You’re standing in two school parking lots trying to decide. One is free. One has a tuition bill. Both have smiling teachers and colorful classrooms. How do you actually choose?
That question comes up for families in Greenfield, Rockford, Hanover, and Corcoran every single year. Most aren’t deciding about high school. They’re thinking about where to send a three- or four-year-old. The private school vs. public school decision almost always starts at the preschool level.
This guide covers what private schools actually offer, whether starting young makes a real difference, and what the costs look like. We’ll walk through the right age to start, an honest look at pros and cons, and how to find the right fit near you. At Salem Lutheran School, we’ve walked hundreds of families through this exact decision. Here’s what you need to know.
What Do Private Schools Offer That Public Schools Do Not?
Private schools set their own curriculum rather than following state standards. They typically have smaller class sizes, lower student-to-teacher ratios, and more flexibility to meet each child’s specific needs. At the early childhood level, this often means structured routines, intentional learning environments, and enrichment in areas like faith, character development, and the arts.
Many private schools weave values directly into daily learning — not just a weekly chapel or an elective period. Families also tend to report more direct communication with teachers and stronger involvement in school culture. Public pre-K programs serve larger student populations and follow district-level standards. Both have value. But the experience and environment are genuinely different. [nais.org]
Want to see what early childhood education looks like in person? Schedule a tour at Salem Lutheran School
What’s the Real Difference Between Private and Public School?
Private and public schools differ in four key areas: how they’re funded, who sets the curriculum, how students are admitted, and how staff are hired. Public schools are funded by local taxes and must follow state curriculum requirements. Private schools are funded through tuition and donations. They set their own academic standards and hire teachers based on their own criteria.
At the early childhood level, those differences show up fast. Private preschools can build schedules and learning approaches around the children in their classrooms. Public pre-K programs often have fixed requirements tied to state funding. [SOURCE TBD: NCES / nces.ed.gov]
In Minnesota, private schools can hire staff who meet their own standards — not just state licensure requirements. This gives private schools more room to hire teachers who fit their mission. [SOURCE: Minnesota Department of Education / education.mn.gov] The differences between school types are most visible at the preschool and kindergarten level. That’s when the structure of daily learning is still being built.
| Private School | Public School | |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Tuition + donations | Tax dollars |
| Curriculum | Set by the school | State standards |
| Admissions | Application-based | Open by school district |
| Class Size | Typically smaller | Varies widely |
| Values / Faith | Can be integrated | Secular only |
| Cost to Families | Tuition required | Free |
Do Kids Who Start Private School Early Have Better Outcomes?
Research suggests that children who attend structured early childhood programs show stronger school readiness than those who don’t. Studies from the Brookings Institution point to early learning environments as a key factor in kindergarten preparedness. [Brookings Institution / brookings.edu]
But it’s not as simple as “private school equals better outcomes.” Researchers often distinguish between the school itself and the level of family involvement. High parent engagement is one of the strongest predictors of early academic success — regardless of school type. [ RAND Corporation / rand.org]
What private schools do offer is structure that supports both. Lower teacher-to-student ratios in early childhood allow teachers to spot language delays, learning differences, and social-emotional needs earlier. Research links smaller class sizes directly to stronger early language development in young children. [National Institute for Early Education Research / nieer.org]
School readiness indicators strong early childhood programs build toward:
- Letter and number recognition
- Following multi-step directions
- Moving between activities without difficulty
- Communicating needs clearly with adults and peers
- Working alongside other children in a structured setting
At Salem, our teachers know every student by name — and more than that. They know how each child processes new material, where they get frustrated, and what helps them move forward. We’ve seen students arrive hesitant and leave kindergarten confident. That’s not just curriculum. That’s consistent, personal attention over time.
Is Private Preschool Worth the Cost? (And Is Any of It Tax-Deductible?)
Private preschool tuition varies widely. Nationally, families pay anywhere from $5,000 to over $20,000 per year depending on the school and region. [Education Data Initiative / educationdata.org] In the Greenfield and northwest metro area, costs typically fall somewhere in the middle of that range.
