Key Differences Between Private School And Public School Education

Your child’s education is quite possibly the most important foundation to build in order to raise successful adults. Choosing their school isn’t a decision that you should take lightly. When you begin the journey of starting their education, one of the first choices you’ll make is whether you prefer a public or private school. There are huge differences between the two that can ultimately shape your child’s future both mentally and emotionally. Here are the biggest differences you can expect between a public and private school.

Smaller Class Sizes

Private schools traditionally have smaller class sizes. Public school class sizes can easily reach 25-30 students or more. On the other hand, private schools typically have significantly smaller class sizes of less than 20 students. This lends itself to greater opportunity for individualized attention from instructors and more room for personal growth and development.

Student Motivation

Private schools have the ability to set the bar high for their students, challenging their social, emotional, and educational growth deeper than a public school normally would. Private schools are not funded by the government which means that they can set their own criteria for admission as well as their expectations of students’ performance. What this typically translates to for private schools is a student body that is saturated with highly motivated learners and high achievers.

This perpetuates an environment where students continually strive for success academically, emotionally, and socially. People of all ages – but especially children – tend to adapt to the environment around them whether consciously or subconsciously. In an educational setting, students are more likely to strive to attain common ground with their classmates, which can be an excellent motivator for learning.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Public schools rely on government funding for all aspects of their operations, including extracurricular activities. Budget cuts and reallocation of funds can frequently result in programs being dissolved or a lack of necessary equipment and staffing.

Private school tuition resolves this problem. The cost of tuition for a private school covers more than classroom instruction. It typically pays for many of the extracurricular activities which often teach students important life lessons and provide outlets for creativity and energy. Extracurriculars also help broaden a child’s imagination and introduce them to opportunities that allow them to see the world from new perspectives.

Curriculum

Public school curriculum is regulated by the government who sets the standards for students to attain. Private schools have freedom over their curriculum choices which means students have more freedom over their own education. Public schools tend to focus on the end result, meaning they work to help their students reach the benchmark that was set for them. These benchmarks are generally the same for every student and leave little to no room for individuality.

Private schools focus more on the journey of a student’s education. Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace while receiving the needed guidance and support from their teachers. Private schools typically have more resources available for students to utilize. Additionally, the small class sizes allow students the freedom to let their natural inquiry pave the way for their own educational pursuits.

It’s A Matter Of A Custom-Fit Education Versus One-Size-Fits-All

It’s clear that there are significant differences in public and private education. Students can become well-rounded students in either environment, but the world of private schools offer children a learning environment that is more of a custom-fit rather than a one-size-fits-all. Remember to consider the big picture when choosing your child’s educational path. Their future depends on it.