Private vs. Public Schools: What's the Difference? - California

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Private vs. Public Schools: What's the Difference?

Your goal is to find a school that will meet your child's needs. But how do you choose between a public school and a private school?

By GreatSchools Staff

Public schools cannot charge tuition. They are funded through federal, state and local taxes. When you pay your taxes, you are paying for your child's education and the education of other children in your community.

Private schools cost money. Private schools do not receive tax revenues, but instead are funded through tuition, fundraising, donations and private grants. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the median tuition for their member private day schools in 2005-2006 in the United States was close to $14,000 for grades 1 to 3, $15,000 for grades 6 to 8 and $16,600 for grades 9 to 12. The median tuition for their member boarding schools was close to $29,000 for grades 1 to 3, $32,000 for grades 6 to 12. Note that of the 28,384 private schools in the United States, about 1,058 are affiliated with NAIS. The Digest of Education Statistics 2005 from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that for the 1999-2000 school year, the average private school tuition was about $4,700.

Parochial schools generally charge less. According to the National Catholic Educational Association, in their annual statistical report in 2005-2006, the average elementary school tuition for Catholic schools (in 2005) was $2,607; the average freshman tuition (for 2002-2003) was $5,870. Catholic Schools enroll more students (49%) than any other segment of private schools.

Public 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.

Public or Private? The Debate Rages

Private school students typically score higher than public school students on standardized tests, but a study by the National Center for Education Statistics released in 2006 that took into account students' backgrounds told a different story.

Public school students in fourth and eighth grade scored almost as well or better in reading and math, except that private school students excelled in eighth-grade reading. (Downloading the PDF file of the study requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can download for free if you click here.)

A Harvard University study challenged the results, using the same data but different methods. Researchers found that private schools came out ahead in 11 of 12 comparisons of students.

Earlier in 2006, an analysis of math scores by two University of Illinois researchers found similar results to the NCES study. The authors of Charter, Private, Public Schools and Academic Achievement found that "after accounting for the fact that private schools serve more advantaged populations, public schools perform remarkably well, often outscoring private and charter schools."

But as this dissenting view from the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation's Education Gadfly newsletter shows, the debate over which schools do a better job is far from settled.

Public schools must follow all federal, state and local laws in educating children. Such laws usually include specifics about funding, program development and curriculum.

Private schools are not subject to as many state and federal regulations as public schools. Since private schools are funded independently, they are not subject to the limitations of state education budgets and have more freedom in designing curriculum and instruction.

Public 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.

NOTE: The charter school movement is picking up momentum in many states; these schools are public, but many offer specialized programs and smaller classes.

Private schools have 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.

Public 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.

Public schools: The children at most public schools usually reflect the community. Students may be split up based on ability or interests, but in many public schools, there is a diversity of student backgrounds.

NOTE: In many states, if you are not satisfied with your assigned school, you may be able to send your child to another public school in the area. Start here to learn more information about these options.

Private schools: The student population at a private school is determined through a selection process; all students must apply and be accepted in order to attend. Although students may be from different neighborhoods, they will probably have similar goals and interests. This tends to create a fairly homogenous student body.

Public schools: Due to special education laws, public schools must educate all children, and provide the necessary programs to meet their special needs. This means that most public schools have special education programs and teachers who are trained to work with students who have particular needs.

Private schools: Private schools do not have to accept children with special needs, and many choose not to (although there are a small number of private schools specifically designed for special needs children). As a result, most private schools do not have special education programs or teachers trained to work with students with severe special needs. Private schools will try to help all the students they admit, but extra resources may also come at an additional cost.

Public schools: Many 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 schools: Private schools are generally committed to providing small classes and individual attention to students. Many parents choose private schools for this reason.

There are a few fundamental differences between public and private schools, but here's the bottom line: There are great private schools and there are great public schools. The trick is finding the school that best fits your child's needs. You may also want to consider public charter schools or homeschooling. It's a good idea to research the schools that interest you and, to get a true picture of the school, visit in person.

Updated January 2008

Related Links

Comments From GreatSchools.net Users

05/8/2008:

"Private schools are way better, ask anyone."

05/2/2008:

"i think you guys website is helpful."

