Having kids comes with a never-ending list of worries. Are they eating well? Sleeping enough? Hanging out with good friends? What can I do to get them ready for college? Along with the higher learning questions, you may also worry whether their current education is up to par, or whether their extracurricular activities showcase their interests and talents.
In order to get a better sense of what a college-bound teenager needs, looking at college preparatory schools is a good starting point. But what exactly are they?
What is a College Prep School?
As the name implies, a college prep school gets your kids ready for college. This is an important factor, since not everyone wants to or plans to go to college. So while some kids may be fine with a basic education and move on to a trade school or family business, if you already know that you want your child to pursue a college degree, you may want to look into their school’s curriculum.
There are different types of college prep schools. Some are public magnet schools, while others are charter schools, and some are private. And even within the private realm, there are more specialized ones with a focus on preparing students mainly for the Ivy League and other elite schools.
What are the Benefits of Attending a College Prep School?
College prep schools have additional funding. This means hiring (and retaining) teachers with additional training, often with a degree in the subject they teach. It also means having better sporting facilities, which could make a world of a difference to a child who has the possibility of earning an athletic scholarship. In addition, the coursework may be more challenging than at a traditional school, which is invaluable for students who are aiming to attend an elite university.
Other invaluable benefits of attending a college prep school include:
– Courses that expose them to college majors students may be interested in
– Visiting college campuses
– Guidance counselors that assist students through the college application process
– The possibility of earning college credits while still in high school
– SAT and ACT prep courses
– Assistance in writing college essays
– Extracurricular activities that make the student look more attractive for colleges
– Assistance finding and applying for financial aid
Statistics on the Value of a College Education
While it is true that some people do get well-paying jobs without the need of a college degree, what happens if they lose their job? Would they be able to find another highly paid position, or would they be confronted with the reality that most employers require a college degree?
Pursuing a higher education provides students with a higher earning capacity. Someone with a bachelor’s degree typically earns about 66% more than someone with only a high school diploma. And if the student continues to get a Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral Degree, that earning capacity increases even more.
While college does remain an expensive prospect for many Americans, it’s still one that should be strongly considered. Whether by scholarships, grants, work study programs, or in-state tuition, there are ways to lower costs.
Let us Find the Educational Program That Will Best Help Your Child
At ResponsiveEdⓇ, we understand that each child has the opportunity to thrive, as long as their learning environment caters to their individual needs.
School should be a place where the student is always encouraged to learn and where their potential is always celebrated. That’s why at ResponsiveEd, we are proud to offer all of the above alternatives to traditional school districts.
Give your child the tools they need to succeed in life. Contact us to find out more about our programs. You can fill out our online form or call us at 844-860-9090.
