Private School vs. Public School: Which Is Right for Your Child?

As parents, something we aren’t lacking in is choices to make for our children. Do we bottlefeed or breastfeed? Co-sleep or put our child in their room? Stay at home or work? The list goes on and on. Another one of those choices is schooling. Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Private and public schools each have their own unique advantages, from curriculum and class sizes to cost, extracurriculars and educational approach. Knowing the differences can help you weigh your options and find the school that best fits your child’s needs, your family’s priorities and your budget. 

Teaching Styles 

Teaching styles can depend greatly on the teacher and the school environment, but there are some general differences between private and public school teaching styles. Private schools are not bound by the same state rules as public schools, so the teachers may have more freedom in what they teach, and how. In public schools, the teachers often share the same goals for their students that are set for them. And in private schools, the teachers may have more time to spend on special projects because they are not bound by a strict schedule, curriculum or timeline.  

Curriculum 

A big difference between public and private school curriculum is that public schools must stick to state guidelines and the curriculum required to prepare the students for standardized testing. The public school curriculum will look much the same across the board, depending on grade level. In private schools, there is more flexibility in creating the curriculum. Another big difference is that private schools can have a specific focus, such as religion, STEM, the arts, language, and others. They also might incorporate different teaching styles, such as Montessori or Waldorf.  

Student Support 

Public schools are funded by taxes, whereas private schools are funded by tuition and donations. Because of this, the type of support can vary depending on the finances available to the schools. In public schools, you will find a lot of support in the form of school counselors, social workers and other state sponsored programs. In private schools, you might find more resources that allow for one-on-one time or specialized learning, depending on the focus of that particular private school. If your child has learning disabilities, or other needs, this is something you will want to discuss with the school staff. Public schools offer Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that are created for your student based on their needs. A team will sit down with the parents and child and review the IEP annually to make any necessary adjustments for the next school year.  

Class Sizes 

Public schools are mapped out based on where people live, which affects the size of the classroom. With private schools, as long as you have the means and the transportation, it does not matter if you are zoned for the school. Typically, private schools offer smaller classes with more one-on-one instruction than public schools.  

Extracurricular Opportunities 

Both private and public schools can offer extracurricular opportunities in the form of sports, clubs, academics, arts, music and more. If your child has something they love that you want to encourage them to grow in, check with your public and private schools in the area to see which one may be a better fit. Some private schools have specific focuses, such as art and music, that you may want to consider.  

School Communities 

Public school communities are great because the students all come from the community where you reside, which makes playdates, carpooling and getting to know the student’s families relatively easy. If you are in a small town, you are likely to run into classmates and families everywhere you go. Public school communities also tend to be more diverse and rely heavily on organizations such as the Parent Teacher Association, which is a great way for parents to become involved with the classroom, and the school as a whole. With private schools, the communities may be more tailored to specific religious or philosophical beliefs. Private schools also tend to be smaller, which can create a strong sense of community and easy ways to get plugged into the school.  

Costs 

Something that may hinder some families from looking into private schooling is the cost of tuition. Public schools are funded by taxes and do not have tuition, whereas private schools do have an annual cost. Many schools offer scholarships, grants and other aid that students may qualify for. Before throwing in the towel, be sure to contact the school to find out what options may be available for funding.   

There are many benefits to both private and public schools, and what is best varies depending on each child and family. A great way to learn more about the schools you are interested in is to connect with the parents who have children attending that school currently. Is there a parent group you can join? Or someone you can grab a cup of coffee with to learn more about their experience? These choices can feel like a lot, but remember: Nobody knows your child like you. And if you find out it isn’t the best fit, remember that you can always switch.