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What Our Readers Think: Public vs. Private Schools

Readers tell their preference for public vs. private schools, based on their personal experiences.

By GreatSchools.net Staff

Readers express very personal reactions to our article: Private vs. Public Schools: What’s the Difference? Some favor public schools, others choose private. Several readers attended both types of schools and weigh the pros and cons.

In favor of public schools

More on GreatSchools.net
Private vs. Public Schools:What's the Difference?
Choosing a School: An Overview

From Virginia:
"Public school helped me to be more independent, and not rely on others. Also there is a good diversity at my school."

In favor of private schools
From Wisconsin:
"I think private school teaches you better morals, and you are just in a better environment, and what I have seen, is that kids from private school are more educated from private schools."

It all depends on the student’s needs.
From California:
"The rule of thumb in our school district is that private school is best suited for those who require a great deal of hand-holding."

It all depends on the quality of the particular school.
From Missouri:
"I attended public and parochial schools and currently have children in both. Every area is different and there is even a huge disparity in the quality of education between schools within the same district. I found that a good foundation is the answer for us. My oldest is a senior in public and is excelling in his work, but attribute that to the foundation he received in a Lutheran school through 8th grade. My youngest attends an Assembly of God Private school in 4th grade and there's no comparing him academically. I am incredibly involved in both schools and believe that this is key to any child's success - whichever route you choose."

From Washington:
"I went to public schools, was homeschooled, and went to private schools, not necessarily in that order. The quality of education is dependent on the particular school, not where the funding comes from.

"The best schools I went to were public schools. The idea that being privately funded makes a school better is ridiculous. What makes a school better is the background and dedication of the teachers and administrators and the background of the students.

"By the way, although requirements vary from state to state, most states require (at least at the secondary level) that teachers have a degree in the content area they teach, rather than a generalist education degree, for certification. In my state, since public schools generally spend a larger portion of their budget on teacher salaries and mandated maximum class sizes are low, public schools usually attract more qualified, more professional, more experienced teachers.

"The difference from state to state, district to district, and school to school can be great. In my state, where public schools are (in most districts) excellent, private schools are largely populated by students who have been expelled from the public schools for behavior problems. In a neighboring state, where public schools are overwhelmed by unruly students and grossly underfunded, private schools are populated largely by those wishing to escape the conditions at the public schools.

"We are considering sending our daughter to private school, so that she can avoid dealings with out-of-ontrol students. Although her teachers would not be as good in private school, they would be able to focus more of their time and energy on teaching, with less wasted on behavior management."

March 2006

Comments From GreatSchools.net Users

07/3/2008:

"Parents who have a choice between public and private schools should also consider these questions: 1) Am I confident of my child's intelligence and my own parenting? If the answer is yes, you know that your child will do probably fine anywhere, especially if you stay involved. 2) Do I care about how my choice affects the big picture? One of the reasons public schools fail is because educated, skilled, and involved parents have abandoned the school system. These parents not only can provide stability and guidance to school communities, but their students can bring up test scores for the whole school. 3) What kinds of experiences do you want for your child? Academic achievement is important, but developing a level of comfort with diversity and the social skills for dealing with difference is more and more important in our changing world. Clearly there are trade-offs. But I've seen some amazing things happen in my own public school district when parents take a chance, and work together. "

06/19/2008:

"From (the DC Metro) Maryland: I am heading to the 10th grade this fall, and I am all for private schools. Where I am from, the public schools are only one notch above hell. Sometimes the private schools aren't much better, but at least there I am guaranteed to be at least one grade level ahead of my eers (which I have discovered is the case, during my six-week stay in public schools six years ago). I've been two private Christian schools and two secular ones affliated with NAIS, and I definitely enjoyed the latter more than the former. With the NAIS schools at least, I have been exposed to incredible curriculums, extra curriculars that are a parent's dream, and have been encouraged to grow and seek my own path. While I realize that some are honestly not cut out for private schools (two of my classmates hated it and are transfering back to public school), no one can deny the superior quality (in the majority) of private education."

