Private school rankings are splashed across the headlines, and parents everywhere are left asking: Am I failing my child if I stay public? With fees soaring above $45,000 a year, the pressure is real — but what does the research actually say? In this episode, Justin and Kylie cut through the marketing hype to reveal what truly matters for your child’s learning and wellbeing — and why “better” doesn’t always mean what you think.

KEY POINTS
The truth about test scores
What parents are really buying with high fees
Why teachers matter more than facilities or class size
The “proximity principle”: belonging, friendships, and community trump prestige
How investing school fees differently could transform your child’s future

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
 “You can’t buy inspiration. It’s not about school fees — it’s about the teacher who lights up your child’s curiosity.”

RESOURCES
Research on school belonging (Kelly & Allen, University of Melbourne)
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/school-life/singlesex-schools-as-australias-top-100-private-schools-named/news-story/78fc2ed6b3807cbf6f44035d768c5c87
Harvard economist Raj Chetty’s study on teacher impact

Private school rankings are splashed across the headlines, and parents everywhere are left asking:&nbsp;Am I failing my child if I stay public? With fees soaring above $45,000 a year, the pressure is real &mdash; but what does the research actually say? In this episode, Justin and Kylie cut through the marketing hype to reveal what truly matters for your child&rsquo;s learning and wellbeing &mdash; and why &ldquo;better&rdquo; doesn&rsquo;t always mean what you think.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The truth about test scores</li>
<li aria-level="1">What parents are really buying with high fees</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why teachers matter more than facilities or class size</li>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;proximity principle&rdquo;: belonging, friendships, and community trump prestige</li>
<li aria-level="1">How investing school fees differently could transform your child&rsquo;s future</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE &nbsp;&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t buy inspiration. It&rsquo;s not about school fees &mdash; it&rsquo;s about the teacher who lights up your child&rsquo;s curiosity.&rdquo;
RESOURCES
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Research on school belonging (Kelly &amp; Allen, University of Melbourne)</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/school-life/singlesex-schools-as-australias-top-100-private-schools-named/news-story/78fc2ed6b3807cbf6f44035d768c5c87">https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/school-life/singlesex-schools-as-australias-top-100-private-schools-named/news-story/78fc2ed6b3807cbf6f44035d768c5c87</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Harvard economist Raj Chetty&rsquo;s study on teacher impact</li>
</ul>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

$45K a Year?! Are Private Schools Really Worth It? 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/fe313d54-4632-4d04-b0b8-b3380085fbae/transcript

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