About 50 million students are enrolled in the nation’s public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Another 6 million attend private schools. In recent years, several new types of schools now exist.
Picking a school for your child is no longer a simple exercise. For example, what’s the difference between a charter school and a private one? Which school is best for your child?
Let’s take a look at three different types of schools: charter, public and private.
Charter Schools
Have you ever wondered exactly what is a charter school and what it does? You’re not alone.
All charter schools have a few things in common. They’re tuition-free, taxpayer-funded schools. This makes them an attractive option for parents who would like to send their children to private school but can’t afford it.
Charter Schools – Varied Themes
Charter schools may a variety of themes, from a school dedicated to science and called EStem to a college preparatory school formally called Little Scholars of Arkansas (LISA) and known as LISA Academy.
As an alternative to specialties such as science, foreign language or college preparatory, some charter schools model themselves after public schools with a general curriculum.
It’s difficult to say one thing about charter school that applies to all schools. Some admit only students with certain test scores. Some, known as open admission schools, hold a lottery and allow any student to enroll.
Some schools use an extended school year calendar. Other schools follow the school district calendar. Some schools meet in school buildings like public and private schools. Some schools teach students over the Internet.
If you’re considering charter school, you should carefully research the school. Talk to the administration and faculty. Talk to current students and parents. More importantly, talk to former students and parents. If you find a charter school that meets your needs it can be a very good place for your student to learn.
Public Schools: Free, Nearby and Better Than You Might Expect
This is certainly a plus compared to private school tuition which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month.
The local nature of public schools is also an advantage in many parents’ eyes. Many students ride a bus to and from school so parents don’t have to drive.
After school activities are nearby and easily accessible. Friends from school live in the neighborhood so there’s no driving across the town to visit a best friend’s house.
Public Schools Performance – Perception vs. Reality
Performance
One area where local schools do not generally receive high marks is performance. In a Gallup poll (http://www.gallup.com/poll/156974/private-schools-top-marks-educating-children.aspx), only 37 percent of respondents felt public schools do a good job of educating their students.
The results of this poll placed private schools at the top in terms of student performance and charter schools second. The results of this Gallup poll probably match most parents’ perceptions. As in many situations, however, perception does not match reality.
Reality
Not every public school performs at the same level. However, most public schools do a very good job of educating their students. If you’re considering public school and you need a nudge in one direction or the other, remember a public education tends to be a quality education.
Private Schools: Paying for a Quality Education
Depending on where you live and the state of your public school system, you may decide sending your student to a private school is your best option. Many parents send their children to private college preparatory schools for an extra edge.
Private Schools – Not Cheap
Some schools offer scholarships for full or partial tuition. If you’re determined to send your student to a private school but can’t afford to do so a scholarship could make the difference.
Private Schools – No Two Alike
Some private schools are associated with a church. These are known as parochial schools. Others are independent. In a good-sized city you’re likely to find a number of parochial schools and at least two or three independent private schools. You will have plenty to choose from if you decide on private school.
A private schools is going to have different specifications on hiring teachers than what you would see at www.teachermatch.org. If you’re going to be paying top dollar for your kid’s education, make sure you do research on what kinds of specifications private schools look for in their teachers.
Depending on exactly what you want for your student any of these three options can work out perfectly. The primary lesson you should take away is that you need to know everything you can about the particular school you’re considering. This is much more important than whether it is private, charter or public.
Sources: Gallup.com and Ssireview.org