06/13/2008:

"Biggest mistake in my life as a parent was allowing one of my daughters to attend a public school for grades 6 - 8. Even in Minnesota which has generally good public schools they don't hold a candle to private schools which are far better across the board! Oh by the way I went to both public and private myself. Public high school was O.K. at best and I went to one of the 'elites.' but at my Catholic High School I was offered- and took -5 languages in 3 different alphabets in my sophomore year. I doubt that many publics even offer that. Also my mother was a public school teacher who constantly felt that 'at public schools you are forced to go as fast as the SLOWEST ship in the convoy!' Yep that's why she took her salary and sent me and my siblings to the better schools. (P.S. for those who might wonder the languages were English, Latin and French in the Roman alphabet, Greek in the Greek alphabet and Russian in Cyrillic alphabet.)"

06/10/2008:

"Morality can't be legislated and it surely isn't taught in public schools which is why we send our children to a Private Christian school. Perhaps private and public schools are equal as far as the basic curriculum but we want our children to have be educated in a wholesome atmosphere - not an atmosphere where it's acceptable for kids to walk around with bandanas and their pants hanging half way down their rearend. Our public schools are out of control because the boundaries are far too wide - children need narrow boundaries. When they are older then they can do as they choose. A private school education will have taught them proper values that will benefit them their entire lives. There is simply no substitute for that."

06/9/2008:

"i go to private school and i used to go to public let me tell you, there is such a difference. The work is much more challenging and learned so much. But there is alot of drama and the small classes means that there is a limited amount of people and most kids get caught up in drama that distracts them from their work. Trust me, i know. So in my opinion public schools are much better. "

06/9/2008:

"The bottom line is that kids have personalities and so do schools and you just have to find the right fit for your child based on his/her needs."

06/3/2008:

"the private schools try to justify taking your money saying they are giving you a better education. just try to get a real answer out of them about the actual test score results. good luck go public get your moneys worth"

06/2/2008:

"I have 2 kids in private school, I hate it. I went to public school, and my wife went to private school. $18,000 a year for both of them to attend private school and they dont even have a paved parking lot. Or a bus to come get them. Or, half the sports teams a public school has. Teachers in private school are not even required to have a certification or a degree on the subject they teach. You have no diversity. All rich kids. You dont learn the ropes of life in a private school. Private schools are a SHELTERED life. The children there are silver spoon fed. Hands held. Babied. You do not learn to be independent. To think that there is better education or a better future for you or your child at a private school you are wrong. You think that you are, or your children are getting more attention you are wrong. Its all up to the teacher on how well you or your child is taught. Not how much you pay."

06/2/2008:

"As a teacher for a public school and a relative of many that homeschool and are in private schools, I believe it is a matter of personal preference. Please keep in mind, No Child Left Behind is not in our control but mandated to us. It's unfortunate in many areas as it does allow less instructional time. Many of the teachers with the passion use every moment as a teachable moment. Additionally, parents will not avoid real-life issues no matter which school they attend. Give them the foundation and, parents, take a personal interest and involvement! Regardless to the funding, we are in a business together of raising a child to be educated and prepared. "

06/2/2008:

"I go to private school, and LOVE it. It's helped me grow in so many ways, but my only complaint is the small size. There are 45 kids in my whole grade, and I've known most of them since we were 4. It makes it pretty cliquey, because the friendships have been formed for so long there's not much changing. However, I don't consider myself 'popular', yet I have some amazing friends. Even so, I would recomend private school to anyone. "

06/2/2008:

"You cannot hide a child from all the evils of the world. That is a simple fact. But you can provide a child with an opportunity to feel safer and nurtured and even back up your family's moral beliefs by sending them to a private school. The 'basic' education given in a private school will place a child light years ahead of the 'basic' education given to a similar child in a public school. And by basic I mean not the advanced or remedial classes. The smaller class size assures that your child is not able to fall through the cracks or just slide by sitting in the back row and cowering. A private school education will turn out a child more likely to have an excellent grasp on the english language...one who will not send out business memos via email with mass misspellings. The old adage is you get what you pay for. Since public school education comes from the one area that every American is always trying to reduce, their taxes, what do you think it is that publically schooled ki! ds are getting? An inferior, threadbare and discounted education. "

05/30/2008:

"it doesn't matter what school kids go to as long they get smarter"

05/8/2008:

"There is far less teaching going on in public schools. If you know children who attend private schools, you can check out the curriculum. You will find there is no comparison."

