PRESS BOX: Privilege is costing student athletes more than money
Illustration by Killian Goodale-Porter.
Violet Velasquez, Contributing Writer
Public school versus private school is a choice parents are burdened with as their child prepares for the quintessential American education.
More specifically, the types of education and the results they fabricate for a child and their blossoming sports career.
It is becoming more and more apparent over the years that a private school education will not only prepare you for college better than a public school can, but also set you apart from your public school peers in the sporting recruitment process.
Forty-five percent of the 2019 NBA first-and second-round draft picks went to private schools, according to The Conversation.
Private schools have a more competitive schedule, higher-ranking players and well-funded programs.
The well-funded programs can be a direct cause of private schools having very costly and mandatory tuition for attendance. The average cost of a private American high school can start at a whopping $16,000, according to the Education Data Initiative.
Skilled and developing players appreciate the connections and publicity these private institutions have to offer.
A college scout’s first stop is going to be private institutions to fill their rosters with Division 1 prospective students.
At times, public institutions and local high schools are overlooked and neglected.
Public schools usually lack the funds to completely nourish their students’ training needs. Which in turn, results in a lack of player development and fewer “looks” received.
Anyone can be eligible for college recruitment, though it requires an immense amount of training, dedication and a good work ethic.
It’s common to hear professional athletes talk about starting at a public school and note that moving to a more secure or nourished institution aided tremendously in their athletic success.
This is not to diminish the unwithering talent found in public school sports, but it provides an unspoken advantage.
Boys playing high school varsity basketball at a public school have a 17-1 ratio of making any college roster and a 110-1 chance of making a D1 roster. There is a 14-1 ratio to making any college roster and an 81-1 chance of going to D1 for women, according to Scholarship Stats.
Let’s say sports don’t end up working for private school players — they still are better equipped educationally and more prepared for the college process.
This can be a complicated process for students who attend public schools for many reasons like lack of information, support and resources.
The key factor is funding. From the school itself to the teachers, faculty, coaches and programs, everybody is underpaid, underfunded, and overworked in the public school system.
Almost two-thirds of American public schools are experiencing a funding gap, according to KnightCrier.
There are clear differences in life after high school for student-athletes who enroll at institutions that prioritize athletics like IMG Academy, OTE Academy, St. Paul VI, Sierra Canyon and so many more.
These schools are staples in the athletics community and can almost guarantee a spot on any if not most collegiate rosters and even professional or Olympic rosters.
Private school is not realistic for most, especially in this economy.
Hopefully one day, we will be able to allocate the public school system funds in a better way and help support our youths’ education and athletics.
They are the future.
