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I wrote Part 1 of What I Do When...? a few years ago. It contained eight questions and my answers. Here are another ten questions. If you think of any other questions you would like answered, all you have to do is message me on Facebook @privateschoolreview. I will give them my best shot.

So, here goes Part 2 of What Do I Do When....?

What do I do when...

I can't decide whether to send my child to private school for the early years or high school. Which is more important?

There are two schools of thought on this subject. Some parents feel that the early years give their children a solid educational foundation and love of learning, which is desirable. Other parents think that an intense three or four years of high school and college preparation is what their children need. And others send their children right through from prekindergarten through to twelfth grade.

I want my child to have a religious education.

Our faith means so much to us. We have raised our children to be observant and to practice our religion. I hear you, and in this situation, your best option would probably be a private religious school. The biggest obstacle that you will face has to do with the available options in your area. ²ÝÁñÉçÇø schools exist in just about any faith you can think of. They also exist in various levels of orthodoxy within those faiths. Most religious schools will be

Paying for ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School: 7 Options

I am always sad to hear parents rule out sending their children to private school because it is too expensive. The conversation usually begins with one of these facts as the reason for considering private school:

1. Their child is gifted.
2. Class sizes in the local public school are way too large.
3. Their child has a learning disability.

Any one of these reasons is a valid reason for considering private school. Unfortunately, that is as far as considering a private school gets in most cases.

• Why? Because either the parents assumed that they could not afford private school.
• Or, perhaps, they looked at the tuition and fees page on a school's website, and they panicked.

Considering sending your child is a major decision.

• As with any major decision, it makes sense to do your due diligence before ruling anything out.
• When you take time to do a thorough investigation of the facts, as opposed to your assumptions, you just might be pleasantly surprised at what you discover.

That applies equally to paying for private school.

Here are seven ways you can pay for a private school education. One might prove to be the answer you are looking for.

1. Write a check.

Some people can afford to write a check for their children's private school tuition. If you are in a position in life where you can do this, don't forget to

Cristo Rey Schools: A Different Kind of School

Cristo Rey schools are unabashedly Roman Catholic. Through and through.

• They teach Catholic values and religious beliefs.
• However, they do something more unusual and significant.
• Cristo Rey schools serve students from low -income families in urban areas who could not otherwise afford a private school education.
• The way the Cristo Rey schools do this is to combine a work-study program with the academics, sports and extracurricular activities the schools offer.
• Simply put, the Cristo Rey schools offer quality education with a work-study component.

History

The Cristo Rey schools got their start back in the 90s in Chicago.

• The Catholic academic scene was a familiar, though depressing one.
• The diocesan high schools were facing serious financial challenges.
• Those schools had always been the ray of hope for struggling lower-income families who dreamed of an education for their children.
• The Catholic schools run by various orders were in good shape because they attracted a clientele that could afford the substantially higher tuition that those schools charged.
• The Jesuits met with parishioners in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago and asked what they needed most.
• "A good high school" was the unequivocal response.

This short video clip shows what the Jesuits did.

The Program

As noted above, Cristo Rey schools have a work-study program, which is an integral part of the

Choosing between homeschooling and private school is one of the most significant educational decisions families face. Both options offer distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on a student’s learning style, family priorities, and long-term academic goals.

In recent years, this decision has become more nuanced. Homeschooling surged during the pandemic and has remained a viable long-term option for many families, while private schools have expanded offerings in areas such as personalized learning, mental health support, and college preparation.

This guide provides a clear, updated comparison to help families make an informed decision in 2026.

Key Differences Between Homeschool and ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School

At a fundamental level, homeschooling and private schooling differ in structure, oversight, and daily experience.

Families weighing these differences may also benefit from broader comparisons, such as /blog/private-school-vs-public-school-key-differences-2026-guide.

Academic Structure and Rigor

Homeschooling

Homeschooling allows for a highly individualized curriculum. Students can move at their own pace, spend more time on challenging subjects, and explore personal interests in depth.

This flexibility is especially beneficial for:

• Students with unique learning needs
• Advanced learners seeking acceleration
• Families prioritizing customized education

However, academic rigor depends heavily on the parent’s ability to design and deliver instruction or source high-quality materials.

²ÝÁñÉçÇø School

²ÝÁñÉçÇø schools offer structured, research-based curricula taught by experienced educators. Many schools provide:

• Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
• Specialized STEM, arts, or language