What Our Readers Think: Public vs. Private Schools

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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

10/8/2008:

"personally as a high school student this is my senior year and i've always been in public school never in a private school and i think that a public school has gotten such a bad rep. that people just automatically think bad of the school again there is going to be a student who has a really bad attitude and acts out regardless of what school they attend just others have diffrent situations and might act out more private school teachers might not understand that person as much as a public school teacher cause most likely that teacher is from the same neighborhood and can relate more but there is a bad side to public school depending on how dedicated the teacher is to helping the student and not focuss on the down side of that student then no your child is not in a good situation but for us that cant afford to go to a private school this is the only opption we have and you can tell who really wants it and who doesnt i know a few people that are very successful coming from publ! ic school its not where you get your education but how you use it in the end"

10/1/2008:

"My children now attend a private religious school. I am still a public school teacher, although I will consider a position in private school if the opportunity arises. I was a faithful public school parent for my entire 15 years of teaching, including enrolling my eldest daughter, who is now in college, in public schools. She was homeschooled for some years (in fact, I think homeschooling is the better of all three methods). However, since this is my first year private schooling my children, I am keeping an open mind and holding my opinion. So far I definitely prefer private over public. The behaviors of children in public schools is appalling and will get worse before it gets better (if that is possible). The board here in Chicago only wants students to be taught to the state test. The paradigm should be teach children the scope and sequence of all subjects instead of teaching skills out of sequence and not teaching skills to mastery. The board also allows parental apathy towards their children's education. The board does not demand better accountability from parents. The board also does not support teachers. The public schools are quite intrusive on parents' rights and additionally are mandated to take on inappropriate responsibility for the general care and nuturing of students thereby relieving parents of these important duties ie healthcare is provided during the school day which interferes with learning, schools have to investigate allegations of students being the victims of 'date abuse' even if the abuse occurred after school hours/off school property! I am happy my children are currently attending a school where disruptive behaviors are at a minimum and where they can learn skills in the scope and sequence intended. I have my eye on my children gaining admittance to Darmouth (we might reject Darmouth, but it's great to have the option.) and other top schools. We do not have time to waste in public schools. My two youngest daughters really like the private school. My 12 year old has really blossomed the short time we've attended. My children have always been the exemplar children in public schools ( you know big fish in little ponds). Now they attend school where others are outstanding, too. By the way, I am more motivated to be a better public school teacher from the short time I spend around the private school teachers on a daily basis. I cannot explain why, but the private school atmosphere has a wonderful calming influence on me which extends to my work day in the public school. So far so good for the private! "

10/1/2008:

"I am very satisfied with the public schools in my area. I can't believe all they have to offer. My sons are receiving free piano lessons in the high school. They are learning what the real world is like with all the diversity in the school. I like the fact that they aren't sheltered from that. So far they are doing great. I pay my taxes and I'm happy that the schools are so good. I can save money for college which is so important. "

09/25/2008:

"I went to private Catholic school all my life,I am now 39. I am now putting my two boys in Catholic school next year. I absolutely loved it and got a tremendous education. Go private!!"

09/25/2008:

"Public schools in NYC run from the very best to the very worst, but it's the mediocre schools that fall through the cracks. We moved our daughter to an intellectually-minded private school, and the teachers and administration are fantastic. Some of the comments above in favor of public schools sound like they were written by the teachers' union shop steward... Many of my child's previous public school teachers seemed more self-interested than interested in the improvement of the school."

09/24/2008:

"Both public and private schools have a special role and serve the needs of budgets of society. Our child spent her pre-school years and early elementary in Montessori schools and I believe it was a great environment for her to 'Learn to learn' and develop a broad intercontinental view. Her later elementary and middle school years were spent in a Christian school with an awesome Principal and very involved Teachers. I was not in agreement with the doctrine regarding the role of women, but my child was able to separate our family's and our church's doctrine from that of the school. Now, I have a Freshman in public high school and she is already involved in Student Government and loving her school---because of the teachers. It is annoying to hear the swearing from both the girls and boys everytime I pull into the parking lot, but the important thing is that our child understands that vocabulary is important and that swearing does not make one cool or grown-up. I am hopefu! l that spending her final four years in public school will help 'Learn to live'."

