Private School vs. Public School: which School is right for you?

The debate continues, private school vs. public school? Parents sitting down to debate the merits of private vs. public all end in a list of questions — Which will set my child for a better future? Which school will teach what I would teach? — while at the same time, money and transportation stay in the back of your head asking you more and more questions.

These questions have never been harder to answer. With education reaching most of the modern population, there is an immense number of children going into both private schools and public schools. When it comes to comparing these two types of education there are plenty of considerations to look over, for many of us, it is money, but for some, there are many other reasons to choose, or not to choose a private school.

Those parents who chose private education, are now asking themselves whether it is worth it to pay a high cost for the perks private school claim to provide. Calculating the trust cost of education is impossible, and finding the best private school is not any easier.

Putting a price tag on learning is hard, but some private schools try to, but oftentimes they overprice their services. Still, for some parents, the cost is a secondary concern. Personal priorities related to faith and culture sometimes weigh much more than the price for the parents, when looking for the best private school.

So the decision needs to be made. Are you looking for the best private schools, or is your assigned public school enough? They will both teach your kids, but which one fits them best? Here are a few reasons why you might want to choose one or the other.

1. Classes

State supervision will ensure that all schools follow the same curriculum. Private schools, on the other hand, can offer a curriculum that better suits their focus. If your child wants to pursue a more narrow focus, with more specialized classes, private schools may offer a better plan. Whether it is art, theater, music, or any other subject. Private schools are allowed to offer a more distinct style, that will better fit your child.

It is true, however, that private schools tend to focus on preparing kids for college much more. They tend to offer a great selection of extracurricular training, and advanced placement courses.

2. Cost

Public schools come from taxpayers’ money. Meaning you do not directly pay a cent for school, everybody pays. Private schools on average cost about ten-thousand dollars. The range of prices goes down to five thousand but can go up all the way up to twenty-five thousand. The cost varies depending on the type of school children that attend, meaning, for example, Catholic schools offer a cost of six grand a year, while nonsectarian schools go up to twenty thousand. You can find private schools for less money, but remember they will offer different services.

3. Teachers

According to many studies, the average private school teacher surprisingly earns less money than what a public teacher would normally earn. This is due to the higher state-ensured pay that public schools are able to offer. Public schools are able to hire teachers with more experience in teaching. A lot of private schools have teachers with less than four years of teaching experience.

4. Class sizes

One major difference between public schools and private schools is the student-to-teacher ratio. In public schools, the average class size is about 25 students, compared to the 19 per class private schools have.

Normally, public schools have a 16–1 student to teacher ratio, while private schools have a 12–1 ratio. This is sometimes the most important factor for some parents.

5. Test Scores

Many graduating classes have allowed researchers to understand the benefits and disadvantages of different teaching methods. Private schools have proven to improve the average students ACT score by 3.1 points. The same was found for middle schoolers taking the NCES. Overall math scores are better, overall test scores are better.

6. Diversity

One benefit of private schools is that you are sending your kids to a more selective school. Private schools can screen who they allow in and can tailor their offerings to the type of child they want coming through the doors. Most students come from a higher socio-economic class, which allows them to socially connect to other students with more ease. While you may be losing the opportunity to expose your child to a more diverse environment, private schools will allow you to stay calm when sending your kid to learn.

7. Religion

The separation of church and state is guaranteed by the constitution and that means local public schools cannot introduce religion into the classroom. Private schools on the other hand focus on their religious beliefs. A vast majority of private school students attend some form of religiously affiliated school.

Sending your kids away to school is extremely scary. The security and learning of your child are key to choosing a school. The price is inarguably the biggest deal-breaker when it comes to private schools, but you now know what else comes into consideration.

For those who simply cannot afford private education, do not worry, there is nothing to worry about. Public school is the backbone of education. State-funded teachers earn more, therefore have a better understanding of the profession.

If money falls on a secondary category of concerns, private schools are able to offer many new options that public schools simply cannot. Whether it is the size and ration of the classrooms and their students or your religious beliefs. Whether it is the specialization of your children’s skills. Private schools are able to offer something different.

Many argue about these two types of education, and it always leaves us with many questions. Private and public schools are different in many ways. It does not necessarily mean that one is better, it simply means that one may cover a necessity that was more important for you. Either way, the perfect school is out there, with these tips you can now find it.