05/8/2008:

"There is far less teaching going on in public schools. If you know children who attend private schools, you can check out the curriculum. You will find there is no comparison."

04/29/2008:

"My son attended a private Montessori preschool and is now in public school. We were extremely happy with his preschool education, and it gave him a strong foundation. The school was rich in diversity as is his current school. Now, in first grade our son is doing well, but we had to ask the teacher twice for more challenging math problems at our son's request. She has helped him immensely with his writing skills, but he also needs more challenging reading material. He qualified for a higher learning program that meets once a week and enjoys it very much. All in all, I'm satisfied with the public school education, and we are fine supplementing it at home with extra math and reading. I'm most happy about the education he's receiving in his new social environment. I think too many people neglect socialization as a part of education these days. The social skills our son will learn in a public school with high diversity will last a lifetime. After all, we want our children to be independent and function in the real world - don't we??? "

04/25/2008:

"Best book on the topic - Academy X by Andrew Trees. A very funny book too, and a great summer read. "

04/23/2008:

"On my personal behalf, I think private schools are better, hence it's name. I am a student at a private school and the children in my class are a lot nicer than the ones at my old public school. Even though you have to pay, it's worth it. They also don't judge your religion, which is helpful. I recommend going to a private school."

04/23/2008:

"I personally think private schools are a much better choice, because the kids get more attention then they would at a public school. My children attend a private school, and have many friends with good backgrounds. I would choose a private school, rather than a public government school. The private school is the way to go. Consider it, really."

04/22/2008:

"Im sorry, but I think public schools are better. They make you independent and you learn to make good choices. Also not only are there programs for falling behind children,but for exelling kids to. There is also good programs like D.A.R.E everywhere. I went to private school, but I alwayes noticed how some teachers didn't have the same knowledge and control as public schools. I believe to go to whatever suites you. Theres great public schools,and exellent private schools."

04/15/2008:

"I have seen the tragedy of public schools with my own daughter. We ahd her in private school fro preschool through Kindergarten. Then we bought a house and couldn't afford the school. Steadily, after 5th grade we saw a decline in attention to her needs. Overwought with non English students she was lost in the shuffle. So we found a way and put her in private. She continues through high school, until an administrative blunder forced us to send her back to public. WHAT A MISTAKE!!! She never completed high school. Well, suffice it to say we have learned our lesson and we are blessed with family help to send our 2 younger girls to private. I would sacrifice anything before I pull them out! I hate the assumption that only 'rich' kids go to private school. When in fact I know first hand the struggles and sacrifice families make to send their children to our school. We are blessed with financial assistance, and a very driven PTL group that raises funds. We have a secure campus, sm! all classes, double accreditation, certified teaching staff (with low turn over), computer classes,focused learning and so much more! "

04/14/2008:

"my child has had a horrible year in 2nd grade he came from B honor roll every six weeks in first grade to failing math in second... our teacher is older and closing in on her last year before retirement, I have done volunteer work/observation and feel that the classroom structure is lacking.....she referred my child for and occupational therapy evaluation (I as a Physical Therapist felt it ridiculous) and his peditrician referred him for a physcologial eval which proved that he 'might' have ADD (attentive type) but after following up with the teacher the MD felt further counseling/intervention unneccesary--forgive the rambling my question is do I continue public schools chalking this up to a bad teacher (I have friends at this school who are teachers and agree) or do I move him to private schools to maximize education next year"

04/7/2008:

"My children go to single sex private schools - we are very happy with our choice. Everyone is different and there is no right answer - each family must make their own decision and not criticize others as there are so many things to consider, like where you live, what your child is like, etc. I personally like all girl and all boy schools, but my kids live in the city and also have lots of contact with kids of the opposite sex on a regular basis and are not too sheltered."

