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Public Schools have much larger class sizes meaning the child may have more friends to be with. Although children are there to learn, kids love to have friends at school.

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Before applying to college, you'll spend hours researching your top choices and your safety schools. In your search, you may see that the schools will be described as "private" or "public." Public colleges are those owned and supervised by states, while private schools are just that, ones that are owned privately. When considering the types of universities, you want to apply to, you will want to know their fundamental differences. Below are what factors to consider when choosing between these types of institutions.

Price

Tuition price is the most obvious difference between private and public colleges. Since public schools are funded via subsidies and taxes, they tend to be more affordable, but this isn't always the case. For example, if you are an out-of-state student, you could face higher tuition prices for a state school than your in-state peers. Since the incentive for in-state students is higher for these schools, they have a discount compared to those who live in a neighboring state. Depending on the state, fees for out-of-state students can range anywhere between $16,000 and $38,000 higher than their in-state peers.

Private colleges are funded by donations and tuition fees. Many think of private schools as the Ivy League schools, such as Harvard, Yale and Columbia University. In fact, there is a large list of private schools including institutions such as Northeastern University, Rice University and Bowdoin College. The price of a private university is higher than that of a public college. The average public, in-state student pays about $9,970 in tuition versus a private college student paying an average of $34,740. Those who attend these schools count on the degree they will earn being well-worth the price.

Keep in mind that both types of schools can receive grants and can collect financial aid from students.

Acceptance rates

An acceptance rate is the percentage of students a school accepts from their application pool. These rates create a competitive nature between private schools and between students. Private colleges are known for their acceptance rates as many students compete to earn that prestigious degree on their resume. But acceptance rates may be low for many of these private schools because they have students from all over the world applying to get into their programs. A program with a 10% acceptance rate that receives 200,000 applications still has 20,000 accepted and going to their school. Public colleges have higher acceptance rates, because those that apply tend to be local or in the same region of the university. In this case, if 20,000 people apply and the school has a 40% acceptance rate, about 8,000 students are accepted.

Size

Private and public universities also differ in size of classes and student population. Typically, private universities have both smaller classroom sizes and a smaller student population. Public universities tend to have more students and have a larger ratio of students to professor. The sizes of classrooms and those on campus varies from school to school, so if this is a major part of your decision making, you will want to do research on each school you are considering. Only want to be at a university with smaller class sizes? Per the U.S. News & World Report, you may want to consider these universities that have a majority of classes with fewer than 20 students.

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Public vs. Private Schools: What's the Difference? | ExploreHealthCareers.org

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Tuition price is the most obvious difference between private and public colleges. Since public schools are funded via subsidies and taxes, they tend to be more affordable, but this isn't always the case. For example, if you are an out-of-state student, you could face higher tuition prices for a state school than your in-state peers.

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Public schools have much more support for kids going through tough times. Such as guidance counseling, and therapists.

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Yes, the U.S. economy might be improving, but the national unemployment rate is still about 5.5%, forcing many parents to look for work in cities they might not have considered before. Job opportunities vary widely by region too: while the unemployment rate in Nebraska is 2.5 %, Nevada's and the Washington, D.C.'s remain above 7%.

Uprooting a family can be especially hard on children because they have to leave behind familiar friends and neighborhoods and adapt to the academic and social setting of a brand-new school. Wondering how to make the process less painful? Whether you're moving across the state or across the country, we've got the tips you need to make a smooth transition.

Timing is everything

Families considering a move face a potentially overwhelming array of choices about timing and logistics. Move right away? Wait until the end of the school year? Commute long distance? Split up the household while the parent with the new job settles in?

When it comes to minimizing kids' stress, timing is especially important: Experts agree that it's better to move during the summer. Jodi Goldberg, the executive director of GreatSchools Milwaukee, cautions against switching schools mid-year, citing studies that suggest it's much worse for children's education to move during a school year - even if their current school is merely mediocre.

Waiting until summer gives students the opportunity to finish a grade without interruption, say their goodbyes to friends, and start the next school year with a clean slate. And it's usually easier to make friends and adjust to new surroundings when your peers are doing the same thing.

Breaking the news

Once you've decided when to move, you'll need to tell your children, and how you do it will depend on their ages. For younger kids, you may need to explain what it means to relocate - draw pictures, act it out, or just find a way to explain the process in the simplest terms. For tips on getting the conversation started, check out these recommended reads for preschoolers and elementary schoolers. A visit to your new home ahead of the moving day could quell fears and anxiety about the place and even give your family a chance to meet the neighbors.

