10 Ways You Know You Went to Private School

Until college, I attended private school for my whole education.  It wasn’t until my freshman year of college where I became aware that there really is a big difference in Private and Public schools.   After discussions with multiple people over the years, I noticed things that only Private school alums would understand.  Below are 10 ways (in no particular order) that you know you went to private school:

10. Nuns, Priests, Brothers- At one point or another, you had either a nun, priest, or even brother teach you

9. Retreats- days to get out of classes and bond with your classmates

8. You know everyone- Because private schools are generally smaller (see 10).  You knew everyone in your class.  My elementary school class has 26 students and high school was 216.  I knew everyone as they all knew me

7. Community service- Everyone had to do it as a requirement to graduate.  Nobody liked doing it, but secretly we all loved being able to help out the community

6. Holy Days off- Every Catholic holiday we would have off, leaving our Public school friends jealous.  However, we felt the same when they would get off for the Jewish holidays

5. Uniforms- Girls never had to worry about what to wear on the first day of school because it was uniforms every day.  Girls always had to wear the skirts at a certain length and guys always had to wear ties (that we knew how to tie our self)

4. Prayers- Prayed before every class and every meal.  Try going to class your first day of college and not having to pray

3. Facial Hair- The hair for guys always had to be shaped and we must be clean shaven at all time.  At one point or another, we tried to be a rebel and would fail. My high school would make you shave in the bathroom if you went to school not clean shaven

2. Classmates not living in the same town as you- Unlike public schools where your friends live in your neighborhood, it is not the same for private.  I had classmates and friends who lived in Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex county while in High School.  When you have a driver’s license it is not bad, but when you can’t drive and need your parents to drive you to your friend’s house, it can be a hassle

1. Dress down days-  Something every kid loves, because it is the one day where we can wear what we want and be able to stand out from the others

Do you agree with this list?  Let us know in the comments section below