School districts across the country opted to start the school year virtually, as they have concerns about children being present in schools while the coronavirus remains an issue. Parents find they are struggling with this decision, as they want their children to remain safe while getting an education. Many moms and dads put their child in private schools, as numerous private institutions are open for children to attend class, but not all parents can afford to do so. What are the major differences between public and private schools? What do parents need to know when making this decision?
Major Differences Between Public and Private Schools
Public schools in America receive public funds and offer children a free education. Each school serves a particular community or district and is overseen by local, state, and federal officials. Children in these schools use a curriculum chosen by the state, and this curriculum often aligns with Common Core national standards. In contrast, private schools receive their support from private individuals or a corporation. No funds come from the government or a public agency. Parents find they have more discretion in which private school their child attends. Administrators of the school select the curriculum used, and parents pay tuition for their child to attend. Parents who find it difficult to come up with the funds for private school discover assistance from King of Kash may allow them to move their child to the school of choice.
Teaching Staff
Public schools require teachers to meet all requirements established by the state where the school is located. Furthermore, they need to be highly proficient in the subject being taught. Certain states now allow men and women to teach with a provisional license. This license allows the individual to work in a classroom while pursuing licensure in the state. Parents find this is more common in states struggling with a teacher shortage, especially in subjects such as science. These provisional teachers are supervised by a licensed teacher or another designated professional within the system. In contrast, private schools don’t require teachers to be certified. Most teachers working in private schools hold a graduate degree or have engaged in higher education. Parents need to speak with the school to learn about the qualifications of the teaching staff.
Teacher Salary
Private schools lag behind public schools in terms of teacher salary when one looks at the paycheck the teacher brings home. In addition, private school teachers often receive a smaller benefit package than their public school counterparts. However, private schools may offer additional benefits for teachers, such as reduced tuition for the teacher’s children or all-expenses-paid trips when students take part in these trips. This depends on the school, its size, the funding, and more.
Funding Sources
Public schools receive their funding from a variety of sources. Local governments fund schools through taxes imposed on their citizens, and state and federal governments contribute to the public school funding. In addition, schools may receive donations, grants, and awards. Private schools collect tuition from families attending the school, and many rely on gifts, fundraising, and private endowments for additional funds.
As public schools receive public funds, they may deny no child admission as long as the family lives in the area served by the school. Private schools don’t receive public funds and reserve the right to deny admission to any child if the child doesn’t meet the school’s eligibility criteria.
Assessments
Public schools must conduct testing to ensure students are meeting the stated objectives. In most states, students take standardized tests every year, and schools then publish the scores so parents and others see the results. Private schools don’t have to do the same. Each private school chooses which assessments are used and results of the assessments don’t have to be published. Parents should ask about the assessment methods used and how parents can learn more about the results of the assessments when choosing a school for their child.
Accreditation
Many parents carefully consider private and independent school accreditation to ensure their child receives an excellent education. The State Board of Education bears the responsibility of public school accreditation. Private schools, in contrast, may earn accreditation through several agencies. This includes the National Association of Independent Schools, the National Council for Private School Accreditation, or the Commission on Transregional and International Accreditation.
Class Size
One reason many parents prefer private school involves the lower class size seen in these institutions. Public schools generally have a higher student-to-teacher ratio, which many parents believe is because of inadequate funding or budget cuts. Some elementary schools have classes with 30 children.
Private schools limit class size and hire more teachers to ensure the desired student-to-teacher ratio is maintained. Some schools boast of class sizes of ten children or fewer, but this depends on the school. Parents must request information on this ratio when comparing schools, as many parents desire the personalized interaction between students and teachers in smaller classes.
Transportation
Children attending public school either walk to school or ride on a school bus. Public schools in America must provide bus transportation to all students who live within the area the school serves. Schools districts make exceptions for children who live within walking distance of the school, and the school district determines what the acceptable walking distance is for the area. Parents with children attending private schools find they remain responsible for transporting the child to and from school, although some schools provide transportation options for an additional fee. Parents with children in private school often choose to form carpools so they don’t have to drive their child every day but can share the task with others.
Public and private schools each have their own benefits. Parents must evaluate the schools in their area and determine which they feel more comfortable with for their child. This depends on several factors which differ for each family. Consider both public and private schools for your child to learn which you feel works best for your family situation.
