There is no right or wrong answer regarding whether private or public school education is best for children.

Many people are so polarized around the option of having a religious affiliation that this may be the only thing important to them. For others, the costs of private school rule it out outright for them.

Usually when considering private versus public school, parents will have one of more factors that concern them, such as academic reputation and college prep, school and class size, safety reputation, special programs, religion and moral instruction, location and ideology.

Not all, but many private schools are religiously affiliated.

And typically, private schools have the flexibility to create specialized programs for students. For example, private schools may use art or science in all classes or frequently take children on outdoor trips.

Private schools can also create their own curriculum and assessment systems, although many choose to use standardized tests.

Finally, start early. Most private schools begin their open house and enrolment processes the year before the school year. Don't wait until summer to consider where to place your child.

Some independent schools in Surrey are: Calvary Christian Academy, Pacific Academy, Regent Christian Academy, Relevant High School, White Rock Christian Academy, Southridge School, Star of the Sea Catholic School, St. Bernadette Elementary, Zion Lutheran Christian Church & School, Iqra Islamic School, Cloverdale Catholic School, Khalsa School, Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary, Surrey Muslim School and Surrey Christian School.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN B.C.

The first privately run school in British Columbia, open to the public, was founded in 1858.

Prior to 1977, independent schools were unregulated and received no grants. From the early 1950s, schools were able to receive governmentapproved textbooks free of charge.

From 1977 on, access to partial funding was provided to qualifying schools only.

From 1977 to 1989, schools that did not qualify for funding were unregulated.

Since 1989, following the Report of the Sullivan Royal Commission on Education, an updated Independent School Act (ISA) requires the regulation of all independent schools, funded and non-funded.

The Office of the Inspector of Independent Schools is responsible for the administration of the ISA, classification and funding of independent schools, home schooling, as well as certification of B.C. educational programs offered by authorities of offshore schools.

The office functions as the regulatory agency of government.

Source: www.fisabc.ca

From publicschoolreview.com