Older children and teens with more-established social lives might be upset (and understandably so). Parents should be prepared to face complaints, accusations, or guilt trips.

But you don't have to dismiss these emotions outright. One mom, Nancy Masterson, moved several times with her family, ultimately landing in Jacksonville, Fla. Her approach mixed empathy with firmness. "In all of our moves, I felt that acknowledging our children's feelings was important when they didn't want to leave their friends," says Masterson. "At the same time, we treated each move in a very matter-of-fact manner."

Facing hard times, Sonali Morris, now an employee at GreatSchools, moved her family from a small town near Cleveland to Detroit. But she took a direct, upbeat approach in talking about it with her kids.

"We decided not to shelter the kids from anything," Morris says, "so we were always up-front about what was going to happen, how hard it would be, and what it meant for them. They knew they'd be leaving familiar friends and places, but I made sure to emphasize all the positives about where we were headed. I told them they would be able to call, Skype, and write their friends to keep in touch."

New schools, new challenges

From a parent's perspective, one of the most headache-inducing issues is finding a school for your kids. The new school district may have idiosyncrasies that are hard to predict from afar, so it's important to do your research ahead of time. Some of the best resources are online, and GreatSchools can help simplify the process with our school ratings and parent reviews. Be sure to check out our guide to choosing the right school for step-by-step advice as well as these insider tricks from our resident school-choice expert, Jodi Goldberg, on picking the best preschool, elementary school, middle school, or high school .

Once you've settled on a school, the next challenge is helping your kids fit in and make connections. Morris worked to make sure her kids wouldn't get lost in the crowd. "I met with the principal of the kids' schools and gave them postcards I made," she says. "The front said 'Hello. My name is ___' with pictures of the kids. The back gave some info about us along with our contact information. I invited parents to call us as soon as we moved in so the kids would have some familiar faces."

Child and family therapist Ron Taffel urges parents to help their children practice the transition by visiting the school before classes start and giving them a chance to socialize with new neighbors and school employees.

"If you can manage, host a simple afternoon get-together at your house in which you're essentially practicing the art of becoming a good neighbor and doing some proactive matchmaking - setting your children up with a few other kids in the comfort of your own home," says Taffel. "Kids' relationships can form quickly and are very portable, often moving from the living room into the classroom."

Community means immunity

If moving to a new city is stressful, it can be stressful on parents and kids alike. Joining a community group is one of the simplest ways to get established in an unfamiliar place. Seek out people with common interests, but don't be afraid to branch out and try new activities. For movers who find themselves in out-of-the-way places, online communities are an appealing alternative.

When Janet Grimes's family moved from Nashville, Tenn., to Canton, Mich., it meant switching her daughter from an intimate, private Christian school to a large public high school. Grimes stresses the value of establishing ties to a new community: In her daughter's case, beating culture shock involved "finding a good church and a few core friends that she sees on a regular basis." And how's her daughter faring? "She has responded beautifully," says Grimes.

After the move

Once you've settled in, be especially sensitive to emotional changes in your children. Watch for mood swings because kids, like adults, can be susceptible to depression when dealing with major life changes, long-distance moves among them. Symptoms to look out for include irritability, social withdrawal, increased sensitivity to rejection, and difficulty concentrating. If you notice any signs, spend more time with your kids, talk to them about their feelings, or seek advice from a child psychologist.

Parents can set an example by maintaining an optimistic outlook to help keep negative emotions at bay. As Grimes advises other parents, "Stay positive so your kids will do the same."

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Yes, the U.S. economy might be improving, but the national unemployment rate is still about 5.5%, forcing many parents to look for work in cities they might not have considered before. Job opportunities vary widely by region too: while the unemployment rate in Nebraska is 2.5 %, Nevada's and the Washington, D.C.'s remain above 7%.

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Private schools pressure kids to wear uniforms. When public schools have the freedom to express themselves using clothing

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When you think of a dress code or uniform, what comes to mind? Most people will call to mind the stereotypical images we see in media: pressed and proper uniforms at military academies, the navy blazers or sports coats with ties and slacks at boys schools, and the plaid skirts and white shirts with knee socks and dress shoes at girls schools. But is this attire actually the norm at private schools?

