Providing an education for one's children is one of the most important responsibilities a parent faces. For some parents, this decision-making process centers on whether or not to send their children to a private school rather than a public school.

What follows is a brief description of what public and private schools offer. For more information on the differences, visit www.educationalgateway.com.

Public Schools

With more than 98,000 public schools nationwide, there are a number of advantages to attending one.

The education is free-of-cost, state and federal regulations are clear and the curriculum and grading are standardized.

Many educators also point out that public school students are exposed to more people from differing socio-economic backgrounds, which can provide a more complete educational experience.

Generally speaking, classrooms are usually larger, which means there are more students and less individual attention from teachers. Standardized test scores are usually lower in comparison with private schools and dropout and violence rates are generally higher.

Experts point out that public schools vary in academics and outcomes, and they encourage parents to meet with their local school officials.

Private Schools

Most often associated with various religions, private schools comprise approximately 25 percent of the nation's schools.

Across the board, private schools offer smaller classes, individualized and personalized instruction and experience far fewer disciplinary problems.

On the other hand, parents will make tuition payments and (in most instances) students will wear a uniform to school.  In most schools, parent participation is strongly encouraged.

It should be noted that like public schools, there are a wide variety of private schools from which to choose.

A number of private schools - both spiritually based and secular - were contacted for comment about why parents should consider enrolling their children.  Lakewood Lutheran School in Lakewood was the only institution to respond.

One School's Story

"If you would like a quality Christ-centered education that will assist your children in excelling both academically and spiritually, then a private school is what you want," wrote Tina Murray, Lakewood Lutheran's principal, in an email.

She pointed out that private schools offer a traditional curriculum that gives students the opportunity to develop and grow.  

"A private school can offer small class sizes which equates to individualized and small group interaction and customized learning," she continued.

Martha Simonnet, a military spouse who has two children attending Lakewood Lutheran, agreed.

While citing the difference in class size and individualization of instruction as to why her children attend a private school, Simonnet emphasized the quality of education.

"Private schools tend to have parents who share the common goal of accepting nothing less than a high level of education for their children," she wrote in an email. "Parents can also select a private school that promotes and teaches the values the family is teaching the child, so the child has consistency in and out of school on the values they should uphold."

This is a concept that Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Maj. Jamilee Green, whose two children attend Lakewood Lutheran, understands implicitly.

"My children always look forward to going to school there," she wrote in bold letters in her email. "Don't get me wrong," she continued in smaller case letters.  "They enjoy their weekends at home with family.  But they always look forward to going to this school.  They love the teacher, aids and classmates.  They have always felt safe there and never bullied."

As parents begin to look forward to and think about the upcoming school year, they can explore the opportunities a private school can offer.

"The students help each other and lead each other whether they are tying a shoe, pushing a swing, or reading a book," Murray said.

For more information about Lakewood Lutheran School, visit www.lakewoodlutheran.webs.com or email lakewoodlutheran@gmail.com.

There is a wide selection of private schools in the JBLM area. What follows is a partial list. Parents are encouraged to Google private schools they are interested in.

• Life Christian School: Prekindergarten through 12th. Teacher-to-student ratio is 1:17.  Call (253) 756-2468 or visit www.life-christian.org.

• Bellarmine Preparatory School: Grades 9 to 12 characterize this Jesuit institution.  Teacher-to-student ratio is 1:14. Call (253) 752-7701 or visit www.bellarmineprep.org.

• Cascade Christian Schools: Three early learning centers, three elementary schools, a junior high and a high school comprise this program. Call (253) 841-1776 or visit www.cascadechristian.org.

• St. Mary's Episcopal School: Students ages 2 through 10 receive early preparatory leadership instruction. Call (253) 984-9475 or visit www.holymotheroflakewood.org.

• Olympia Community School:  A secular, independent school. Kindergarten through 5th grade. Call (360) 866-8047 or visit www.olympiacommunityschool.org.

• St. Michael School:  A Roman Catholic school for students from kindergarten through 8th grade. Call (360) 754-5131 or visit www.stmikesolympia.org.

• Parkland Lutheran School:  Pre-kindergarten through 8th grades classes are offered. Call (253) 677-4979 or visit www.parklandlutheran.org.

• Yelm Christian School:  This Seventh-Day Adventist school offers grades 1 through 7. Call (360) 458-7328.

• Community Christian Academy:  A non-denominational Christian school, classes from kindergarten through 8th grade are offered.  Call (360) 493-ABCD or visit www.olympiachristianschool.org.