Are private schools corrupting our youth?

[Grid]

This is not your stereotypical "private schools suck because they have school uniforms, whereas public schools rock because they don't" thread. This is looking at more important issues, such as religious, individual, sexual, romantic, and creative repression.

Religious schools force kids and teens to follow a certain religious belief. When you're a child you are consequently forced or at the very least severely encouraged to believe in God at religious schools. Then when that kid grows up and becomes a teenager and adult, they are typically the religion they were forced to be as due to their schooling. If your parents force you to go to a Muslim school, then you'll most likely be Muslim, even if as a teenager in a Muslim high school, you don't want to be a Muslim and you don't believe in Islam.

Also, all-boys and all-girls schools, and consequently school uniforms prohibit healthy growth for teenagers. Could you imagine how impossible it would be to go through puberty when you're only surrounded by males? It's like forcing them to become homosexual and repressing their ability to form relationships and explore their sexuality like normal teenagers do. Since they force teens to wear school uniforms, they repress individuality and creativity as well. They also teach one-sided biased information, such as "Islam is the only real religion" and stuff like that. Also bear in mind that students who go to private schools are socially challenged, because they lack understanding for how the public world works, since they are forced to wear school uniforms and go to private schools instead of mingling with the general population.

Students who attend private schools often grow up to become less tolerant than students who attend public schools, as you can see here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/30/opinion/30blow.html

[Tristin.]

i go to a private school, and they are not "corrupting our youth", i must admit, it is not a religious private school, i find those schools a bit too..narrowing. my school as people from different faiths and races, mostly white, but there is little (nothing is perfect) racism.

they instil a sence of class, breeding and manners. It teaches children to be self-supporting if they are boarders (me).
Ouyr school is attended by mostly the rich, but we do have some bursery students.

[ShatteredWings]

e&c -> rotw

I wouldn't say all private schools.
Religious schooling,however, I could see how that argument would work.

[INACTIVE_USER]

Well, I go to a private school now and have been in two other private schools too. All are non-religous or do not have one faith. So i can not comment on the religous aspect of your post.
All of them are attended by only males. I do not think that this forces children to become homosexual as I believe that you are born this way (by the way, I am gay). You must remember that you do meet girls outside of school and many of my school friends have maintained healthy hetrosexual relationships.
I have worn a uniform all my life in school and I do agree with it. However, in Ireland nearly all schools have a uniform. A school uniform masks social class differences (although MY EXPERIENCE is that private schools are attended by children of an affluent background usually) and ensures that children are not caught up in following the latest treends

[Jess]

some, maybe, but not all.

I don't think it would make a difference to me if I went to an all-girls school

just like emil said, they don't force you to be homosexual, you are born that way

[Kaius]

I went to a private school and theres nothing wrong with me.

[Korashk]

Religious schools force kids and teens to follow a certain religious belief. When you're a child you are consequently forced or at the very least severely encouraged to believe in God at religious schools. Then when that kid grows up and becomes a teenager and adult, they are typically the religion they were forced to be as due to their schooling. If your parents force you to go to a Muslim school, then you'll most likely be Muslim, even if as a teenager in a Muslim high school, you don't want to be a Muslim and you don't believe in Islam.

Also, all-boys and all-girls schools, and consequently school uniforms prohibit healthy growth for teenagers. Could you imagine how impossible it would be to go through puberty when you're only surrounded by males? It's like forcing them to become homosexual and repressing their ability to form relationships and explore their sexuality like normal teenagers do. Since they force teens to wear school uniforms, they repress individuality and creativity as well. They also teach one-sided biased information, such as "Islam is the only real religion" and stuff like that. Also bear in mind that students who go to private schools are socially challenged, because they lack understanding for how the public world works, since they are forced to wear school uniforms and go to private schools instead of mingling with the general population.

Students who attend private schools often grow up to become less tolerant than students who attend public schools, as you can see here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/30/opinion/30blow.html
Source for anything you just said? An opinion blog doesn't count. It sounds like you just don't like private schools to me. Not all private schools require uniforms, and at least from what I've heard the religious aspect is not at all "forced on the students."

