School Systems Essay, Research Paper

Pros and Cons of Public and Private Education

There are many educational choices for parents in today?s society. A parent has the option to either send their child to a private or public institution. Florida participates in the school voucher program, which helps some parents afford to send their children to private schools. Ultimately the choice is up to the parents and there are many issues that must be evaluated in each school system to make the right decision for the students and the parents. There are several differences between public and private schools; the most obvious distinction is that private schools require tuitions. Other similarities and differences between the two school systems include the type of educational tools available, sports/extracurricular activities, and the socioeconomics of the school and its location.

Private school education allows teachers to spend extra time with each student and to have a more personal student-teacher relationship due to smaller class size. Private school teachers have more control of their class due to the fact that they spend less time and effort on discipline. The teachers at private schools generally like their jobs better and therefore are more prone to teach more efficiently. In private schools rules and regulations are made by the school not the state and therefore better assist the students and parents of the school.

In private schools students have an easier time making the team because there is not as much competition in try-outs for the sports. However, there is a lack of competition in private school because private schools are not as large as other schools and do not play against the tougher teams and also do not have as rigorous schedules. The private schools may lack programs such as football or girls soccer and do not have all of the opportunities of other schools. There are not as many clubs in private schools; some may not have Latin, French, spirit, and honor clubs.

The private school system usually caters to the middle and high classes due to the cost of tuition. Private schools typically have stricter dress codes and are more likely to required uniforms. Private schools are predominantly found in wealthier areas that provide a safer environment for the students to learn. The funding of private schools comes directly from the parents and therefore there is more control over spending.

The public school system has a tougher time educating students because of oversized classrooms, unsatisfied teachers, and pressures from the state to pass standardized tests. There is a lack of respects for teachers in the classroom and unfortunately most of their time is spent disciplining instead of teaching. However, there are more opportunities at public schools due to their size and diversity. For instance at public high schools there are honor classes, advanced placement classes, lower level classes, and special education teachers for each grade level which gives students the opportunity to better their education. Although, on average there are more substitute teachers at public schools and this may cause disruption in the class schedule and ultimately hurt the students. Unfortunately, in public school there is a lack of guidance to the middle range students. The honors and advance placements student are looked after and the lower students are encourage to stay in school and graduate, but the average students may feel neglected and not live up to their potential.

Public schools are more competitive in sports and have more strenuous schedules than private institutions. There are a larger variety of sports and clubs in public schools and more opportunities for community service and other activities. There is also a better chance of recognition of outstanding athletics and academics in public school by local newspapers and news stations which may lead to scholarships. Almost all public schools have standard facilities that include gyms, workout rooms, lockers, and football stadiums.

Although some public schools do require uniforms to be worn most do not. However, all public schools do have dress codes but enforcement is dependent upon the school itself. Public schools have a diverse student population that includes many different races, religion, and social classes. This diversity helps to broaden student?s perspectives of the world. Public schools are based on taxes from that area, which directly affects the distribution of fund, therefore newer and more technologically advanced schools are in better locations and more middle to high-class students attend these schools. While busing lower class and minority students to different locations does help with diversity, it also causes problems with segregation, discrimination, and disruption of the education of the student who are bused.

In conclusion, there are several similarities and differences in public and private schools. Both educational systems have their advantages and disadvantages for instance at a private school a student may be given the chance for a superior education but not have the opportunities for extracurricular activities that a public school can offers. Public and private schools both have qualified teachers, opportunities to gain valuable knowledge, and have high hopes for their graduates. Independent of the type of school, teachers care about their students and wish them success. Ultimately, success is based on the student?s ability to get the most out of their education regardless of whether it is at a private or public school. (878)