What Private School Students Hate Most
As a student who has experienced both public and private schooling, I can confidently say that while private schools offer certain perks, they come with a host of issues that can make the experience rather grueling. This article delves into some of the main concerns and experiences that private school students face, with a focus on policies, social dynamics, and the treatment of employees.
Policies: A Lack of Freedom
One of the most significant differences I noticed when transitioning from a public school to a private one was the strictness in policies. For instance, I used to have more freedom and was treated more like an adult in the public school. This is not to say that public schools are perfect, but the level of autonomy we had in the private school was noticeably limited. For a 18-year-old, the requirement of hall passes for everything except bathroom and water (which has to be turned in for statistics) was absurd. Not only was the rationale behind it not explained properly, but it also did not make much sense. Additionally, seniors could only visit the common area during free periods with a pass signed by the front office, and were not allowed to get food during lunch. These policies undermine the independence that students in high school should possess and are a stark contrast to what I experienced in the past.
Social Dynamics: A Breed of Privilege
The social dynamics within a private school can be quite peculiar. I have observed that a majority of students come from a privileged background, which can sometimes lead to a certain level of detachment from reality. For instance, making friends can be challenging when students have vastly different life experiences. Being from a middle-class background, I often find it difficult to relate to those with vastly different upbringings. This can be a significant barrier to forming friendships, especially in a private school where the majority of students seem to be out of touch with the struggles faced by less privileged peers.
The social environment is also tainted by various forms of discrimination. Terms like racism, homophobia, and ableism are rampant, and unfortunately, the teachers often struggle to address these issues. Parents who pay tens of thousands of dollars a year for their children's education are reluctant to discipline their kids, which perpetuates these problematic behaviors. While it's true that these issues can be found in public schools too, the stark difference in living conditions and opportunities between students in private and public schools can exacerbate these problems.
Employee Treatment: A Cautionary Tale
Private schools often lack the oversight and protection that public schools receive from labor laws. This can result in mistreatment of faculty and staff. For instance, many teachers in private schools can have shorter lunch breaks and are often expected to hold doors for students. These responsibilities can be overwhelming and contribute to a stressful work environment. Moreover, the turnover rate in private schools can be quite high, with many teachers quitting or being fired within a few years. Only six teachers in the high school have been employed for more than three years, and the rest have had to leave because of an abusive administration. This issues highlights the need for better employee protections in the private school system.
Conclusion
Traversing the landscape of private school life presents both benefits and drawbacks. While the academic and extracurricular opportunities can be impressive, the strict policies and social dynamics can create a challenging atmosphere. Similarly, the treatment of employees can be far from ideal, creating a hostile work environment. As a private school student, it's important to be aware of these issues and advocate for a more balanced and inclusive educational experience.