The world is shaped to customs, to the strange philosophies — all passed down from generation to generation, changed to reflect the modern needs. There are differences to discover. There are ideas to greet. And the classrooms filled with all races, religions and creeds create an education that can’t be refused… unless parents are considering a private institution.

There are endless advantages to private schools. This could never be refused. They provide sterling selections of courses, extracurriculars and community service programs. They ensure that each child is offered the necessary attention and relief. They do not, however, provide the wanted cultural experiences. Instead they are defined to the shocking similarities.

The majority of pupils within private schools will come from identical social and religious backgrounds. There will be occasional distinctions (often from the inclusion of scholarship students or those receiving financial aid). Most, however, will be defined to the same standards. And this is not a value parents should want.

To succeed in the world all most be aware of those who help to create it. Tolerance is needed; compassion is required; and there must be an understanding of how to relate to the ones who are so very different. A public education guarantees exposure to all forms of cultures and customs. It ensures that students will not be overwhelmed by new opinions or ideas. Instead they will learn (early) to accept these and consider them valid.

This is essential in an age when continents can be bridged so easily. Countries are no longer contained within their borders. They can instead sprawl wide, seeking out connections. And students must be able to do the same — an action that becomes infinitely more difficult when their lives have been kept to the sterile similarities.

A public education is precisely what its name implies: an education for the public. All are included and all can be taught the essential lessons. It’s an experience that can’t be denied.