Only those who have been to private school understand that it comes with a world of unique experiences and understandings—ones that all past and present students can relate to. In this article, we’ll share a glimpse of this world, from the weird school traditions to the over-the-top facilities.
Rivalry and Friendship with Neighboring Schools
Most private schools either have an intense rivalry or a strong sense of friendship with neighboring schools—or an odd mix of both feelings. Intense sports and academic competitions can create rivalry, but social events are cause for excitement, bringing together students from different institutions. It’s a love-hate thing!
School Uniform Fashion Trends
According to Public School Review, only 20% of public schools in the United States require a uniform. Private schools, on the other hand, often enforce this dress code. Naturally, these schools stress the importance of presentation—but this doesn’t mean students don’t try to style their blazers, ties, and skirts in the most unexpected ways.
The Close-Knit Community Feeling
Private schools often have a much smaller student body than their public counterparts, which causes stronger bonds between students and long-lasting friendships. Students also get more personal attention from teachers and staff. Overall, it’s a really tight-knit community!
Emphasis on Traditional Values and Etiquette
On a serious note, those who went to private school will remember the emphasis placed on manners and etiquette during their educational experience. The importance of upholding school traditions was drilled into students, who were taught the value of respect and discipline.
The Pressure of High Expectations
With private schooling often comes the intense pressure of high expectations. Parents who are paying expensive fees often have unreasonably high academic and extracurricular hopes for their kids, and the stress of maintaining good grades can become unbearable. Add to that the pressure from teachers to get into prestigious colleges and it all gets too much!
Classical and Unique Extracurricular Activities
As shared by Independent School Parent, private schools often go above and beyond with their unique (and sometimes bizarre) extracurriculars—offering activities from meat appreciation to water polo. Involvement in arts, music, and theater is also encouraged for private school students, providing opportunities for leadership and development.
Weird School Traditions Nobody Outside Understands
One thing that most private schools have in common is that they’re pretty old—and often steeped in tradition. All private school students can relate to this: bizarre annual events that no other school holds, and odd school chants and songs that you can’t seem to get out of your head years later.
Fancy Cafeteria Menus
As a private school student, you probably had your fair share of gourmet meals that didn’t always hit the mark, that one dish everyone loved (or hated), and experiences trading snacks like high-stakes stock brokers. No lukewarm pizza slices and sloppy joes here!
The All-Important School Trip
School trips at private schools seem to take on the motto “go big or go home” and there was always that one iconic trip that you looked forward to for years! Private school students can now look back fondly on the memorable (and sometimes regrettable) excursions, the inevitable misadventures and mix-ups, and friendships and feuds forged on the road.
Boarding School Shenanigans
The reality is that a lot of private schools are also boarding schools. What does that mean for students? Late-night dormitory gossip and games, creative ways to bend the rules, and lifelong friendships formed in close quarters!
The Over-the-Top School Facilities
Private schools often boast facilities that rival college campuses. Imagine learning chemistry in a lab more equipped than some small universities, or playing basketball in an arena where you half-expect NBA scouts. Plus, there’s always that one room or building that was just inexplicably fancy!
The School’s Obsession With Its Reputation
When it comes to private schools, the name carries weight and so does its reputation. Students feel the pressure, not just academically, but in upholding the legacy. Whether it’s decades of sporting glory or academic prestige, there’s a sense that you’re not just attending school but becoming part of a lasting tradition.
School Slang and Jargon
Private school life really does come with its own language. From quirky abbreviations for common areas to slang that no one else gets, the lingo can leave outsiders baffled. Alumni often find themselves using these terms years later, earning puzzled looks from those in the “real” world.
The Intensity of House Competitions
As shared by Guide to Independent Schools, “Most schools separate their pupils into different houses for pastoral purposes.” And with this comes house pride—often reaching epic levels. In terms of competition, students wear their house colors with pride, and the victories (or defeats) become legendary.
The Intriguing World of Boarding House Politics
The world inside a private school boarding house is filled with its own unique politics and traditions. Students quickly learn the hierarchies and unspoken rules that govern daily life. The secret traditions and rituals known only to boarders, the legendary pranks and late-night escapades—it’s all a part of private school life!
Extravagant Fundraisers
Private school fundraisers are known for their creativity and competitive spirit. Whether it’s selling the most chocolate bars or coming up with the most innovative fundraising idea, students learn early the art of persuasion and the excitement of smashing targets.
The Quirky School Mascot
The sometimes bizarre choice of mascot is often the heart of inside jokes between private school students. However, the mascot’s presence at sporting events adds a layer of fun and tradition. And let’s not forget the student who dons the mascot costume and takes their role too seriously!
The Legends of Alumni
Alumni of private schools often loom large in the school’s culture. They’re the storied legends whose successes and escapades are passed down through generations (often exaggerated). This inspires current students who walk the same halls and dream of adding their own chapter to the school’s history.
Over-the-Top Graduation
If there’s one thing that private schools do best, it’s throwing over-the-top events. This includes graduation—a day full of extravagant gowns, parents jetting in, and overly long speeches. It’s a day filled with excitement and sadness, and the realization that you’ll actually miss school and everything that came with it!
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