Many private schools attribute most of their uniform traditions and dress codes back to their British public school roots. The formal starched collars and tails worn by Eton College boys are world-famous, but they are hardly typical of a normal school uniform these days. Much more common is a looser dress code consisting of the ubiquitous blazer, white shirt, school tie, slacks, socks and black shoes; or the option of wearing dresses, or a blazer and blouse with slacks or skirts are pretty much standard for girls.

What is the difference between a uniform and dress code?

The very word uniform suggests the raison d'etre for 'unis' as some of the private school crowd calls them. It is one specific and standard style of dress that every student wears. Some school uniforms allow for optional additions, such as sweaters or vests to wear over the uniforms. While the rules at every school will differ, some will allow students to add their own personal flair, dressing up their standard attire with scarves and other accessories, but there are typically limitations to how much can be added to the uniform.

A dress code is a strict outline of acceptable attire that isn't limited to one or two options. It serves as more of a guideline rather than a rigid rule, and provides more flexibility for students. Many view dress code as an attempt to create conformity as opposed to uniformity. Dress codes can vary by school and range from more formal dress codes requiring specific colors and limited choices of attire, to more flexible options that may simply prohibit certain forms of attire.

Why Do Schools Have Uniforms and Dress Codes?

Many schools have implemented uniforms and dress codes for both practical and social reasons. Practically speaking, a standardized uniform allows a child to get by with a minimum amount of clothing. You have your everyday wear and then a Sunday best outfit for more formal occasions. A uniform often serves as a marvelous equalizer of social status. It matters not whether you are the Earl of Snowdon or the son of the local green grocer when you don that uniform. Everybody looks the same. Uniformity rules.

Do uniforms improve test scores and enhance discipline?

Long Beach Unified School District, back in the '90s, instituted a dress code policy for its students. Proponents of the policy claimed that the dress code created a climate for education which led to improved test scores and better discipline. Research may vary on this, and responses from parents often differs from teachers, with parents (and students) arguing for more flexibility for personal style and expression, while teachers are often largely supportive of uniforms and dress codes because of the perceived improvements in both student performance and behavior. That said, private schools generally create a climate for learning more consistently than public schools do to begin with.

Uniforms and dress codes are just one part of the formula for success. The real secret to success is consistently enforcing rules and regulations. Hold students accountable and you will see results.

What About Teachers' Dress Codes?

Most private schools also have dress codes for teachers. While the guidelines for adults may not mirror that of students, they are often similar, engaging faculty members in modeling good behavior and dressing best practices.

What Happens When You Disregard the Uniform or Dress Code?

Now, we all know that students of any age have their ways of getting around dress code requirements. The slacks have a way of becoming a bit more baggy than the school regulations intended. The shirts tend to hang out below the oversize jacket. Skirts seem to shrink overnight. This can be difficult for schools to enforce, and infractions can result in varying responses, ranging from verbal reminders to detention and even formal disciplinary action for repeated offenders.

Want to read more? Check out this article that covers the pros and cons of school uniforms.
Article edited by Stacy Jagodowski

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When you think of a dress code or uniform, what comes to mind? Most people will call to mind the stereotypical images we see in media: pressed and proper uniforms at military academies, the navy blazers or sports coats with ties and slacks at boys schools, and the plaid skirts and white shirts with knee socks and dress shoes at girls schools.

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Public schools are way more strict about dangerous situations. They do full criminal background checks on teachers before hiring them.

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Proposition 38 would authorize the use of vouchers to publicly finance a private education. This is not the best deal available.
I do not support Proposition 38. In reviewing the initiative, and having spent the last four years on the Board, I have come to realize there are significant advantages to public education that are seldom mentioned in the discussion on school vouchers.
Generally, school vouchers are advocated as a "solution" to the problem of poorly performing schools. The issues regarding separation of church and state, or the potential for racist or bigoted private schools, are mentioned as tangential issues. However, the most damage to education is likely to come from the diversion of public funds to questionable private programs.

The following advantages to a public education are seldom discussed in the arguments over vouchers:

Cost - parents need to realize that a voucher will not pay the full cost of a private school. I have contacted several private schools and have learned that most schools charge $6,000 or more per year, not including books and supplies. With vouchers only providing $4,000 per year, most parents would still be liable for the difference.