[Fiction]

I go to a private, christian, all girls school.
I'm not Christian, yeah I have to follow christian school traditions, but i'm not exactly forced into the faith.
I'm not lesbian. Bi-curious yeah maybe a little, but that's my own choice. Nothing to do with going to an all girls school. You can't force someone to be homosexual.
Saying that people who go to private schools have less knowledge of how the world works is ridiculous. What is the difference really? I have lots of friends who don't go to private schools and I fit in with them just as well as I do with my friends at my own school.
The only thing I don't like about private schools is how bothered they are about there reputation. Reputation to them, is more important than the welfare of their pupils.

[Korashk]

His post has nothing to do with private school making people gay.

[Fiction]

Also, all-boys and all-girls schools, and consequently school uniforms prohibit healthy growth for teenagers. Could you imagine how impossible it would be to go through puberty when you're only surrounded by males? It's like forcing them to become homosexual and repressing their ability to form relationships and explore their sexuality like normal teenagers do.

His post has nothing to do with private school making people gay.
yes it does.

[INACTIVE_USER]

His post has nothing to do with private school making people gay.


"Could you imagine how impossible it would be to go through puberty when you're only surrounded by males? It's like forcing them to become homosexual and repressing their ability to form relationships and explore their sexuality like normal teenagers do."

[Korashk]

It's called making a comparison. He didn't say that private schools make kids gay.

[INACTIVE_USER]

It's called making a comparison. He didn't say that private schools make kids gay.

I sounds to me as though he was saying thatif you got to a same sex school you are more likely to become homosexual than if you went to a multi-gender school. But you can't throw claims out like this without referencing

[Tristin.]

i agree with emil, he is implying this, its not so, i can see how people could associate the two things, but its wrong to say it

[Fiction]

He definatly emplys that going to a single-sex school gives you a higher chance of turning homosexual. This is just not true at all, and either way, what's wrong with being gay? A person is born like it. A school can't change it.

[INACTIVE_USER]

Well said Kathy!!

[Huskyboy132]

Well. I think you're talking about the fact that religious schools and non-co-ed schools narrow their student's view of life. I attend an International School which is private and is basically just a school where nationalities and races mix. Social classes dont though as tuition is insanely high, so it's only the rich pretty much. Our school teaches to be open to anything, but between students there's a lot of tension such as who has the most expensive fashion and shit.

[Fiction]

I agree with Nils. With the fact that people are usally richer there, it creates quite alot of tension. There are the people at my school who can afford it because there parents save and do all they can to make sure they have the money, and there's the people who can afford that as well as everyone else. It does mean there is alot of people looking down on each other.
As for class although to a certain extent this is true, my school offers scholarships and bursaries, meaning that there are different classes to a certain extent, it's not just the very rich.

[Mrs.KermitTheFrogx]

My school is a private school in England
so even if i didnt go to a private school
i think every public school has uniform anyway
and myn's also a christian school
but i have no religion
i think private schools are worth the extra money
they are soooo much better and the education is 100000000 % better x

[INACTIVE_USER]

Yeah, that didn't happen in Holland or Spain but when I came to Ireland everyone was competing on how much their parents earned or what they had. Sometimes this can focus teenagers on picking careers on the remuneration packages rather than their desires

[Kiko]

I go to a Catholic private school and honestly, it's made me all but abandon my Catholic faith. I think public schools are just as corrupting as private schools because they all have to stick to the same government-provided curriculum. I think kids would be more open-minded and knowledge hungry if they were able to learn what they WANTED to learn not what they HAD to learn. If anything I've gotten a more quality education at private school just because most people's parents are involved and it encourages kids to not slack off. We have a 99% graduation rate =/

[Fact]

I disagree with pretty much everything you've said.


Religious schools force kids and teens to follow a certain religious belief. When you're a child you are consequently forced or at the very least severely encouraged to believe in God at religious schools. Then when that kid grows up and becomes a teenager and adult, they are typically the religion they were forced to be as due to their schooling. If your parents force you to go to a Muslim school, then you'll most likely be Muslim, even if as a teenager in a Muslim high school, you don't want to be a Muslim and you don't believe in Islam.

