Private or Public Schools?

Question

I have two boys 11 months apart and we want to send them to a private school. My husband and I both went to public schools as far as street wise we're good, but book wise I think we're behind. I want the best so what is the best Private or Public.What are the disadvantages or advantages?

Answer 1

I attended both public and private schools. I think my experience in public schools during my early years (elementary was fine) but I'd strongly suggest you look into a private school for middle school and beyond. The schools in elementary seem to be pretty much the same, especially if you look for a public charter or magnet school that helps your child with things you're interested (such as a fine arts or a bilingual school).

In middle school and beyond, sometimes it seems like counselors and teachers alike lose interest in the children they're supposed to be helping. I believe that if it hadn't been for my high school counselor who took a big interest in me, I wouldn't have made it. I attended a private high school but my sisters attended public high schools. The difference in the quality of the advising, schooling, active interest and counseling to me was astounding. My sister almost didn't get to college! Her counselor never gave her any information...if it wasn't for the stuff I was giving her I don't think she'd have received financial aid.

Anyway, I'd say definitely go with private schools at about middle school.

Answer 2

Having recently finished grad school, I have been exposed to a lot of public and privately educated people. It has been my experience that, with very few exceptions, most private school grads have the idea that they are smarter than others, which is not necessarily true. Also, they often don't see how hard some people have to work in life, since they only go to school with children whose parents care enough and have the resources to send them to the best schools.
On the flip side of that, private schools do often prepare children for college better than public schools. I would say if you plan to send your children to private schools, go for it. But make sure that they have to EARN things. Don't buy them a car for their 16th birthday - make them get a part time job and split the cost with you. Get them involved in volunteer work so they understand that not everyone in the world is as lucky as they are. If you do those things, I think they will turn out well educated AND socially conscious.

Answer 3

I'm 16 years old and I have been to both a private school and public school. Currently, I am in a private school on financial aid. To be honest with you, there is not much of a difference between the 2 except the fact that a private school is smaller and has a more controllable environment. Private school teachers usually dedicate more of their time to helping students. Public school teachers also do the same, but in public schools since there are usually so many students the teachers go at a slower pace and don't have time for all of their students since they have so many.

Answer 4

I never went to private school so I am definitely no expert and therefore I am not qualified to give my opinion. However, I just wanted to mention that I knew kids when I was in public school that got kicked out for various reasons. Think about it... Don't you think that you have to be pretty bad to get kicked out of private school?
Anyways, these kids who got kicked out of public school ended up going to private school. Most people don't realize that this happens. Don't assume just because these kid's parents send them to private school that they are better behaved then kids in public school.
I have also known people who couldn't afford to send their kids to private school but did anyways. They just wanted to give the image that they are better then other people.
In addition, I have known people throughout my life and have worked with kids who went to private school. Honestly they were social retards.
It all depends on how great you are as a parent whether or not your kids will benefit from private school. Just be aware that private schools are not perfect and they have the same problems as public schools just maybe not as great. However, just because you don't hear about something happening doesn't mean that it isn't and sometimes some things are an illusion.
I think that the others who have answered have made some very good points and it seems you are carefully looking at every piece of the picture.

Answer 5

I have been to both private and public schools. For me public was the way to go, but it depends. I really wanted a challenge and was bored, so thats the reason i went to a public school. We have GREAT public schools in my area. A lot of it depends what school your children would be going to. If its a good school, i think public would good, but if not, i would private. Also, if your looking for that very close knit school where you know everyone type atmosphere, i would go with private. But, public can offer you more oppportunites. I know it has for me! Well, I know this a HUGE decision and i wish you the best of luck!!! :)

Also, I went a catholic private school, very strict, that can be a good or bad thing, just depends what you you want most for your kids!

Answer 6

Public schools have to take every student in the city.

Private schools select those students who
a) can pay the fees
b) are willing to abide by the rules of the school

Some schools have uniforms. Some are biased in a religious direction. Some are college prep and make a great fuss over academics, whereas other schools choose to stress the arts and theatre. Military schools (American name of a kind of school) take problem behaviour kids, and "lick them into shape", (sometimes works)

Check the leanings of the schools in your area. Ask for a tour and ask LOTS of questions. Spend as long as you can in each school and interview the leadership and some of the teachers if you can.

I was educated in both systems and learned MORE in the private sector by a gazillion.

Answer 7

Unless the public school system where you live is known for being poor (as in not good), send them to public schools and save the money you would have been paying for their college fund. Most public school systems are very good. Teachers are usually very qualified and glad to be there. (It certainly isn't the money that's keeping them!) Sometimes private schools can give a child a warped view on real life also, depending on the kind of school they attend and the experiences they have outside of school. My vote is save your money for their college.

Answer 8

There is no right or wrrong answer to this. Isent my daughter toa public primary school and Iwas fairly happy. Where I live the highschool has a bad reputation and she would not survive a rough element plus The lack of opportunities. You just have to weigh up what you want for your boys.

Answer 9

Private has better teaching and I like it better.