In favor of public schools
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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