On the contrary, having something shoved down your throat doesn't necessarily make you want it. My school was once considered a Christian school. We still have to sing hymns every day, the boarding students have to attend certain church services and the whole school has to participate in certain religious festivals. We're not allowed to do assemblies on anything that isn't considered Christian and we have to listen to prayers every day too.

I'm completely against religion and have a low opinion of it. Therefore, my school has only had the effect that I really, really hate it.

Fair enough, I haven't been in that school my whole life. My two best friends, however, have. One of their parents is a practising Christian. Neither of them believe in God. Fair enough, that's just two people, but as a child gets older, they still have the decision if they want to believe or not.

My school doesn't try and force it down our throats. We're all still entitled to our opinion on religion.

Also, all-boys and all-girls schools, and consequently school uniforms prohibit healthy growth for teenagers. Could you imagine how impossible it would be to go through puberty when you're only surrounded by males?

My school also happens to be an all girl's school. It has had no affect on my puberty at all. Nor has it affected any of my class mates or the people in the year above me, and the year above that and the year above that too. Single-sex schooling does not hinder social development during puberty.

It's like forcing them to become homosexual and repressing their ability to form relationships and explore their sexuality like normal teenagers do. Since they force teens to wear school uniforms, they repress individuality and creativity as well. They also teach one-sided biased information, such as "Islam is the only real religion" and stuff like that. Also bear in mind that students who go to private schools are socially challenged, because they lack understanding for how the public world works, since they are forced to wear school uniforms and go to private schools instead of mingling with the general population.

There are already many other threads on uniforms. Basically, they don't affect your school life.

If you're implying that private school kids are socially retarded, then I have to laugh at you. There's nothing that prevents people in private schools from being any less aware of the world than those in public schools are.

You think people in private schools never go out? I 'mingle with the general population' pretty much every day. In a car, in my shop, in my town, my friends who aren't in private school, my family who aren't in private school, etc. etc.

Students who attend private schools often grow up to become less tolerant than students who attend public schools, as you can see here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/30/opinion/30blow.html

Less tolerant? Ha, well, although what I'm about to say is probably being intolerant of your statement and your 'proof', I still completely disagree with that statement.

[JunkBondTrader]

Well said, Symone.

I went to an all boys state (public) school and it did anything but turn me gay. Because of the schools testosterone fuelled environment, anyone who was or was percieved to be gay was basically finished. It got out that a boy in the year below me was gay and the bullying got so bad he threw himself through a window. He lived but it wasn't pleasant.

But now in in sixth form (senior high for Americans) most of my classes are at a state run, Catholic girls school (boys are admitted in the top two years). We actually have public religious schools here in the UK, since we never officially separated church and state but they have them for all religions, not just CofE, but the place I'm at now is very much comparable to a private US school (only more violent, heh). As a sixth former I'm exempted from religious services but I have many friends who go to or have gone to that school and quite frankly, I've never met one of them who seriously believes everything they're told. It's more about your upbringing. If you're raised Catholic, then obviously you're more likely to believe in it. It's about primary socialisation, not secondary. That's what influences you.

But this was a debate about private schools, not religious schools, although they're one and the same in America. The thing is, there are much bigger problems with private schools and Grid, you've neglected to mention any of them. But from your perspective, no, they haven't corrupted anyone.

[KylieEatWorld]

I speak from personal experience as I've been raised in private schools all my life. Some of them religious. Some of them not. None of them were all girls though so I can't say anything on that issue. But I know it's not forcing religious beliefs upon the kids because, most of the time the athiest, agnostic, and christian youth are pretty evenly spread out. The dress codes/uniforms are annoying but nobody feels creatively stifled by it. We have expensive art, music, and dance programs for creativity. We don't need strange clothing.
Also, I don't care what your study says. Religious schooled children are usually more tolerant because they drill morality into you like no other. I'm not intending to be mean and attack every segment of what you said but private schools are much less corrupt in many ways as compared to private schools.

