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Private School Vs. Public School: What Are The Differences?

18 January 2022 by Reginald Long

Private schools have become extremely popular within the United States during the past few years. Many parents are rushing to enroll their students into private schools, even though private schools are much more expensive than public schools. Observing this phenomenon may leave you with a few questions. Are there any differences between public schools are private schools? Why do parents pay this extra price? Are private schools better than public schools?

Learning about both public schools and private schools is one of the most important ways you can help your children (or future children) receive an education that fits the needs of both your family and your unique child. Although public schools and private schools are both places of learning, they are extremely different.

Curriculum

In public schools, teachers and instructors are required to follow a required curriculum. This requirement often leads to teachers spending more time on subjects like math and science. Teachers in private schools are not required to follow federal education requirements, giving them opportunities to place additional focus on the arts (drawing, painting, music) and physical education. Class sizes are another enormous difference between these two types of schools. In private schools, class sizes are typically very small. These small class sizes allow the students to benefit from more individualized instruction and additional one-on-one time with their teacher. Public schools can have class sizes that are almost unmanageable, which is a difficult learning barrier for students to face.

Funding

Another large difference between public schools and private schools is how they receive their funding. Public schools receive funding through the tax system. A portion of taxes go towards education, and this is where public schools get their money. Private schools receive funding in a completely different way. Their funds are acquired through tuition. When a child enrolls at a private school, they will be charged a tuition fee. When this fee is paid, the funds will benefit the school as a whole. Tuition is a major difference between public and private schools, but parents across the country are willing to pay hefty sums to ensure that their children receive the best education possible. 

Although private schools and public schools both have the same goal, they accomplish this goal in different ways. Private schools are able to create and follow their own curriculums, while public schools follow the federally approved curriculum. Additionally, private schools receive their funding by charging their students a tuition fee; while public schools get their funds from public taxes. Another main difference between the two is class size. Typically, class sizes in public schools are much larger than class sizes in private schools.

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