Have you ever met a successful person with a great work ethic and thought, “where did they gain those skills?” Well, we obtain most of our skills from a combination of life experiences, but the kind of education we receive plays a significant role into how we view and approach the world around us. 

Learning is not one-size-fits-all, so the school we choose has a lot to do with the skills students will develop. Does your child have a passion for the arts, or are they tech-savvy? Maybe they could be the next Oprah or Steve Jobs! Let’s find out what type of education some of the biggest names in pop culture received and how it impacted their future.

1. Montessori

Did you know that Jeff Bezos and George Clooney both received Montessori education? That’s right, an entrepreneur and actor! Montessori schools are the ideal environment for students interested in hands-on learning and collaborative play. In this educational environment, children move freely, choosing activities that interest them, working directly with the teacher, individually, or in small groups. It’s no coincidence that Bezos or Clooney have become leaders in their industries, innovate, are socially involved, and are environmentally aware because Montessori education encourages children to explore and respect the world around them. This type of school is ideal for students who want to develop their strengths and interests while being in daily contact with outdoor environments. 

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Find Montessori schools in your area! 

2. Private

There are more than 33,000 private schools in the US, serving more than 5 million students; including actors like Mindy Kaling and Marlon Brando! The focus in most college preparatory private schools is getting students ready for college studies. Most private schools offer Advanced Placement courses, and they feature extracurricular activities and sports as an integral part of their programs. Students often find and develop their interests and passions through extracurricular activities, such as performing. Many successful professionals, like Kaling, developed their confidence in the private school system and started pursuing their careers because of a class or extracurricular activity that inspired them.

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Discover Private schools near you. 

3. Public District

Oprah and Steve Jobs both attended public district schools and built incredibly successful careers for themselves while also inspiring others. Their impact on society is enormous! So imagine what this type of education can do for your child! Most public district schools offer after-school programs, literacy initiatives, gifted programs, mental health services, and bullying prevention initiatives. The success of Oprah and Jobs comes in part from being able to empathize with people from all over the world, which likely started in their school days. Being part of a public school often allows students to be part of a multicultural community that focuses on diversity, inclusivity, and community involvement. 

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Identify Public District schools near your home.

4. Public Charter

Did you know that tennis star Andre Agassi and the singer Pitbull have both opened their own charter schools? These schools allow teachers to design their classroom based on their students’ needs,  while still being tuition-free. Some charter schools even offer a bilingual curriculum and arts-based programs. Learning new languages is largely beneficial for artists and athletes who must travel worldwide for their chosen careers.

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Connect with the best Public Charter schools for you! 

5. Online

Billie Eilish is one of the biggest pop stars who never attended a traditional school. Her parents decided to homeschool her utilizing online classes and resources. By choosing this type of education, they created a more flexible schedule that allowed her to focus on her craft from a very young age (she was only 13 years old when she started recording music!). Online education enables students like Billie to develop their time management skills and become more independent learners to succeed on their own. 

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Find the best Online schools based on your child’s interests. 


Like these famous celebrities, your child’s success can be greatly influenced by attending the right school for them. At Schola, we assist families by placing students in the best classroom to serve their needs and help them achieve unique goals. Take ScholaMatch™ to determine what matters most to your family, and let’s explore all school options to ensure your student is in the best environment to develop their unique talents.