Here’s an article that might be of interest to parents and caregivers.
It was written by a staff writer at “GreatSchools.com”. The information reported here is based on information gathered throughout the country.
Private vs. Public Schools: What’s the Difference?
By Victoria Thorp and Jesse James, GreatSchools.com Staff Writers
“Your goal is to find a school that will meet your child’s needs. But how do you choose between a public school and a private school?
Cost
Public schools cannot charge tuition. They are funded through federal, state and local taxes. When you pay your taxes, you are paying for your child’s education and the education of other children in your community.
Private schools cost money. Private schools do not receive tax revenues, but instead are funded through tuition, fundraising, donations and private grants. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the median tuition for private day schools in the United States is close to $12,000 for grades 1 to 3, $13,000 for grades 6 to 8 and $15,000 for grades 9 to 12. The median tuition for boarding schools is $12,000 for grades 1 to 3, $27,000 for grades 6 to 9, and $28,000 for grades 9 to 12. Parochial schools generally charge somewhat less.
Admissions
Public schools admit all children. By law, public schools must educate all children, including students with special needs. To enroll in a public school you simply register your child by filling out the necessary paperwork.
Private schools are selective. They are not obligated to accept every child, and in many private schools admission is very competitive.
Private schools are not subject to as many state and federal regulations as public schools. Since private schools are funded independently, they are not subject to the limitations of state education budgets and have more freedom in designing curriculum and instruction.
Curriculum
Public schools offer a general program, designed for all children, which usually includes math, English, reading, writing, science, history and physical education. In addition to these key subjects, many public schools offer programs in music and art. In a public school, the substance of what children learn is mandated by the state and, in most states, learning is measured through standardized tests. NOTE: The charter school movement is picking up momentum in many states; these schools are public, but many offer specialized programs and smaller classes.
Private schools have the flexibility to create a specialized program for students. For example, private schools may use art or science in all classes, or take children on extended outdoor trips that blend lessons across the curriculum. Private schools can create their own curriculum and assessment systems, although many also choose to use standardized tests.
Public schools: All teachers in a public school are usually state certified or, at a minimum, working toward certification. Certification ensures that a teacher has gone through the training required by the state, which includes student teaching and coursework.
Private schools: Teachers in private schools may not be required to have certification, and instead often have subject area expertise and an undergraduate or graduate degree in the subject they teach.
Public schools: The children at most public schools usually reflect the neighboring community. Students may be split up based on ability or interests, but in most public schools, there is a diversity of student backgrounds.
NOTE: In many states, if you are not satisfied with your assigned school, you may be able to send your child to another public school in the area. Start here to learn more information about these options.
Private schools: The student population at a private school is determined through a selection process; all students must apply and be accepted in order to attend. Although students may be from different neighborhoods, they will probably have similar goals and interests. This tends to create a fairly homogenous student body.
Public schools: Due to special education laws, public schools must educate all children, and provide the necessary programs to meet their special needs. This means that most public schools have special education programs and teachers who are trained to work with students who have particular needs.
Private schools: Private schools do not have to accept children with special needs, and many choose not to (although there are a small number of private schools specifically designed for special needs children). As a result, most private schools do not have special education programs or teachers trained to work with students with severe special needs. Private schools will try to help all the students they admit, but extra resources may also come at an additional cost.
Class Size
Public schools: Many states recognize the value of small classes and have provided funding to keep class sizes small in grades K-3. As students become older, class size tends to get bigger in public schools, especially in large school districts and urban schools.
Private schools: Private schools are generally committed to providing small classes and individual attention to students. Many parents choose private schools for this reason.
The Bottom Line
There are a few fundamental differences between public and private schools, but here’s the bottom line: There are great private schools and there are great public schools. The trick is finding the school that best fits your child’s needs. You may also want to consider public charter schools or homeschooling. It’s a good idea to research the schools that interest you and, to get a true picture of the school, visit in person”.
Here are some parents’ comments in response to this article:
From Florida:
“We have our children enrolled in a private independent school in FL. Our county is always in the top ten for the state but we chose a private education for other reasons rather than just test scores. (That is how schools are rated in FL) We have much more input in our children’s education than was offered at our local public school. There is too much political correctness at public schools. Even though our school is non-denominational, we still are able to talk about God and we have a prayer before every school function. Also, uniforms make such a difference in a child’s behavior. When my children put their school uniform on, they are ready to learn. Also, our students are taught manners, etiquitte, respect for others, tolerance for others, and just plain common courtesy for others. I just thank God that I am able to afford a private education for my children. And by the way, our small private school has more diversity than any other public school in our area with 33% of! our students on financial. So please don’t assume that all private school children come fron rich families because it isn’t true. Finally, every parent does what thet feel is best for their own children. I would never put down the public schools that my friend’s children attend because thet are doing what they feel is right for them. Thank You for listening! “
From Tennessee:
“If you can afford it, and want your kids to have the best education, send them to private schools. If they would bring some Christian values back in to the public schools, maybe they would get better. I have to pay my taxes to support a deficient school system that won’t allow my child to pray in school; and also pay for private school tuition. It will be worth it though – especially in the Memphis area where the public schools are horrible! The county schools are great but the city won’t stop annexing until they have ruined all the good schools here. So, if you are in Memphis Metro area, you need to find a way to afford private schools for your children! Find the right one for your needs.”