05/1/2008:

"'One bad apple spoils the whole bunch'.....and it does'nt matter how many tax dollars you pay....your public education is predicated on the behavior of the most disruptive child in the class. Theres nothing anyone can do or you will be sued....pathetic state of affairs. I will be glad to work two jobs so my child does not have to endure the bad behavior condoned in the public schools these days. I was raised better than that and it a shame that there are no morals, values,manners or respect taught to children today"

04/30/2008:

"I would just like to say to all the parents out there, before you down any school spend one day going from class to class with you child. As a parent of 3, I thought my kids were in really good schools. I have three wonderful kids that make really good grades, but I recently spent a day with my 15 year old high school student. I was amazed and so fundamentally disappointed in the school. The children have filthy mouths the halls are crowded, and the teachers act as if they are imune to the activity of the children. My children are great kids, but the schools will never change for the better until all parents ban together and help get the schools up to our codes."

04/29/2008:

"hello, I am a private school graduate and i would heve never done it any other way. I love how uniform it is all togethor. When i took a year off from private school and went public i was aware of so many things that chilren should not know and welcomed into the real world with open arms. When i have children they will go through the private schooling and will be raised in a family of unofrmity and well educcated learning enviorments "

04/21/2008:

"It is time we remind ourselves that our most original thinkers never went to any of our revered schools."

04/18/2008:

"When it comes to the well being of a student, private schools perhaps are far better at producing healthy individuals than public schools. I have attended a public school for the majority of my school career, and this year, my sophmore year, I have attended a nondenominational, private, Christian school. My past has been anything but ideal. I lived with my parents until I was eight years old. My father was deceased at the time I went to live with my aunt and uncle. My parents did not provide the adequate care I needed, and they participated in rather suspicious affaires. My aunt and uncle did not treat me right, and I began to suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts.I also developed some detrimental habits that were not healthy at all. When I attended the public school, I was constantly bombarded and exposed to things and people that did not help my condition. I had access to books (that were in the school library!) that were about kids my age who participated in illega! l and unhealthy activities. Since the public school was larger and and accepted all students, I was surrounded by constant negativity. I eventually went to live with another aunt and uncle, and they sent me to Christian Academy. Within five months, I had accepted the Lord and was free of all my terrible habits. My life has completley turned around. The high school here has about 90 students and the tuition is around $4,000 a year. The students are friendly and accepting of new students. Parents, if you do not want your precious child to be destroyed and corrupted by this damaging world, please consider a private school. The teachers here at Christian Academy care very much for their students. We as a small school are more like a family than just classmates. We do not shun people who are 'different'. This private school has changed my life forever. Again, I ask you to consider the most important choice you will make- where you will send your child to get their education: A public school or private school? Please take into account my story. If you send your child from homeschooling, or private Christian! school to a public school, just watch how their behavior WILL change. May God bless you, and may you make the best choice possible. "

04/14/2008:

"Some of you need to scroll up and read the paragraph on private schools not having the resources to help children with special needs. Private schools are not worth it. If your child is behind when going to a private school, they will fall even further behind. I am not saying public schools are better at all. It is a shame Hawaii knows their schools suck and are doing nothing about it. I feel sorry for children who start school here because when they go to the mainland, they are in for a rude of wakening. We have only been here seven months and already switching schools next year, but I have read bad things about that one too. Thank God we are military and only stay here three years. I feel sorry for people stuck here longer than that."

04/7/2008:

"Why aren't you having a discussion around what WE can do to make public schools better? Instead I see a lot of information about what public schools can do for ME and MY child? What do I get out of it? What is the best school for MY child? Me, Me, I, I, My children, mine, mine mine! Lets start thinking about what is best for the community. How do WE make OUR neighborhood schools better for EVERYONE? Can you imagine what life will be like if we carried 'school choice' to its logical conclusion? Lets all say it together - SEGREGATION!"

04/7/2008:

"It would be really helpful if the parents who post on this site would care to specify where they live...(State and neighborhood). This would be very helpful as it would help us parents place their comments in some kind of context, otherwise this is just a soapbox and an exercise in futility. I hope you see my perspective and somehow send the message that the more information we have, the better choice we can make for our kids. Thank you."

