For half of my middle school and entire high school career, I attended a small, private, Christian high school in northern New Jersey. Whenever I shared this information, people would often have a certain reaction.

"Oh, you go to private school?"

Yes, I did go to a private school. When people think of private school, they often have assumptions about it due to stereotypes. However, not all those stereotypes are true. There are stereotypes about private school, and then, there are the realities.

Stereotype

Everyone at a private, Christian school is a Christian "holy roller." They are also "goody goodies."

Reality

Not everyone is a Christian at private school. There are those from all different religions and sometimes even Atheists. Not only that, but not everyone is a "goody goody" Christian. It's high school. There are still going to be drug dealers or heavy drinkers even though they are receiving a Christian education.

Stereotype

We all wear uniforms and look preppy.

Reality

Not all private schools have uniforms. My school didn't have uniforms, and you could dress however you wanted. And sometimes, people looked like crap.

Stereotype

Everyone is rich and drives around Porsches their daddy bought them.

Reality

Not every person is dirty rich. Going to a private school doesn't mean you are wealthy. Many people are there on scholarship or have payment plans. A private, Christian education may be the best education for that student, so the family does whatever they can to pay for it.

Stereotype

Everyone knows everybody's business.

Reality

OK this is totally true. News spreads like wildfire in small private schools. Literally everyone will find things out within minutes of the first word.

Stereotype

Everyone is a stuck up, rude private school kid.

Reality

There are some really nice people. Not everyone is going to be stuck up and mean just because they pay a tuition. Nice people do exist, whether they are rich or poor.

Stereotype

Since the school is so small, everyone is really close and friends.

Reality

People probably hate each other. There are so many people who don't get along, and there is so much drama. Constant drama. Like new drama every day.

Stereotype

Private, Christian school kids are sheltered.

Reality

We are still normal teenagers. We still know the realities of this world. We have every range of a person as a public school kid might.

Private school kids are not our stereotypes. Don't be so quick to judge.