09/17/2008:

"The information provided about class sizes in public schools compared with private schools should be updated. In all of the Catholic (private) schools in Staten Island, New York, the class sizes range from 28 - 40+. Compared with the public schools having class sizes of 18 - 32. "

09/16/2008:

"I have taught in both Catholic and public schools. There are huge differences in both; however, there was more parent involvement in private schools. The parents were required to give 200 hours of volunteer work in the private school whether a parent worked or not. Parents had to be involved in their child's education. If a child continually misbehaved or was disruptive to the learning of the other children, that child would be asked to leave. I also had more planning time. Computer, music, PE, and art were taught by other teachers giving me four hours of planning time. In public school, I get 45 minutes a week. About half the parents are working parents and are too tired to help their children even if that parent knows that they are a year behind. Other teachers in elementary get no time for planning. The teacher in public school get very little help with disruptive children, so much of class time is spent in classroom management. If a child is very far behind, the parent ! can override a teacher's decision to retain that child. Comparing private and public schools are comparing apples and oranges. Parents, community, and teachers must work together if we really want to put kids first."

09/15/2008:

"The biggest advantage to a private-school education is that almost all the kids are going to be above average intelligence (or they can be kicked out of the school) Sitting in class with intelligent peers makes a difference. However, these kids would likely learn just as much and their grades would be just as good in public school, all the while learning to get along with a population representative of their community. Private schools give the message that you can 'buy' an education, and that just isn't so. You can buy privilege, but you can't buy knowledge, and kids in private schools, I fear, are so sheltered from real-world issues that they can do nothing other than continue their lives in exclusive, judgmental circles."

09/15/2008:

"My kids attend private school and for those that think only rich children can attend, I have news for them... We are far from rich, we just choose to do without in other areas of our lives for our children's sake. Also, private schools have tuition assistance programs much like college grants for children whose family meets the financial criteria. "

09/3/2008:

"My two children attend a private Christian school. The oldest one is one her 4th year. Because of the cost, now that I have my son in his first year there, I have been looking around to see if there are alternatives. I think that, after researching other schools in the area, I will do what it takes to keep them where they are. Our next door neighbors have children that go to the public school in our area and they are rowdy and swear a lot (the children do). I am not hearing very good things about the school. Another option would be the local charter school. However, the charter school is located in an old cinema building with public hallways that anyone can walk through during school hours. Not exactly my idea of a safe environment. The other public schools in the city that I have heard good things about are out of our district and it's very hard to get a waiver for them to attend. Public schools and charter schools are also not going to teach my children morals an! d values or help strengthen their faith in God. The cost is high but I believe my kids are worth it. For the record, I went to 10 different schools growing up. 9 public and 1 private. The 1 year of private school that I had was beyond awesome. I LOVED IT. Public schools did not hold a candle to it, academically, socially or in extra-curricular activities. It was a sad day when I was forced to transfer back to a public school..."

08/28/2008:

"Where I live, the public schools are under constant attack, and I fear the criticism hurts the children tremendously. Private schools cost so much, often have teachers that don't have the qualifications to teach in public school, and can kick out low-performing students. If you want high test scores go to private school. If you want an education, go to public schools."

08/26/2008:

"Our public high schools spit out Governor's scholars, National Merit finalists, as well as kids winning full scholarships to Harvard, MIT, and other state schools around the country. Private or Catholic schools, at least locally, can't come close the the education given in our public high school. We teach everyone, even kids with problems. All are welcome."

08/26/2008:

"I'm so tired of hearing that only private/parochial schools have morals. It is true that there were 12 pregnant girls over a 6 year period in our public high school. But, what you don't hear from the 2 local catholic schools is that 2/3 of those girls transferred from their schools. Unlike the forgiveness that Jesus teaches, Catholic schools just kick them out to save their statistics (they keep the pedophile priests though). Morals are learned at home."

08/25/2008:

"Morally bankrupt opinions in society who currently prevail are the reason I chose a 'Christian' school. And of course it is also referred to as a 'private' school. Today's accepted culture permits a rubber stamp approval for anyone and everything, but I choose to provide for my children the Leader who has their best interests in His sights. Him. "

08/22/2008:

"Two of my three sons went to Private High School and they all went to Parochial ELementary Schools. My youngest child who is in Public High School now is very lazy, very unmotivated and has several problems with time management. He does not even care whether he graduates or not. His teachers are well qualified and experienced but have no time to deal with slower children. After-school is of not much help since the class is very confining after a long day and the teachers do not want to teach, they're just there to baby sit and supervise homework which the slow kids do not get to complete. They are not dedicated and the commitment is not there. They only need the extra pay. Private school teachers work for every penny they earn. They incorporate patience and caring about a child's success into the school's curricula."

