(Sue Scheff) Public School vs. Private School

“The findings are pretty clear: there is no significant difference between how kids do -- given their socio-economic background, their family background -- in private schools and in public school.”

– Dr. Martin Carnoy, Stanford University Department of Education

Will sending your kids to a private school help them succeed in life? It’s a difficult question, especially for parents who would have to struggle to pay private school tuition. Now, a new study suggests that our children’s success depends on how we answer a very different question.
Some kids like public school better than private school.

“Well, at public schools, there are not as many rules and there’s a lot more people to hang out with and a lot more groups,” says Kenny, 13.

Other kids say private school is more of a challenge.

“When you go to a public school, everything’s easier. When I went to a private school there was harder stuff,” says Chris, 17.

Do private schools really give kids an academic advantage? According to the Center on Education Policy in Washington, D. C., the answer is no.

“The findings are pretty clear: there is no significant difference between how kids do -- given their socio-economic background, their family background -- in private schools and in public schools,” says Dr. Martin Carnoy, Stanford University Department of Education.

The study reports that success in school and in life isn’t a matter of public school versus private school. It’s a matter of how involved parents are with their children.

Research continues to show that when parents get involved in their child’s education, that’s what helps kids the most.

“I see an increase in their productivity and their classroom activities. I even see in them a tremendous improvement academically,” says Cathie Banks, academic advisor.
Experts say “parent involvement” can mean lots of things.

“You need to know their teachers well enough that you can call them at home. You need to know what’s expected of [your child], go through all the syllabi that the students get and actually sitting down, reading with them, studying with them,” says Allan Kennedy, licensed professional counselor.

So, can money buy a better education? Not according to this mom:

“I don’t think that just because you pay money for something that it makes it better,” says Karen Kehlet, mother and PTA co-president.

The academics at public and private schools may be similar, but there are other differences. For example, if you want your child to wear a school uniform, receive a religious education or learn in a college preparatory environment, a private school may be worth the money.

Tips for Parents

As a parent, how can you determine what type of school is best for your child? For starters, it is important for you to know your options. The Oregon Department of Education cites the following types of schools for you to consider:

Charter schools (public): These autonomous, “alternative” public schools are started by parents, teachers, community organizations and for-profit companies. They receive tax dollars, but the sponsoring group must also come up with private funding. Charter schools must adhere to the basic curricular requirements of the state but are free from many of the regulations that apply to conventional schools and the day-to-day scrutiny of school boards and government authorities.

Magnet schools (public): These highly competitive, highly selective public schools are renowned for their special programs, superior facilities and high academic standards. They may specialize in a particular area, such as science or the arts. Students who apply to these schools go through a rigorous testing and application process.


Independent schools (private): These schools are nonprofit and governed by elected boards of trustees. Independent schools draw their funds from tuition payments, charitable contributions and endowments rather than from taxes or church funds. They may be affiliated with a religious institution but cannot receive funds or governance from them.

Independent private day schools generally cost from a few thousand to more than $10,000 per student per year, while an independent boarding school charges each student approximately $20,000 annually.


Parochial schools (private): These church-related schools are most commonly owned and operated by Catholic parishes or dioceses but also by Protestant denominations. Hebrew or Jewish Day schools may also be termed parochial, but are more commonly known as “day schools.” The majority of the private schools in the United States are parochial schools.

Their academic curriculum is supplemented with required daily religious instruction and prayer. Teachers may be clergy or laypersons who may or may not be trained educators.

Your child doesn’t have to be Catholic to attend a parochial school, but he or she will still be required to attend religious education classes and prayer services. Parochial schools generally cost between $1,200 and $2,400 per year for an elementary school student and between $4,600 and $7,500 for a high school student.


Proprietary schools (private): These private schools are run for profit. This is a relatively new category of school. They do not answer to any board of trustees or elected officials. Because of this, they claim to be able to respond quickly to the demands of the market. Tuition is comparable to that of private, nonprofit schools.


Home schools: These schools include an educational environment in which a student receives instruction offered in a home, as regulated by state law, for reasons other than health.


Talk to others.

Find out what active parents and educators think about schools or other programs. A customer’s point of view, from someone who actually has a child enrolled, is one of the best sources.


Evaluate the school. Once you decide which schools you are going to evaluate, it is important to search out information and ask questions that will show you what each school offers in important areas.


Schedule a visit. Visit at least two of your top schools. Test scores and written mission statements can’t tell you enough. Besides, the best school for your child is often the one where you can be most involved, and you can only find that out by meeting people at the school face-to-face.


Take action early. You’ve talked to other parents. You’ve evaluated the school and you’ve stopped by for a visit.

You have all of the information you need to make your decision. Prioritize the schools that best meet your child’s needs and the goals you have determined for your child, and apply by the deadline.
References

Broward County Public Schools

National Association of Independent Schools

Oregon Department of Education

Partnership for Learning