|
|
Public Schools vs Private Schools
When looking at public or private schools, the following factors come into play:
Cost
Pubic schools are free. They are funded through
federal, state and local taxes. State Constitutions prohibits public
schools from charging residents any form of tuition or other fees for
materials, supplies, textbooks or transportation.
Private schools do not receive tax revenues but are
funded through tuition, donations and private grants. Therefore, private
schools cost more than the public schools. According to National Association
of Independent Schools, the median tuition fee 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
fee 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. Fees in parochial schools
are a little less. Another study found that parochial schools cost $4,200
a year while other private schools charge $8,500 per student.
Admissions
Pubic 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.
Teachers
Pubic 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.
Class Size
Pubic schoolsMany 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 schoolsPrivate schools are generally committed to providing small
classes and individual attention to students. Many parents choose private schools for this reason.
Curriculum
Pubic 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 learning is measured through state standardized tests.
Private schoolshave 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.
|
|
 |
|