08/19/2008:

"To the person who left a comment on 6/2/08 about private schools being filled with ONLY babied, rich kids, you are terribly WRONG in your assumption; such narrow-mindedness for a parent! My husband was a product of Catholic school as well as his brothers. The 3 of them continued to be successful private school students even after their father abandoned their mother midway through their 4th, 5th & 6th grades. They were far from being spoiled!! Please! They had to learn quickly about how real the world was! I can't believe this phenomenol woman raised her 3 boys alone & did that all on her own as a HARD-WORKING SINGLE mom... but then again this was over 30 years ago. I guess its more expensive now. I have been in public schools my whole life. I believe it is the parents' choice where they want to send their child. Since my daughter will be going into Kindergarten next fall, I am starting now to do my research. I am not finding too many positive reviews regarding many public sc! hools in my school district which is disappointing but there is a private school that has received some great reviews, I'm still deciding. Either way, no one can tell me I didn't do my homework!!!"

08/13/2008:

"Well, let's just tell the truth here! Private schools allow the parent, who can afford it, to have control over the morals, beliefs and associations they want for their child(ren). Public Schools can and do provide these same desires, but requiresthat the parent play a very, hands-on, active role in their childs academic and extra-cirricular experience in the public school arena. I have a 15 year-old daughter in 10th grade and a 10 year-old son in 5th, both in public schools and they are high-achievers and do well on the CRCT and other tests. How you may ask? I play an active role in the school, I let the teachers know I care and that their work is not in vain, at least with mine. So, I believe less hands on, but a solid interests in ones child works well in the private setting, but is paramount for parents to be involved in the public school."

08/13/2008:

"Private schools and public schools just can't really be compared on the same meterstick by most families. Why? Simply because many families don't have the disposable income to even consider private schools. I've been to both (albeit both public schools have been academic magnet schools), and I have definitely preferred my public schools. Conversely, I have friends who only lasted one year in public school before running back to their old private schools. Simply put, do what's practical, not only for your kids, but for yourselves."

08/11/2008:

"I believe that a public school is needed to help a child develop and learn how to deal with others. Additionally, private schools tend to be too loving and caring. Loving and caring is not a bad thing, but unless the child stays within a rather safe area all his/her life, they will not be ready for the real world."

08/11/2008:

"In choosing public or private, it depends on what is available in your area. It is sad that many parents spend more time buying their next car than they do really investigating all of the options. It is also sad that many parents have the attitude that 'public school was good enough for me, it is good enough for them'. They don't even spend the time to research how much public education has changed since they went to school. With so much at stake, take the time to investigate all the options."

07/28/2008:

"In moving and looking at other schools it makes me sick to think my 5 year old will get shot down if he tries to pray before his meals, so I will search and find a private school so morals and goodness is part of the ciriculum!"

07/28/2008:

"I believe that in most cases public education is good (although city schools and some smaller rural schools may not be). However, ultimately those kids who succeed are those who want to and put in the extra mile (or miles) to achieve academic success. Paying for an education doesn't make it better. In fact, it's a waste if your child isn't that dedicated"

07/25/2008:

"Private school teachers are more often masters of the fields they teach. "

07/24/2008:

"I attended and graduated from a private school. I was never more glad than when I attended college in another state and found that many students who were educated in public schools had no knowledge of basic concepts. For example, some of them did not know what a noun was or any punctuation. For some of them, vocabulary was not at what a college freshman level should be. Whatever you choose, you need to be a good role model for your children. Their success is not just theirs, but yours as well."

07/18/2008:

"Most teachers, whether at public or private schools, are dedicated to helping children. I think that most disparity arises from children's home situations. Teachers need strong support from parents, and students need to be hearing at home that education is important. If students and parents dedicate themselves to learning, they will be successful no matter what kind of school they are at. "

07/16/2008:

"private is my choice."

07/16/2008:

"dont be judgemental of private school kids! that's extremely rude & disrespectful. Everyones an opinion, & that doesn't mean that only YOURS is right! so many people say that private school kids are spoiled, & thats just showing that you criticize. be nice to everyone! no matter what they think.. that's what my PRIVATE SCHOOL education has TAUGHT ME!!!!!!!!"

07/15/2008:

"Private! Private! Private! I'm going into 8th grade and I'm so glad that I go there. I feel so comfortable being there and I've learned so much. My friends are the best, although I do have a lot of friends from public schools. Whenever I talk to my public school friends about what they've learned and compare it to what I've learned- I feel that I'm about 2 years older in education than them. The teachers get paid so little, and I know that that means they really want to be there instead of getting paid so much for wild children. If you want respectful, mature, responsible, caring children, then GO PRIVATE!"