Discipline, safety, educational requirements: private schools gain the trust of parents

Parents are increasingly turning to private schools in France, driven by concerns over discipline, safety, and academic rigor, according to a recent survey by the Odoxa research firm commissioned by the Fondation Ifrap. The shift reflects growing frustration with the perceived shortcomings of the public education system, particularly among families who feel that their children are not receiving adequate support during critical developmental years. The decision to enroll children in private institutions has become more common, especially among middle-class families seeking structured environments. Virginie, a mother of two, recently made this choice for her teenage son, Hugo, after he began attending a private college in September. She had long been a staunch supporter of the public school system, rooted in her belief in republican values. However, she admits that practical considerations have taken precedence over ideological convictions. “I’ve always defended the public school because I believed in its principles,” she explains. “But today, pragmatism wins out.” Virginie highlights several factors that influenced her decision. She emphasizes the importance of discipline, noting that private schools often enforce stricter behavioral standards than public ones. She also points to the presence of dedicated teachers and the consistent application of rigorous academic expectations. These elements, she argues, are essential for ensuring students remain focused and motivated, particularly during adolescence, a period marked by emotional volatility and challenges such as difficulty concentrating, poor work habits, and the risk of bullying. The transition to private schooling is not limited to individual cases. A broader trend is emerging, with more families opting for contracted private education. This movement is fueled by a combination of social pressures and personal experiences. Parents report feeling increasingly uneasy about the safety of their children within public schools, citing incidents of bullying and a lack of supervision. For many, the idea of placing their child in an environment where they can thrive academically and emotionally is worth the financial investment. The study conducted by Odoxa reveals that this shift is part of a larger cultural change in French society. While public education has traditionally been the preferred option, the perception of declining quality and increasing instability has led some families to seek alternatives. Private schools, despite their higher costs, are being viewed as more reliable in providing the structure and oversight that parents believe is lacking in the public sector. In response to these trends, some educational authorities have acknowledged the need for reform. They argue that improvements in public schools could help retain more families within the system. However, the gap between public and private education continues to widen, with private institutions offering not just better resources but also a sense of security and predictability that many parents find reassuring. As the number of students enrolled in private schools grows, so too does the debate over the role of state-funded education in France. Some critics warn that the increasing reliance on private institutions risks exacerbating inequality, while others see it as a necessary adaptation to changing societal needs. Regardless of the perspective, one thing remains clear: the trust of parents in the public school system is eroding, and the demand for alternative options is becoming harder to ignore.