Profit - most private schools need to operate for a profit. As a parent, I would be concerned that the "bottom line" would be more important to a private school administrator than my child's education.

Safety - only public schools have the legal requirement and ability to conduct full criminal background checks on all staff. Parents will not have this guarantee with a private school.

Qualified Teachers - only public schools have the legal requirement to employ only certified teachers.

Qualified Administrators - only public schools have the legal requirement to employ certified principals and administrators.

Staff Resources - few private schools have the resources to employ full time counselors, reading advisors, tutors, curriculum advisors and other consultants that support the education program.

Locations - public schools, especially in Natomas, are conveniently located for most people. This cannot be said for private and religious schools. I know many parents who spend many hours each day commuting between their home, their child's private school and work.

Curriculum Standards - only public schools will have the benefit of a statewide effort to develop education standards for all subjects at all grade levels.

Curriculum Integration - few private schools operate an integrated curriculum and philosophy across all grades, K - 12. As the Natomas district matures, I foresee greater integration of the curriculum throughout all the grades.

Curriculum Breadth - few private schools have several school sites located in close proximity to each other, or enough students, to offer a wide range of courses accessible to all students. Natomas will be able to offer many different educational opportunities not available in a private setting. The collaboration between Natomas and the Los Rios Community College District is an example of education innovation not likely to be available in a private setting.

Public Board and Meetings - public schools governance structure is required by law to be an open process, which must allow for public participation and comment. Private schools do not have this requirement.

Elected Board - the school board is an elected legislative body, responsible to everyone in the District. Board members can be recalled or replaced by the voters at the next election. Anyone meeting citizenship and residency requirements may seek election to the board. Private schools have no such requirements.

Equality - private schools will not have to accept your voucher if they do not have space, or if your child has a learning deficiency or a disability.

I could go on with more examples, but I hope you get the point that I am an advocate for a free and public education.

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Proposition 38 would authorize the use of vouchers to publicly finance a private education. This is not the best deal available. I do not support Proposition 38. In reviewing the initiative, and having spent the last four years on the Board, I have come to realize there are significant advantages to public education that are seldom mentioned in the discussion on school vouchers.

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Teachers have so much more qualification. They have to be qualified by the state.

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Public education has gotten a bit of a bad rap in recent decades, as many families are exploring other education options, like homeschooling, private schools and charter schools. However, public schools still serve a significant role in preparing the next generation of world leaders. Check out these 10 potential advantages a public school education can provide.

The cost of a public education can't be beaten. Although some parents might complain about the recently added expenses of supplies and participation in sports teams, these schools are still much more budget-friendly than their private counterparts. According to GreatSchools.org, the average tuition for private schools in the United States during the 2016-2017 school years was $19,310. The average cost for a boarding school during that same year was $35,118. Schools affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools charged even more.

This video looks at the advantages of public school.

In addition, private schools get additional funding through private donations. In many cases, this could mean parents of students at the schools may have to invest time and money in fundraising events for the school throughout the year. While public schools also participate in fundraisers, the bulk of their funding still comes from federal, state and local government sources.

Public schools provide access to an education for every child in a community. The Huffington Post notes that by law, public schools cannot turn students away based on academic performance, income level or disability. This ensures that every student in a neighborhood has the same educational opportunities as the neighbors down the street, regardless of their current personal or financial situation. Since education is frequently seen as the great equalizer for society, the availability of education for all is a key benefit these institutions offer.

Because public schools admit all children in the community, those that attend the schools are more likely to be in classrooms with other children that don't think, act or look exactly like them. Students are more apt to be exposed to students from different cultures or income levels. They may learn to work with other students with mental and physical disabilities. The diversity of the student body can be an important learning experience in itself for all of the children that attend a particular school.

According to the website for New York Schools, funding for schools is often dependent on the number of students in a school, with consideration for smaller, more manageable classroom sizes. Typically, class sizes in public schools tend to remain smaller in the early years, from kindergarten through about third grade. At that point, classes may gradually grow in accordance to the students' age and ability to work independently.

Here is another video discussing the advantages of public education.

Public schools often have the resources to offer more academic opportunities like advanced classes and courses in specialized subjects like technology and the arts, according to Education Bug. Options might include gifted and talented programs, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes. Students that want to excel will find various chances to do so, while those not inclined to academic acceleration find choices at their ability level as well.