From California 05/22/2006:
“I have read your articles regarding education of public vs. private. However, no one is talking regarding how children treat children that don’t come from ‘traditional homes.’ We have raised and now adopting our granddaughter. A great number of the children at the private school asked questions and laughed at her for not having ‘a real mommy and daddy.’ The majority of the children at the public school she is now attending are being raised as she is. She has children to share her feelings with. As far as educational, the school is advanced compare to the private school. I would never return to the private school world. By the way, my daughter experienced similar problems with ‘rich’ kids on the east coast in a private school. Now we are on the west coast and private schools are the same.”
From Washington 05/19/2006:
“Thank you for the interesting and informative article. As a parent that sends my child to a private school, I am always wondering if I have made the right choice and that the money I am spending is worth the value. Well, I have decided that in our case, where we live, it is! I have a fourth grader and a 1st grader and I come from a family of teachers, so I have a lot of perspective on the differences in private versus public. My children have had wonderful, educated, bright, loving teachers every year and are progressing beautifully. We have a computer lab, art teacher, music program, PE, etc.. to add all the perks and more that they are not receiving in the public school. I am additionally pleased with the wonderful group of families and kids my children are surrounded by. There are very few discipline issues, and students are taught to respect. Students that don’t follow the school rules are removed. While I think many of the public schools do a wonderful job, I th! ink the bottom line is evaluating your specific location and options. Many areas may not have great private schools, while many areas public schools are lacking due to minimal funding issues. Do your research, talk to many parents of of both public and private and make a wise, informed decision. “
From Michigan 05/17/2006:
“This was a very interesting article indeed. I would like to state that both my children grades 7th & 2nd are doing wonderful and are very lucky to be attending a private school. The classrooms are very small therefore they are not lost in their subjects. I also work in public school and see how the children talk to fellow classmates and teachers—-and it is terrible what they get away with.Plus the kids are taught to respect each other for who they are and not by what they wear. Also I would like to add that my children’s private school does have both a computer lab and a science lab!!!!”
From California 05/16/2006:
“The other children at public schools teach your child(ren) stuff like sex in the first grade. As a student myself, I can say I knew what oral sex was in first grade. Peer pressure is a extreme factor in public schools. Now, private schools are usually a religious school and isn’t so much peer pressure for you child to deal with. “
From California 05/12/2006:
“It doesn’t really matter plublic or private, its all in the parents.What importance they put into their childs education.”
From California 05/11/2006:
“This was a great article,because many people want the best education for their children.In my opinon I think private schools are better, not beacuse they’re better looking, or people thinking that they are the best. Most private schools are based on a Christian foundation, and most public school aren’t, because of the different beliefs of the children in the school.”
From Washington 05/9/2006:
“I am a public school teacher, but I would never send my children (if I had any) to a public school. The problem is not with the teachers or the curriculum, but with the students who arrive in Kindergarten two years behind their ‘normal’ peers. Not only that, but they are completely unmotivated to do their homework or even daily class work. I have to spend way too much time on discipline because unlike private schools,we can’t boot a student out of school until the situation is entirely out of control and sometimes even then we have to keep the child. The lack of parental involvement is also an issue. Every nine weeks I send home report cards with straight F’s, but have yet to receive a note, phone call, or visit from a parent concerned about their child’s grades. I agree that what is given for free has no perceived value, Therefore, it’s my feeling that we need to charge tuition for public education and to require parents to be in the classroom a minimum number of hours pe! r month regardless of childcare or work obligations. As one writer put it, we ARE glorified babysitters. Parents only want the kids out of the house for the day and if they learn a little something along the way so much the better, but if they learn little or nothing so what?,there’s always government handouts. Generational welfare anyone? “
From California 05/9/2006:
“>From California: I switched my child from a public school to a Christian private school this year, and it turned out to be a good choice for us. One thing I noticed was that at the public school, the teachers and administration were more concerned about protecting themselves by following school policies and concerned about school politics. Whereas, it was the complete opposite at the private school . . . the teachers and staff are always friendly and helpful. Because the school is an extension of the church’s ministry to the community, their outlook is ministry oriented and therefore, more caring rather than politics, policies and proceedures.”
From Illinois 04/28/2006:
“I think what most parents are most concerned about is which school would be the most advantageous to get their children into college. I went to private school most of my life. Looking back, though, I have to ask myself . . . did the fact that I went to private school help me get into college? Or was is it hard work and test scores (ACT/SAT) that are really looked at when you apply for an school? I don’t think that private school offers better education. I think it depends more on discipline and dedication on the part of the teacher, parent and student.”
From California 04/24/2006:
“Does diversity play an important part in the growth of a child? Appreciate if someone can share some inof on this. I send my kid to a private school, and I like the school a lot. However, it has a very low ratio of ethnicity among the student population. Is this a valid concern?”
From Texas 03/31/2006:
“WE SEND OUR SPECIAL NEEDS GRANDSON TO A CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND YES THEY DO HAVE THE SPECIAL TEACHERS FOR THE AREA THEY NEED HELP IN AND A AIDE TO GO WITH THEM TO OTHER CLASS IF NEEDED FOR MORE HELP.PUBLIC SCHOOL WAS AWFUL HE WAS BULLIED DAILY AND WAS NOT LEARNING IN SPECIAL ED. AT ALL.HE HAS MADE HUGE PROGRESS AT THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL.WE NEED MORE SUCH SCHOOLS.”