[Infected]

To be honest, this seems to be more of a hit at faith schools and single-sex schools, as nothing in your post is even remotely exclusive to private schools, which is a bit strange considering the topic title. Well, maybe it is in the US, but this is a thread in a worldwide forum, so I'll treat it as such.

I went to a Catholic school for my primary and secondary schooling years, and they honestly don't really force religion on anyone, even if some teachers are Bible bashers that attend church every Sunday. But still none of my teachers ever said that other religions were wrong, nor
atheism/agnosticism was wrong, in fact - they encouraged thinking into these other faiths/ways of thinking. The only "Catholic" thing about it, would be the way the school was decorated and where it got it's moral coding from.

I do actually disagree with single-sex schools myself, but that's BS about it encouraging homosexuality. I've joked about this myself, but seriously, that's a load of rubbish. My reasons for being against single sex schools are because they segregate the sexes needlessly and they are unrealistic 'simulators' for the world. Rarely any work places, colleges, etc. are single-sex. Also, I think it's more socially healthy if males and females are brought up in similar environments, because it leads to more understanding of eachother. I don't think they 'corrupt' anyone, though.

The only thing I really see wrong with private schools is the elitism that is associated with it, and the fact that it gives some children an unfair advantage over others education-wise, but then of course, parents should have the right to get their children the best education, possible.

[Fact]

My reasons for being against single sex schools are because they segregate the sexes needlessly and they are unrealistic 'simulators' for the world. Rarely any work places, colleges, etc. are single-sex. Also, I think it's more socially healthy if males and females are brought up in similar environments, because it leads to more understanding of eachother.

The only thing I really see wrong with private schools is the elitism that is associated with it, and the fact that it gives some children an unfair advantage over others education-wise, but then of course, parents should have the right to get their children the best education, possible.

Even though this user is banned, I'd still like to show the other side to this argument.

There is actually evidence to suggest that single sex schools do produce better results in their students in both sexes by a considerable margin. We had to debate this in the debate club I am a part of and the statistics showed that there was at least a 25% increase in pass rate in single-sex schools.

Also, you don't need to understand boys when you're 16. It's not essential to your life. Ontop of that, if parents want their children to meet boys/the children want to meet boys, then they will. There are still slaggy girls in my school, there are still girls with boyfriends. It doesn't hinder that at all.

Children having an 'unfair advantage' is somewhat true, but why should every child get the chance to go to a good school? Majority of children in public schools don't care about school enough to gain an effective advantage in a private school. From experience in my school, some people will do well, and some people won't. No amount of attention or schooling will ever change that because it's who they are and how they learn.

Also, I don't exactly come from a wealthy background. My family have had to scrape money from here, there and everywhere to keep me in my school (private all girls). So, it's a case of if you're child is worth it, then parents that care about their education will find the money from somewhere, or at least make sure they get into a decent school (fee paying or not).

[JunkBondTrader]

Even though this user is banned, I'd still like to show the other side to this argument.

There is actually evidence to suggest that single sex schools do produce better results in their students in both sexes by a considerable margin.

Are you sure it's both sexes? I heard girls do better in single-sex schools whilst boys do better in mixed environments.

Still though, regardless of the statistics, I do support them. I was lucky enough to go to an all-boys school that shared a grounds with an all-girls school and was directly across the street from another. We had no trouble mixing and many of my good friends went to the neighbouring schools. Plus, I still made female friends outside school so I really don't see the problem.

I did some dicky things to girls when I was 13-15 (don't worry, nothing illegal) but going to a mixed school wouldn't have prevented me from acting like, well, a 14 year old boy.

[Fact]

Are you sure it's both sexes? I heard girls do better in single-sex schools whilst boys do better in mixed environments.

Yes, I am sure it's both sexes.

[JunkBondTrader]

Yes, I am sure it's both sexes.

I must be out of date. I think it was the case at some point though.

Anyway, stats aside, I do agree with you.