Extracurricular Opportunities

In addition to the choices in the classroom, students in public school often have more options in activities after the last bell rings for the day. From athletics to music and theatre, most schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities to keep students learning and excelling in the areas they are most interested in.

By law, public schools are also required to provide certain services to students. Some, such as transportation to and from school, are offered to all the students. Others, such as reduced-price lunches and academic assistance, are provided to students who qualify. Because the services are required, public schools have a staff of special education teachers and learning specialists at the parents' and students' disposal. Private schools may not offer such services because they are not required to admit students that meet these needs.

According to PublicSchools.org, teachers in public schools are required to be certified by the state. Certification also requires ongoing education and periodic renewal of credentials. Charter schools and private schools do not have this requirement, which means parents don't always know the level of training attained by the teacher in their child's classroom. In some cases, these schools might not even require teachers to have a four-year degree to work in the classroom.

By the same token, public schools are held accountable by the state for their academic performance. While some have complained this has led to an overabundance of standardized testing, the schools do at least have a higher authority they must answer to. This prevents abuse and leads to management of failing schools much more quickly than if the school did not have such accountability.

According to the Huffington Post report, students in public schools score comparably on standardized tests to students in private schools. In some cases, they outscore students in charter schools. While some public schools turn up relatively poor results, those results are often found in areas with high poverty rates. When comparing apples to apples in terms of student demographics, public schools are right up there with other types of schools.

While many are complaining about the state of public schools today - and some with good reason - these schools are still working effectively for the majority of students in the system. With many benefits from public schools, it is no wonder the majority of students and their parents are still choosing the public school in their neighborhood as their first choice for education.

Questions? Contacts us on Facebook. @publicschoolreview

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10 Advantages to Public Education | PublicSchoolReview.com

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Public education has gotten a bit of a bad rap in recent decades, as many families are exploring other education options, like homeschooling, private schools and charter schools. However, public schools still serve a significant role in preparing the next generation of world leaders. Check out these 10 potential advantages a public school education can provide.

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Many public schools are simple and quick to register children. With private schools they make you go to interviews and have to have many requirements.

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Private Schools Versus Public Schools | Private Vs Public

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Private vs. public school? Which is better? Here's a list of the pros and cons of private schools versus public schools in Canada and abroad.

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Public school have a more diverse number of students because their classes are so big.

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There are a few essential questions for parents to consider as they wrestle with where they want to send their children to school. Do they trust in the local public school system to deliver on its promise of preparing children for an increasingly complicated world? Should they shell out for an enrollment in a private school with all the perks they claim to offer?
RELATED: As Students Walk Out, Armed Teachers Accidentally Fire Guns
For every expert extolling the virtues of keeping a child in public schools, there is another touting the benefits of going private. Comparing hard data is just as confusing: private schools are not required to release detailed data about their classes like public schools are. The only metric that both types of schools go head to head on is national testing (SAT, PSAT, & ACT). Most may not be surprised to learn private schools perform better, though districts argue that's due to those students coming from privileged backgrounds.

"Instead of just looking at the raw data, parents should instead ask themselves what type of schooling are they looking for, for their child," says Mark Dynarski of the Center on Children and Families at the Brookings Institute. "What type of environment would best be suited to your child?"

Public School vs. Private School: Religion

Parents who want some form of a religious values-based learning environment will need to seek out private schools. The separation of church and state is guaranteed by the Constitution and that means local public schools can't introduce religion into the classroom. A vast majority of private school students (79 percent) attend some form of a religiously-affiliated school. A full 1.9 million kids are enrolled in Catholic institutions, making it the largest component of the private school universe. But, it's a system that is changing. According to the National Catholic Educational Association, 18.4 percent of all the students enrolled were non-Catholic, a number that has been steadily growing over the years.

The most important parts of any school are the teachers. This is one place where public schools have an advantage over private. The percentage of new teachers (less than four years teaching experience) is higher in private schools at 16 percent compared with public schools at 11 percent. "Due to higher salaries and better benefit packages, teachers gravitate towards public schools," says Dynarski. "A common complaint you hear from private schools is they feel like a feeder system for the public schools."
MORE: Elementary School Homework Probably Isn't Good for Kids
The public school teachers also have a higher percentage of master's degrees - 48 percent compared to 36 percent in private schools. Also, 85 percent of public school teachers participate in some form of professional development every twelve months compared to 67 percent in private schools. On average both schools' teachers have the same level of teaching experience at 14 years, and spend 52 hours a week on school-related activities. But, where public school teachers must be certified before they get to teach, private school teachers don't have such requirements.

