Public and Private School?
Which is right for your child? Here are some comparisons to help you in your decision:

• Public schools are funded through taxes, so are no additional cost to you. Private schools are funded through tuition and other private sources. The median tuition for private schools in the U.S. is close to $11,000 for grades 1-3, $12,000 for grades 6-8 and $14,000 for grades 9-12, with parochial schools being somewhat less expensive.

• Public schools must admit all children, including those with special needs; therefore most have special ed programs and teachers who are trained to work with special needs students. Private schools are not so obligated, so admission can be competitive. Most private schools do not have programs or teachers geared toward special needs students.

• Public schools must follow government laws regarding specifics about funding, program development and curriculum. Private schools make their own rules. They may do as they wish, as long as it’s acceptable to parents, the board of directors and major donors.

• Public schools offer a general curriculum, designed for all children. The substance is mandated by the state and learning is measured through standardized tests. Private schools have the flexibility to create a specialized program for students, which could include using art or science in all classes or taking students on extended outdoor trips to blend lessons across the curriculum.

• Public school teachers must be either state certified, or working toward this. Private school teachers do not, and instead often have subject area expertise and an undergraduate or graduate degree in the subject they teach.

• Public school student population tends to be diverse; private school population might be more homogeneous.

• Public school class size tends to get larger as students get older, though many states recognize the value of small class sizes and have provided funding to keep class size small in grades K-3. Private schools are generally committed to providing small classes and individual attention to students.

In summary: There are excellent public schools and excellent private schools. The trick is finding the school that best fits your child’s needs. Visit the web sites provided to help you get a better picture of the types of schools available for you to choose from, and talk to friends and acquaintances about their experiences before making your decision.