03/31/2008:

"Wow! This is amazing information. As a parent of 2 toddlers, I am already concerned about their education options. AS a former public school teacher, I can tell you that the classroom is a very 'interesting' place. My major concern was the discipline issue. The administrative staff and teachers' hands were often tied when it came to repeat, BAD mannered students. In public school, there is only so much you can hold over a student's head in order to make them respect the other students' right to learn in the classroom. In my personal opinion, and teaching experience, I found that too much teaching time was wasted on students with behavior problems. I wish to hear the other side. Are there any private school teachers out there that can share discipline information? THANKS!"

03/28/2008:

"In our city of 1.2 million people we felt that there were many choices for our daughter's up and coming kindergarten education. We applied to 8 charter and public schools. We were only accepted into 1 which is 30 minuets from our house. The campus is under construction and bleak. Someday it will be a great school, but it is still in transition. So, we looked at different neighborhood schools and their test scores. The only ones that had room for our daughter had test scores that averaged 20-30% of the students in elementary school being at or above grade level in language arts and mathematics. My husband and I made the sacrifice of having me stay home with our daughter for the last five years so she could get the best education, experiences, and one-on-one attention as possible. Now, are we supposed to put her in a school where 70% of the children are functioning below grade level? Test scores don't mean everything, but they do reflect a bit of the academic nature of the sch! ool. So, feeling like we have very little choice in a sea of public, charter, and magnet schools we are going to choose a creative and performing arts private school . It is very close to our home and small. Gas savings alone is almost enough to pay for half of her monthly tuition. And then there is the weekly dance, music (violin), and multiple language classes (Spanish and Cantonese) she will get as a part of her kindergarten curriculum, which we would have to supplement in after school activities and classes if she went to a public elementary school. I grew up in a small town that had only one public school. And yes, it was fine. I went to college and graduate school without any problems. But our city is no small rural town, and with all the problems, cutbacks, large classes, and one size fits all issues of public education (and we couldn't get into any of the other publicly funded alternative schools or even the decent regular public schools as they all had long wait l! ists) private seems like by far the best choice for our middle! class f amily. "

03/19/2008:

"In the era of 'no child left behind' what we've found when we peeled back the onion at our top rated school district,is what is being left behind at the public schools is: arts/music, culture, enrichment programs. Languages aren't started sometimes until 6th or 7th grade. A real travesty. Thus, even though we made our entire house buying criteria based on the school district's performance, we will be sending our daughter to a private school where we feel it is important for her to start learning another language; have a wonderful arts/music program, and establish a love of learning. We thought we would look at this later (like in high school where I'm a huge proponent of single sex education), but when we really started to compare the Pros and Cons we decided on private school. We likely won't be able to afford to send her and my son for their entire education, but we want to start them out on the right path while their brains are sponges!"

03/19/2008:

"We are considering putting our son in private school next year as he enters into middle school because of the incredibly poor curriculum and violent environment of the schools in our area. We are very involved in our son's education and he has survived his elementary school for the past six years achieving academic and citizenship excellence every year despite his surroundings. So, I know that he will continue to make good grades and not be overly influenced by negativity in the future. However, how is he going to be able to handle university after graduating from schools with such low standards and curicullums? Right now, he is used to having 1 page of homework per night and he is already in 5th grade. Throughout the last three years, he has only had to do 1 report/project. We have to find contests and community essay projects to challenge him. Our goal is to prepare our son to succeed in the real world, not merely survive as public school is doing now. "

03/18/2008:

"To whom ever entered the comment that we are trying to 'justify' why are children are in private school. My choice for private school for the first three years is that yes I want her in a controlled enviorment were she can receive the attention she needs. I want her to get ahead in life. I don't care about the other kids in the school. At my private school we are all very much differant. Differant classes I am simply a middle class mother who wishes the best for my child and it so happens I can aford at this time to pay for the best education she can receive. Why wouldn't I want her to be very well disaplined and educated? LACK OF IMAGINATION? What are you talking about? Have you been inside Trinity Luthren or sat threw a class at St. Andrews? These kids probably have an IQ better than yours at 12 years old! I have seen a 5th grader compleate a project alone that high school students couldn't have pulled off. Public school will be good for her when she gets older, I see noth! ing wrong woth public school but it is not right for my child right now. And actually you are wrong private schools do not incourage kids to think alike. They open their minds and push their creativity to higher limits by challanging them in ways public schools can not aford to!"