One of the biggest areas of disparity is the difference between principals, which is one of the most important factors in determining a school's success according to Dynarski. Private school principals have more experience (10.8 years compared to 7.2 years) but are paid almost $25,000 less.

The difference between the public and private school class size, and student-to-teacher ratios, is considerable. In public schools, the average class size is 25 kids, compared to 19 kids per class in private schools according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Correspondingly, private schools have a better student-to-teacher ratio of 12.2 students compared to 16.1 students per teacher in public schools.

One of the biggest perks private schools tout is a diversity of classes. Since they are not under state supervision, they can offer a curriculum that suits their focus. "If you have a child that wants to study the arts, theater, music, or other such subjects a private school will be a better fit," says Dynarski. "Due to ever-changing budgets and mandated testing, public schools are more focused on the core classes, often at the expense of more peripheral subjects."

On the high school level, many private schools focus on preparing kids for college by offering a wide array of advanced placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs, and gifted studies classes. Plus, they tend to offer a wider array of extracurricular offerings and sports than public schools do.

Looking at national test scores, private schools come out on top. A recent recap of high school graduates showed private school students scoring 3.1 points higher on the ACT test. The same disparity is found in primary and middle schools according to the NCES. A comparison of mathematics tests showed private schools scored 18 points higher for eighth graders and 8 points higher for fourth graders. Reading had the same results with the private schools outscoring their public counterparts by 18 points in eighth grade and 15 points in fourth grade.

The nation's 33,600 private schools offer parents the ability to be more selective of the students that their child will spend their days with. "Numerous studies have shown that private schools, on the whole, offer a more positive peer environment," says Dynarski. Part of the reason for this phenomenon is the fact that private schools can screen who they allow in, and can tailor their offerings to the type of child they want coming through their doors. Plus, due to the fact that parents are paying, students tend to come from a higher socio-economic class. Public schools, except some charter schools, are not allowed to pick and choose who attends.

But there are problems with this. A recent study by the Southern Education Foundation showed that 43% of the nation's private schools are virtually all-white (defined as 90% or more students are white) compared to 27% of public schools. That can lead to some serious cultural isolationism for private school students.

Public schools are paid for by local taxes, and, besides some small fees, are free. Private schools can cost on average $10,740 a year, but can range from $5,330 to $25,180 according to a report from the NCES. Cost varies depending on the type of school children attend, with Catholic schools offering the best cost at $6,890 a year on average and nonsectarian schools coming in around $21,510.

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Which One Is Better? Private School vs Public School

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There are a few essential questions for parents to consider as they wrestle with where they want to send their children to school. Do they trust in the local public school system to deliver on its promise of preparing children for an increasingly complicated world?

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Public schools offer more extracurricular activities to children.

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Public vs. private: Which is right for your child? | BabyCenter

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When you were old enough to begin kindergarten, chances are you went to the public school around the corner, or perhaps to the religious school a short bus r...

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Public schools offer transportation to schools via the bus system

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Every child in the United States must go to school. There are no exceptions. By law the compulsory age to attend school is between 5 and 16, and parents are to ensure that their children are involved in some type of educational system. Most parents will choose a public school setting, but others will choose to enroll their children in a private school or to homeschool their children. This article is meant to give the pros and cons of each type of school system so that the reader can make an informed decision on the type of schooling for their child.

Public School Pros and Cons
Pros

1. It is free for a child to attend a public school. Funding for schools comes through state government.

2. Transportation is provided to a public school by a bus system.

3. Teachers in public schools are required to have certain credentials due to state funding.

4. Public schools may provide many activities for students to become involved in, including clubs, sports, and fine arts, and these are free to students.

5. Public schools are often able to provide services for students with disabilities at no cost as a part of the Exceptional Student Education program.

Cons

1. Large class sizes often make it difficult for a student to receive one on one assistance.

2. With reduction in funding, many programs such as art, PE, and music have been removed from the regular school day, thus limiting a student's involvement in activities outside of core curriculum unless extra curricular activities are pursued.

