood friends. Then there’s the question of accountability. Marc Egan of the National School Boards Association says Milwaukee voucher schools face no requirements for teacher certification, curriculum content, student testing or student discipline. In Cleveland, voucher schools do not have to meet state student-testing requirements and religiously affiliated ones do not need state accreditation. Toler says that deciding between a public and a private school depends on the parents, the child and what the family values. Parents mus
