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Private Schools vs. Public Schools: What's the Difference?
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? Start here to learn about the differences between public
and private education.
By Victoria Thorp and Jesse James, GreatSchools.net Staff
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.
Governance
Public schools must follow all federal, state and local laws in
educating children. Such laws usually include specifics about
funding, program development and curriculum.
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.
Teachers
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.
Students
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.
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.
Special Needs
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. It's a
good idea to research the schools that interest you and, to get
a true picture of the school, visit in person.
Note: There are more education options beyond regular private
and public schools. You may also want to consider charter
schools or homeschooling for your child.
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