3. In many states now, there are standardized tests that are required and schools are often "graded" based on students' performance on these tests. Therefore, it has been said that teachers must "teach to the test", which often includes math, English, and writing, with less emphasis on history. (This is definitely the case in Florida where I live).

4. Public schools have a large number of students, and with a lack of funding, there are often limited numbers of teachers. This can lead to less monitoring of the students, thus a larger number of behavioral issues.

5. In a regular education classroom, academically advanced students are often not challenged as well as they could be due to the teacher having to work with all students, and often average or lower students need more work. These more advanced students cannot move ahead until the rest of the class is able to do so.

6. Due to state funding, religion cannot be expressed.

Private School Pros and Cons
Pros

1. Usually a smaller environment with smaller class sizes.

2. Usually funded by private sources and tuition from students; therefore, religion can be expressed.

3. Because class sizes are smaller, there is often more one on one assistance, and students are able to be better challenged.

4. There is less emphasis on standardized testing, though there are measures for accountability to the accreditation board that overseas the school.

5. These schools typically still include PE, art, and music daily or weekly to give students a well rounded education.

6. Curriculum is often more challenging than public school curriculum.

7. Because private schools are centered around a teaching type or religion, the students, teachers, and parents tend to be more like minded and a community is built.

Cons

1. Because the school is smaller and there is often less funding, there are often less choices for electives.

2. Sports programs can be limited, and any sports played will be in a smaller division than a public school.

3. Teachers don't necessarily have to have a teaching degree, though there are requirements set by the accreditation board. (I.E. The Association of Christian Schools International, a well recognized accreditation board for private schools, states that a teacher must either have a teaching degree or become certified through the ACSI board, which provides its own professional credentials).

4. Typically, there are no special education classes offered.

5. Often there is an entrance exam, interview, and/or other factors to determine eligibility

Homeschool Pros and Cons
Pros

1. Parents and children are able to choose curriculum that meets their interests.

2. There is more flexibility in the schedule, so more hands on experience can be used to coincide with written material.

3. Children can be taught according to learning styles. For children with learning disabilities, ADHD, or other types of issues that make public school or private school settings more difficult, homeschooling allows these children to be taught in productive ways according to what works well for them without the stigma of a label.

4. Children can move at their own pace: slower for children who are more academically challenged, but faster for those who are capable of moving at a more rapid pace.

5. Since parents are the ones teaching the children, this style of schooling lends itself to better relationships within the home setting. Further, parents can separate subjects and teach the ones they most enjoy.

6. There is a variety of programs available for homeschooling families now since this option has become more popular in recent years. Local universities, recreation centers, and other facilities have begun homeschool PE, art, dance, and visual art classes. There are homeschool co-ops where many students gather in local facilities with parents teaching subjects in their areas of expertise. Further, typically when a student is a homeschool student, they are eligible to play sports at their zoned public school.

Cons

1. Material must be purchased and can be quite costly.

2. Parents are completely in charge of their children's education and need to ensure that they are giving their children a well rounded foundation, particularly if the child will go on to college.

3. Students are limited in their ability to attend classes with other children, and it takes an effort on the part of the parent to ensure that the children are given opportunities in the community to interact.

4. Typically, one parent will have to give up their job and income to teach their child/children. This can cause a strain on the family, both financially and with the parent being with their children most of the time.

This is not an exhaustive list of pros and cons to say the least and I'm sure many readers can add to this list in any area. When deciding on your child's education, it is important to remember that their future relies on the foundation they receive. Think through the pros and cons and decide which option is best for your family.

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Pros and Cons of Public Schooling, Private Schooling, and Homeschooling Education

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Every child in the United States must go to school. There are no exceptions. By law the compulsory age to attend school is between 5 and 16, and parents are to ensure that their children are involved in some type of educational system.

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Public school comes with support for lower income familes

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Every child in the United States must go to school. There are no exceptions. By law the compulsory age to attend school is between 5 and 16, and parents are to ensure that their children are involved in some type of educational system. Most parents will choose a public school setting, but others will choose to enroll their children in a private school or to homeschool their children. This article is meant to give the pros and cons of each type of school system so that the reader can make an informed decision on the type of schooling for their child.