03/17/2008:

"That was very good. Thank you I relly got the information that I need "

03/13/2008:

"do private schools fall under the same school districts as public schools or are there such things as private school districts? how does that work?"

03/12/2008:

"I find it interesting that most of these comments are from people trying to justify why there children are in private school. Lets get honest, most private schools are and excuse for people to put there children in a controlled enviroment that excludes anyone who is not just like them. The school is as good as the student. If you make education important to your child, it will be important. Private school is a place for kids with a lack of imagination, who cant find ways to challenge themselves outside the box. They are put in a nice little box with other kids who think and act the way, they think is acceptable. Wear the same clothes, haircuts, shoes and all have the same ideas. Then when they are forces to live in the real world, they are slapped with a huge dose of reality. Most of these kids have inept social skills, due to lack of proper social interaction. Private school is not the answer, teaching your kids to behave and making education important to them is the answer! . "

03/12/2008:

"Pay for school? I would suggest that an education is certainly worth paying for. Part of success is having the ability to use that success to provide the best. Otherwise, you limit the incentives for achievement. At any rate, public schools were originally designed to cater to those who lacked the ability or resources to educate their own children. It is a safety net to guarantee only the BARE MINIMUM in education which is evident when comparing US academic achievement to that of other developed countries. Or just listen to Ms. South Carolina explain how us 'US Americans' need to help the 'Iraqs' and the 'Africas.' I realize that most people do not have the resources to pay for top private schools but I would urge you not to downplay the significance in catering an education to the child in the manner that many private schools can do. Every American has the same opportunity but not every American achieves the same level of success. Likewise, every student has the same opportunity, those in both private and public schools, however the success achieved by parents (fair or unfair) is what gives some the ability to send their kids to private school which is an instant advantage. Like it or not. Fair or not. Look at those who come from a public school and become successful and wealthy. 90% of the time, their children will NOT be products of the same school. Why is that? Life isn't fair. Deal with it."

03/11/2008:

"Why on earth would you want to pay for your child's education? If you are PAYING for your child to go to school, that just means that he has personal or mental issues that require special attention. I am personally a product of public school education from kindergarten to grade 12, I have many friends that go to private schools, and I must say that I am much more intelligent than them. I've noticed that many private school students tend to believe they're better than everyone else which is completely false. Parents act like public schools are so bad; yet, they forget that its the individual school that truly decides your child's education. Parents here's the deal: don't think about private or public, think about the individual school. I agree that there are MANY bad public schools out there, but there is not one single student that can say that every private school is much better. Many public schools that I know seem exactly (if not close) to private schools, so examine the ! individual school. I am personally an advocate for public schools, but there are situations where private schools are better if your district's public schools are not performing synomonous with your expectations. Don't believe the lies that all public schools are bad!"

03/10/2008:

"My sister and I went to private schools in Fla. for elementary. I was in 4th grade when we moved to Ala. and our parents enrolled us in public school. Both my sister and I had issues with the school and were tested, only to find out we BOTH were TWO grades above the level we were in. My teacher couldn't even do long division, I had to show the class how to do it! My parents were outraged and they were told the teacher couldn't be fired because she was under a contract and her job was secure whether she was capable of performing her job or not! The next year, we went to private school again, but were tested to see what grade level we were on and we were still at or above the level. We both could have skipped two grades coming from private to public, but our parents didn't feel that would be a good idea. I graduated at the age of 16. My sister went on the get her Master's degree and has been teaching elementary school in Texas for about 20 yrs. now. But I can tell you from my ! experience that I would have my kids in private school if I could afford it... instead they have all 3 always been in Magnet or college-bound classes (and gifted and talented as well). My youngest is in 4th grade (magnet and gifted and talented) in public school, and still has to help the kids around her in these classes. I would certainly have her in private if I could afford it... hands down. And thumbs up to private schools for keeping us above and beyond the 'norm'."

