Private Vs. Public School Education - Essay Example

Private vs. Public School Education Introduction: The growing awareness as well as relevance of education brings out the most essential concern: which is better - private or public schools? This is a question parents would like to ask and know before sending their children to school. Parents often prefer private schools as they are usually in better position to (Benveniste, Carnoy and Rothstein, 2003),Offer a lot in terms of education and student welfareImplement more education-oriented programsHire better qualified teachersInteraction between students and teachers is significant.

In this context, we need to understand the difference between private and public school systems. In comparison to the overcrowded public schools, private schools are in a better position to provide quality education and time to each and every student. But the fees of the private schools are generally very high, and not all parents can afford them. Public schools provide free education. they are equally focused and dedicated to the education of children like those in private schools.Comparison: In order to compare the education system and structures of private and public schools, we need to focus on these key points:Private schools are found to be more expensive than public schools.

The most significant concern is the tuition fees. Public schools do not charge tuition. Instead, they are funded through federal, state or local taxes (Private vs. public schools: what’s the difference?, 2009). But private schools are funded by tuition, fundraising, donations and other private grants.Regarding the admission of students, private schools are selective while public schools admit all students. In fact, admission becomes a rather competitive affair in many private schools.Public schools are subject to various state and federal regulations that allow them to provide education to all children including those with special needs.

Private schools are not obligated to accept all students.When it comes to educating children in accordance with the learning advancements, curriculum is considered to be the most significant concern of the school authorities as well as the government policies (Kennedy, 2009). There are evident differences between private and public schools in the context of curriculum design for students. Public schools offer a generalized curriculum designed for all students, which includes all the essential subjects (math, English, science, etc.) as well as physical education.

The curriculum is mandated by the state government, and learning ability of children is measured by various state standardized tests. In other words, curriculum design in public schools is somewhat definite as regulated by the state. Whereas private schools allow a considerable amount of flexibility while designing the curriculum. For instance, they can develop various specialized programs determined by the requirements of the students. Students are evaluated by standardized tests just like those in the public schools, but private schools can develop their own curriculum and assessment systems.

Special education is an important part of the public schools. As public schools educate all students, they provide all the necessary programs to meet the needs of every student. Therefore, public schools include special education programs taught by well-trained teachers. But private schools are not obligated to admit students with special needs, as a result, they usually do not provide special education programs.Conclusion: It is evident that public education is free or with a very minimal cost in most developing countries across the world (Jimenez and Lockheed, 1995).

Governments can encourage the same in private schools too by relaxing restrictions and providing grants. At the same time, it is the responsibility of the government to implement better policies in public schools for the enhancement of education. Public or private schools, what comes first is the fulfilment of student needs. Authorities in private and public schools should focus on constant interaction between students and teachers. After all, progressive learning environment and transparency in education system are the main objectives both private and public schools should aim to fulfil.

At the same time, it is the responsibility of the parents to send their kids to the school that best caters to the needs of the students.References:Benveniste, L., Carnoy, M. and Rothstein, R. (2003). All Else Equal: Are Public and Private Schools Different? Hampshire: Routledge.Jimenez, Emmanuel and Lockheed, M. E. (1995). Public and Private Secondary Education in Developing Countries: A Comparative Study. Washington D. C.: The World Bank.Kennedy, Robert (2009). Private vs. Public Schools. About.com. Retrieved from http://privateschool.about.com/cs/employment/a/teachingcond.htm.(2009).

Private vs. public schools: what’s the difference? Great Schools. Retrieved August 12, 2009, from http://www.greatschools.net/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/private-vs-public-schools.gs?content=59&page=1.