Tuition usually covers classroom instruction, curriculum materials, and school activities. Meals, aftercare, and supply fees are sometimes separate. Ask during admissions so you know exactly what your tuition covers.
Preschool tuition is generally not deductible as an education expense under federal tax law. However, it may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit if your child is under 13 and the care allows you to work. [IRS Publication 503 / irs.gov] Talk to a tax professional about your specific situation.
Financial assistance options to ask about:
- Need-based aid from the school directly
- Merit scholarships
- Sibling discounts
- Education savings accounts (ESAs) or voucher programs — availability varies by state [EdChoice / edchoice.org]
- Congregation-based support for families connected to a WELS church
Explore tuition and financial assistance options at Salem Lutheran School
What Age Is the Right Age to Start Private School?
Brain development research is clear: 90% of a child’s brain growth happens before age five. [SOURCE TBD: Harvard Center on the Developing Child / developingchild.harvard.edu] The early years are not just the start of school. They are the window when learning habits, language, and social skills are being formed.
That’s why many families who choose private school start at the preschool level — not in fifth grade. The earlier a child is in a consistent, structured, and supportive environment, the more it shapes how they approach learning for years ahead.
Families do enter private school at other points too. Kindergarten, first grade, and sixth grade are all common entry points. Each one requires a different kind of support, and schools like Salem have admissions processes built to help new students feel settled quickly.
5 signs your child may thrive in a private school setting:
- They do well with consistent routines and clear expectations
- They benefit from one-on-one or small-group attention
- You want faith to be part of their daily school experience
- They’ve had difficulty in larger classroom environments
- You want a closer working relationship with their teacher
Learn about early childhood programs at Salem Lutheran School.
Pros and Cons of Private School — The Honest Version
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smaller class sizes | Tuition cost |
| Values and faith integrated into daily learning | Less socioeconomic diversity at some schools |
| More individualized attention per student | May require a longer drive from your neighborhood |
| Strong parent-teacher communication | Accreditation standards vary by school |
| Enrichment in arts, music, and athletics | Not every private school fits every family’s culture |
| Stable school community and consistent staff | May not have the same specialized district resources |
There are situations where public school is the better fit. A highly gifted child may need district-level resources a smaller school can’t match. A family that moves often may benefit from the consistency of a public system.
Parent involvement is a multiplier in either setting. Research shows children whose parents are engaged at school consistently outperform peers whose parents are less involved — regardless of school type. [Brookings Institution / brookings.edu] The best school isn’t just the one with strong test scores. It’s the one where your child is known, challenged, and supported.
When families tour Salem, we always say: don’t ask us only about curriculum or test results. Ask what happens when a child is struggling. That answer tells you far more about a school’s culture than any brochure can.
How to Choose the Right Private School for Your Child
Choosing a private school near Greenfield starts with a visit. Reading websites and brochures only gets you so far. Walking into a classroom and watching how teachers interact with students gives you information no marketing can replace.
Pay attention to how students respond to their teachers. Watch whether children seem settled and engaged. Ask how the school communicates with parents when there’s a concern — not just at scheduled conferences.
Red flags to watch for:
- Vague or evasive answers about curriculum or discipline philosophy
- High staff turnover or frequent classroom changes
- No clear accreditation or oversight structure
- Limited parent communication between school events
8 questions to ask on your private school tour:
- What does a typical school day look like for my child’s age group?
- What is your student-to-teacher ratio in early childhood classrooms?
- How do you communicate with parents when a child is having difficulty?
- How is faith integrated into daily learning — not just chapel?
- What does your admissions process look like and when should we apply?
- What financial assistance options are available to families?
- How do students move between grade levels or classroom settings?
- What extracurricular activities are available, and are they open to all students?
Salem Lutheran School has served families in Greenfield since 1865. Our campus sits at 9615 Pioneer Trail, and we enroll students from Greenfield, Rockford, Hanover, Corcoran, Maple Plain, and Buffalo. Fall enrollment fills up. If you’re considering preschool or kindergarten for next year, now is the time to reach out.
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