Private School Stereotypes

Growing up around social media and movies that contrast stereotypes frequently, it has become almost natural to presume a way about a group or individual without knowing one’s identity. Before interacting with those who attended a private school, my mind was entrenched to the assurance that those students were wealthy, preppy, and superior who wore the same uniform everyday, resembling everyone else. From kindergarten till seventh grade, I attend a small charter school called Sherman Thomas where uniforms were enforced. Being mistaken as a private school majority of the time, outsiders viewed me differently. Mrs. Napier, the principle felt as if all students wore the same attire, no judgement towards the less fortunate would take place. With

These stereotypes and misconceptions have evolved overtime for a reason. There is an exaggerated truth about private school kids. The first private schools were established by Roman Catholic churches. These schools were initially built before public school, but only allow specific children to attend. Like today, these schools are for those parents who want a better education for their children. Private schools have had and still have more principles regarding behavior and even attire for the students. The environment at a small disciplined school contrast to a less strict public school, which is typically why many have the assumption all students at private schools are satisfactory with no distractions. Movies are a clear example that has painted a perfect of how these individuals act, dress and who they surround themselves with. Take the movies Princess Diaries, the main character, Mia Thermopolis attends a private school and her grandmother is the queen of England. Mia lives a fabulous life her her high classed home with the only worry of becoming the next perfect princess. Many believe all who attend a private school are wealthy due to the expensive cost per year, whereas at a public school education is free. Since outsiders see these students as offly wealthy, who are given everything and more, being stuck up is yet another stereotype. The movie legally blonde enhances this particular stereotype, when Vivian

Despite the contrasting environment, private school students are no different than public school students. In an online manifesto, If You Send Your Kid to Private school you are bad, Allison Benedikt, an executive editor states, “But many others go private for religious reasons, or because their kids have behavioral or learning issues, or simply because the public school in their district is not so hot”.This proves that private schools are not filled with angels, but rather kids who have behavioral issues and need that extra help. In senior writer and editor John S Kiernan’s, online article, Private Schools vs. Public Schools - Experts Weigh In, Patrick J. Wolf, Ph.D, proclaims, “Private schools also are becoming more diverse, as their enrollments increasingly include minority and low-income students”. Similar to a public school, private schooling have their low, medium and upper class students. Many have a common assumption that students are privates are academically more advanced than regular school. In an online article titled, Private Versus Public, written by the GreatSchools Staff, a clear understanding is provided about the different curriculum taught when they state, “This freedom to design their own curriculum or avoid standardized tests can result in higher standards for students — or