03/28/2008:

"Do not judge private/public schools until you have looked at both sides of the story. My mom went to a public school in Raleigh and loved it because they have a great public school system there. I go to private school in charlotte and love it because there are many great private schools in charlotte. The only thing I can really say is, look at the area you live in and see which ones look better for your school."

03/27/2008:

"I went to a public school since I was in kindergarden, then switched when I was a junior in high school. In my opinion, a public school has more activities and electives offered. If you want to send your child to a private school just so they don't get into drugs or alcohol, that won't necessary solve the problem. BE CAREFUL. I guess it just depends what city you live in- every city is different."

03/24/2008:

"private schools dont reflect of the real world..."

03/19/2008:

"In the era of No Child Left Behind....what is being left behind in the public schools is arts, music, culture, languages, enrichment programs, after school sports etc. It was unbelievable to us that in our top rated PA school district that the kids weren't being taught another language until 6th or 7th grade. All studies show that children can and should learn a language starting in Kindergarten when their minds are like sponges. Also, No Child Left Behind ensures that public schools now are only interested in test scores. News Flash- there is a tremendous amount of learning that happens outside of test taking. We never considered private school for elementary education (we based our entire home buying on the school district)- but once we peeled back the onion we saw what was going on and were completely deflated. Our Public School system needs serious help. I just feel sorry for those who don't live in a top school district where those PSA and SAT scores dictate even! more so, how much funding they will get. Socioeconomics and whether or not parents are college educated are directly correlated with academic performance. We likely won't be able to afford private school the whole way, but as long as we can we will try to provide this for our children as education is an investment in our children we hope we can make. Unless the public schools go back to like they were when we were young."

03/17/2008:

"I have taught in both public and private schools. My child attended public school for Kindergarten and First grade. He now attends a Christian school. The teachers at my sons schools all choose to teach there and most chose to leave public schools. I disagree that the private school teachers are not as good as public school teachers. When I taught in private, the teachers were great and loved what they did. Some public school teachers that I work with are very negative and dislike their job. "

03/17/2008:

"I went to a private grammar school and then on to public highschool. I think that was the worst move I could have made. Accademically I did wonderful in private, not so good in public. The behavior in public this public school is completely out of control. Private school offers a child more of a developmental route than public. Children come out acting like kind, helpful, and thoughtful people. They have a more rounded learning system. Just because they don't use state curriculum completely, its ok. children have more self esteem, they value another's life and feelings. They carry it through life. Public school offers none of that. I currently drive a school bus for my old highschool. The behavior is ridiculous. I have water bottles thrown at me while driving, kids swearing horribly even though you ask them to stop because my small kids are on the bus they tell you where to go. These kids are taught basic learning levels of subjects and that's it. I am also bac! k in college and I can apply more to my studies from what I learned in private school then I ever will be able to from public. Go private if you want your child to be a human not an animal."

03/13/2008:

"We have had our children in both public and private. The private school out performed our public school by MILES. But you still find mead kids and parents in private settings, just as we found in the public school. Our experience in the public school was the teachers were their because it was a job. No one teacher went out of their way to help us with a child with disabilities. They ignored them, pretty much tolds us if you don't like it here find another school. Yes a public school. Legally they may not be able to kick you out but they can make your child and your life misereable. It would take an act of God for us to send our children back to a public school. We would love to save the money for college, but they might not make it with our public school!"

03/13/2008:

"03/12/08 To the reader who stated that a good reason to send your child to a public school is that 'it is free' let me remind you that it is not! Tax dollars pay for the public school. I personally attended both and can say that my experience with private was better. Public schools have to deal with the disciplinary problems which detract from the educational process. There is an element of society that I prefer my children avoid. In a public school you have no choice."