03/10/2008:

"Honestly, i think that you guys dont need to say all of the disadvantages of the private schools and all of the advantages of the public schools just to convince parents to send their children to a public shool. My children go to a private school, and you are absolutely wrong about private schools having kids with the same ideas and goals. They all are absolutely different. Out of every private school I have visited, (which is 38 private schools), every school has a huge diversity of children. And there are so many things that are wrong on this article that you have posted. It almost made me feel bad that I am sending my children to a private school, and I shouldn't have to feel bad. A private school is an amazing opportunity for children and colleges tend to look at them more than they look at public schools. Please, as a favor, please update this article to make it fair so the people can see both the advantages and disadvanteges of each type of school."

03/5/2008:

"The public schools I know actually have 3 different levels of learning, depending on how well the child is doing in school. There is advanced, Honors, and College prep. The state didn't require this."

03/5/2008:

"I was the biggest advocate for private school, until my third child got a chronic illness and the school did everything to hurt my childs education and there no place to go for help. I also know that they do not have to accept children with a learning disability, but mine did, but then four years later I find out they have no paper work on file for him, I have spent this past year in some MESS!! If you put your child in private school, check their files every year, and hope they never get ill!!"

03/5/2008:

"i perfer going to a public schools because it give a chance to choose my classes and you can go more activites in schools and there are good programs and you can get extra help and there are shorters classes too and you dont pay anything for a publics schools because they take it for your taxes and private schools you pay alot"

03/5/2008:

"I'm surprised no one has mentioned the differences in curriculum at private vs. public schools. My kids currently attend public school, but I am thinking of pulling my 1st grader out because it is a completely BARE BONES education - her class spends 2.5 hours per day on 'reading' (and half of that time is in group and half spent waiting for 'your turn' in a class of 25 kids) and another 1.5 hours on Math. The rest of the time is recess, lunch, p.e., and some writing/classroom activities. Our public elementary school district does NOT teach history or science to K-3, much less any music, drama, or art at ANY level. NONE! This is appalling to me - I supplement with history and science lessons for my 1st grader at home because I thinks he's missing out on so much. School is just the reading and math grind and socializing. I am looking into private schools for her next year - one near our home offers French, horseback riding, drama, musical instruments/band, PLUS history and science for ALL grades, K-8. Someone please tell me how it is that these schools all have the same 6-7 hours per day, and yet the private schools can do all of this 'enrichment' AND do better academically with the basics? Keep that in mind next time you're comparing 'test scores' - even if private schools are comparable with public in terms of language arts and math... think of all the EXTRAS private school students get to experience! Our public schools today are really doing a disservice to this country... "

02/27/2008:

"I am a product of private schooling and I have nothing but positive to say of my experiences. There are great public schools and there are great private schools. We also have to realize that there are both bad public and private schools. The difference I've noticed in my education at a private school was how I was ahead of my other peers in college. I have to disagree with the stereotype that all private schools are for rich kids. I went to a private single sex Catholic high school and at least 80-90% were normal middle class boys. In many cases, both parents were working two jobs or more to send their children to this school. There is a common stereotype that private school kids are stuck up as well. This is not true. I believe there is character in education and when you are in a school where morals and values are emphasized, the students, the faculty, and the community itself will adapt to that, so you have a big difference over the public school. At my high school, I fel! t like I was going to my second home, to a second family. I spent more time in my school than I did at home and that was because I truly enjoyed being there. Our neighborhood public high school is in terrible shape and the majority of the students who live in the area attend private high schools or simply move out of the neighborhood. The few that choose to attend a public high school try out for the gifted high school. Unfortunately, not everyone is gifted, so that means the rest of the students have to be packed into that neighborhood school where the academics and environment is simply deplorable. A kid in my neighborhood graduated valedictorian of his high school but failed to get into any of the top schools he applied to. The schools he did get into were good schools as well but because the courses he took did not prepare him, he faired very poorly in college. It's a shame when your high school doesn't prepare you for college. I don't believe that private education is for everyone but I do believe it was right for me. I truly believe that I am who I am because of private schooling. Small class sizes and teachers who really care to bring the best out of you is what I needed and I received that throughout my educational experience. I presently work for a public school system and I see the difference between the education I received and the education that is given to our students. It is unfortunate that students are being deprived of a quality education, but at the same time, in such a large system as the one I am working in, the students don't care much either and it makes teaching difficult. So either teachers try the best they can or they simply give up. The difference in private school is that many of the students know their parents are paying a lot to send them there and the teachers are taking huge cuts in their pay to work there. Therefore there is a difference in the classroom. "