Public vs. Private Schooling

Abby LeGore

The Choice

That decision that your parents made about where to send you to school was probably a very simple

one. Now it is a complex world of

discovery when choosing between public versus private school.

Things to Consider Before Making your Choice

School Quality Challenging Curriculum Teacher Certification Accountability

Myths about Private school Private Schools may have a superior

academic program- FALSE- that gap between private and public is narrowing.

Private School is too expensive- FALSE- they actually are more affordable than they have ever been in recent years.

Certification for private school teachers is not required- TRUE- legally you do not need to be certified- but common sense, says that you should be!

Myths about Public Schools Money doesn’t matter- FALSE it does

make a difference in the achievement of students and teachers.

Teacher quality is most important factor in student achievement-FALSE- Parents are the first teachers of their children, they must set their kids on the right path.

No child should be left behind- FALSE- Some children need to be left behind.

Benefits of Private

Smaller class size- more individual attention for each student= higher success rates.

Qualified Teachers- not just anybody off the street.

Well rounded and balanced education. Parental Involvement- parents know

how there kids are doing in classes.

Disadvantages of Private

Tuition- which is not subsidized by the government.

Increased inequality- selective admission processes.

Isolated social values- narrow minded on social issues.

Limited regulations- cannot change values of the system already put place

Benefits of Public

Student population is more diverse. Students spend more focus on core

subjects; mathematics and science. Public schools can sponsor more

events with their bigger budget. Teacher’s more qualified than

private schools

Disadvantages of Public

More babysitting than actual teaching. Quality of education- teachers Salary teachers who do not care

whether they teach or not. No field trips No wide range of classes being offered. Larger classrooms which makes for

difficult teaching environment.

Funding: Public vs. Private

Each district of public schools receive a particular amount of money.

Private schools receive only money from tutition or the alumni, and fundraisers they provide.