Public and Private School?
Which is right for your child? Here are some comparisons
to help you in your decision:
- Public schools are funded through taxes, so are
no additional cost to you. Private schools are funded
through tuition and other private sources. The median
tuition for private schools in the U.S. is close
to $11,000 for grades 1-3, $12,000 for grades 6-8
and $14,000 for grades 9-12, with parochial schools
being somewhat less expensive.
- Public schools must admit all children, including
those with special needs; therefore most have special
ed programs and teachers who are trained to work
with special needs students. Private schools are
not so obligated, so admission can be competitive.
Most private schools do not have programs or teachers
geared toward special needs students.
- Public schools must follow government laws regarding
specifics about funding, program development and
curriculum. Private schools make their own rules.
They may do as they wish, as long as it’s
acceptable to parents, the board of directors and
major donors.
- Public schools offer a general curriculum, designed
for all children. The substance is mandated by the
state and learning is measured through standardized
tests. Private schools have the flexibility to create
a specialized program for students, which could
include using art or science in all classes or taking
students on extended outdoor trips to blend lessons
across the curriculum.
- Public school teachers must be either state certified,
or working toward this. Private school teachers
do not, and instead often have subject area expertise
and an undergraduate or graduate degree in the subject
they teach.
- Public school student population tends to be diverse;
private school population might be more homogeneous.
- Public school class size tends to get larger as
students get older, though many states recognize
the value of small class sizes and have provided
funding to keep class size small in grades K-3.
Private schools are generally committed to providing
small classes and individual attention to students.
In summary: There are excellent
public schools and excellent private schools. The
trick is finding the school that best fits your child’s
needs. Visit the web sites provided to help you get
a better picture of the types of schools available
for you to choose from, and talk to friends and acquaintances
about their experiences before making your decision.
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