Public School Pros and Cons
Pros

1. It is free for a child to attend a public school. Funding for schools comes through state government.

2. Transportation is provided to a public school by a bus system.

3. Teachers in public schools are required to have certain credentials due to state funding.

4. Public schools may provide many activities for students to become involved in, including clubs, sports, and fine arts, and these are free to students.

5. Public schools are often able to provide services for students with disabilities at no cost as a part of the Exceptional Student Education program.

Cons

1. Large class sizes often make it difficult for a student to receive one on one assistance.

2. With reduction in funding, many programs such as art, PE, and music have been removed from the regular school day, thus limiting a student's involvement in activities outside of core curriculum unless extra curricular activities are pursued.

3. In many states now, there are standardized tests that are required and schools are often "graded" based on students' performance on these tests. Therefore, it has been said that teachers must "teach to the test", which often includes math, English, and writing, with less emphasis on history. (This is definitely the case in Florida where I live).

4. Public schools have a large number of students, and with a lack of funding, there are often limited numbers of teachers. This can lead to less monitoring of the students, thus a larger number of behavioral issues.

5. In a regular education classroom, academically advanced students are often not challenged as well as they could be due to the teacher having to work with all students, and often average or lower students need more work. These more advanced students cannot move ahead until the rest of the class is able to do so.

6. Due to state funding, religion cannot be expressed.

Private School Pros and Cons
Pros

1. Usually a smaller environment with smaller class sizes.

2. Usually funded by private sources and tuition from students; therefore, religion can be expressed.

3. Because class sizes are smaller, there is often more one on one assistance, and students are able to be better challenged.

4. There is less emphasis on standardized testing, though there are measures for accountability to the accreditation board that overseas the school.

5. These schools typically still include PE, art, and music daily or weekly to give students a well rounded education.

6. Curriculum is often more challenging than public school curriculum.

7. Because private schools are centered around a teaching type or religion, the students, teachers, and parents tend to be more like minded and a community is built.

Cons

1. Because the school is smaller and there is often less funding, there are often less choices for electives.

2. Sports programs can be limited, and any sports played will be in a smaller division than a public school.

3. Teachers don't necessarily have to have a teaching degree, though there are requirements set by the accreditation board. (I.E. The Association of Christian Schools International, a well recognized accreditation board for private schools, states that a teacher must either have a teaching degree or become certified through the ACSI board, which provides its own professional credentials).

4. Typically, there are no special education classes offered.

5. Often there is an entrance exam, interview, and/or other factors to determine eligibility

Homeschool Pros and Cons
Pros

1. Parents and children are able to choose curriculum that meets their interests.

2. There is more flexibility in the schedule, so more hands on experience can be used to coincide with written material.

3. Children can be taught according to learning styles. For children with learning disabilities, ADHD, or other types of issues that make public school or private school settings more difficult, homeschooling allows these children to be taught in productive ways according to what works well for them without the stigma of a label.

4. Children can move at their own pace: slower for children who are more academically challenged, but faster for those who are capable of moving at a more rapid pace.

5. Since parents are the ones teaching the children, this style of schooling lends itself to better relationships within the home setting. Further, parents can separate subjects and teach the ones they most enjoy.

6. There is a variety of programs available for homeschooling families now since this option has become more popular in recent years. Local universities, recreation centers, and other facilities have begun homeschool PE, art, dance, and visual art classes. There are homeschool co-ops where many students gather in local facilities with parents teaching subjects in their areas of expertise. Further, typically when a student is a homeschool student, they are eligible to play sports at their zoned public school.

Cons

1. Material must be purchased and can be quite costly.

2. Parents are completely in charge of their children's education and need to ensure that they are giving their children a well rounded foundation, particularly if the child will go on to college.

3. Students are limited in their ability to attend classes with other children, and it takes an effort on the part of the parent to ensure that the children are given opportunities in the community to interact.

4. Typically, one parent will have to give up their job and income to teach their child/children. This can cause a strain on the family, both financially and with the parent being with their children most of the time.

This is not an exhaustive list of pros and cons to say the least and I'm sure many readers can add to this list in any area. When deciding on your child's education, it is important to remember that their future relies on the foundation they receive. Think through the pros and cons and decide which option is best for your family.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pros and Cons of Public Schooling, Private Schooling, and Homeschooling Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every child in the United States must go to school. There are no exceptions. By law the compulsory age to attend school is between 5 and 16, and parents are to ensure that their children are involved in some type of educational system.