[Daniel_]

No they are not.. People choose who they want to be, not the school they attend...

[Fiction]

It didn't hinder my development at all. I have loads of friends who are guys, and I havea pretty long term boyfriend. I'm not lesbian and although slightly bi curious that's my choice.- I go to an all girls school.

I was brought up Christian, but i'm now agnostic- I go to a Christian school.

[KylieEatWorld]

I was brought up Christian, but i'm now agnostic- I go to a Christian school.

This = Me.

[SwimTech]

I went to a public school from kindergarten until 8th grade in the SUBURBS of Chicago and LOVED it. My school district was one of the best in the entire area, and its in an excellent area. Its better than any of the private schools in the area (not just my opinion, test scores prove it) it has way more resources and opportunities. However, the public HIGH SCHOOL districts in my area pretty much suck (academically, athletically, and demographically) so I go to a private, Catholic High School, thats just as close as the public high school that i would have had to go to. I LOVE it there now, but i definitely see that I was given a better education at my public school. (But again, some of these kids came from areas where the private grammar schools were the better choice) none the less, had they been able to go to the school i went to, they would have been better off. My high school is one of the top 50 catholic high schools in the nation, are one of 2 high schools recognized by the ACT in the Chicagoland area, and our academics and athletics are the best in the area. so, In my area, the public grammar schools are better, but the private high schools are better

And I do not feel that our religion is forced on us. yes we have to got to mass and learn about the catholic faith during school, but there are kids of several other religions, or some with no religion, that go to my school

And ya, the graduation and college rates are 99%, and really good, and all of the kids actually are about their education

[Sith Lord 13]

And ya, the graduation and college rates are 99%, and really good, and all of the kids actually are about their education

My private high school boasted a 100% graduation rate. I think it all comes down to the individual schools as far as quality is concerned. As for corrupting, seeing as how the corrupting influences can be better controlled, as well as being able to be selective about their students, I feel they're less likely to corrupt students generally.

[Azunite]

I was going to post here but all I see is church-school talk. Is the majority of private schools are religious in America?

[Sith Lord 13]

I was going to post here but all I see is church-school talk. Is the majority of private schools are religious in America?

The vast majority, yes.

[Ali_Cat]

I honestly have no personal experience with any of these topics. I`ve gone to public school my whole life. I have however worn uniforms at all schools I`ve attended.

The private catholic school around my area, actually has a horrible reputation. There are constant drug busts there (and I`m not talking about a bit of pot, I`m talking about powder coke, meth, and pills out the wazoo), and in the past six months, three teachers have been fired due to sexual relations with thier pupils (mostly homosexual cases, although both genders attend this school) Education wise, my school is ranked much higher as well. I attend a very small school of 600 students, in the country. Our school is about half and half when it comes to blacks and whites. We have an increasing number of hispanics this year, and the occasional chinese foregin exchange student. Everyone gets along really well, everyone knows everyone, and everyone respects eachother. Of course, there are always the few 'bad apples' but its honestly a wonderful school. There isen`t hardly any discrimination when it comes to race, sexual orientation, etc.

Personally, I think I would find it very unplesent to attend a private school. I`m agnostic, and while I have no problem,and actually enjoy attending church with my fiance, I`m pretty sure I would get tired, and irritated of attenting a private-religious school (especially the ones around here, who apparently are very forceful that 'thier religion is best'). I woulden`t be any happier in a private school, where students compare wealth as well. I`m much more of the person that would rather a nice small house in the country, on a farm with my family, then all the riches in the world. I`ve grown up in a lower middle class family, and am really glad I have. It`s really tought me the value of the dollar, and to never take for granted the 'simple things' in life, compared to alot of students at school, who come from wealthy families.

[Continuum]

The best education here comes from private schools. It's not free, but we get more than enough privileges than relying on government funding.

[Northern]

Lol, There's this private school near my school and some guys got expelled cause they did some drugs :> and our school is the most dero ^-^

[ImCoolBeans]

Please don't bump old threads, this is more than a year old. :locked: