Facts and Myths about Public vs Private School

Among the most common questions by parents, Should I enroll my child in public or private school, and are the benefits of private school worth the cost? Today’s article will review the Facts and Myths of Public vs. Private school.

In addition to six years as a paid consultant, I have volunteered with families for ten years, and my own children have attended San Francisco public and private schools. I’ve toured numerous schools and data with parents assessing the differences. I’ll use this experience to share clarity.

Fact or Myth? Private Schools have Smaller Class Sizes than Public Schools 

Truth: Class sizes are often similar, but student:teacher ratios are often lower in private schools. Typical public school class sizes for kindergarten thru 3rd grade are 22 to 24 children with one teacher, then 33 to 35 students per class with one teacher for 4th thru 12th grade. Independent private school classes are typically 18 to 24 children with two teachers for lower grades, and 15 to 20 students with one teacher for older grades. Private Catholic Schools can range from 15 to 40 children per class with one or two teachers. As a whole, the lowest student-teacher ratios are in independent schools, but the class sizes are similar, until fourth grade or so, when most privates go to a single teacher model. Given the variations among private schools, it is worth asking the average class size and number of teachers in each classroom.

Fact or Myth? Private Schools are more Academically Rigorous than Public Schools 

Truth: Academic rigor varies between public school districts and between independent schools. Schools, both public and private, vary dramatically in terms of both average academic level and opportunities for acceleration, so that some private schools are more advanced than their local public schools, and other privates less advanced than the local publics. When reviewing the California Department of Education standardized test data from public schools, consider choosing a subgroup with consistent test scores so that you don’t accidentally ascribe demographic differences (ie in parental English or education) to academic differences. One can further check the school or district website to determine math pathways, for instance, whether students may start Algebra I before 8th or 9th grade, whether gifted programs are available, and whether high schools offer advanced placement programming. 

For private schools, there is also tremendous variation. It is difficult to compare average academic level unless you are lucky, like I was, when I walked into two different private schools and observed the same exact math lesson but in two different grade levels. As a marker, you could directly ask which curriculum the school offers for 8th graders – is Algebra I an option for 8th grade math, and do any students accelerate beyond this. Schools that are truly gifted friendly will offer some sort of leveled-based grouping or acceleration for faster learners.

Fact or Myth? Private Schools are more Progressive than Public Schools 

Truth: You can choose a private school that matches your family’s preferred style. While public schools attempt to balance between traditional and hands-on learning modes, private schools vary tremendously. You can tell a lot about a private school’s philosophy from their website. For instance, there are for-profit chains that provide standardized, traditional, rigorous education from K-12, nonprofit schools with project-based learning, and schools everywhere in between. Some private schools are secular and others religious. Similarly, some charter schools, which are public schools that operate independently from school districts, are also more progressive in nature. The beauty of school choice is the ability to consider what type of teaching approach best suits your child and family. Consider how much structure best fits your child’s needs – some children bristle with structure, while others feel lost without it. 

Fact or Myth? Private Schools are Less Diverse than Public Schools 

Truth: Diversity varies dramatically by district and school, although socioeconomic diversity is generally higher in public schools. Some public schools contain a super majority of one race, and some private schools are visibly diverse. So while we can make assumptions, the variation is too high for assumptions to be helpful. Public school diversity is easy to review on the California Department of Education, which contains the racial and socioeconomic mix for any public school in the state. To determine private school diversity is more of a challenge because the data shared in incomplete, outdated, or merged into categories like “percent people of color”. A private school tour can help get a visual representation of racial diversity, and statistics on the percentage of students receiving financial aid can help determine socioeconomic diversity.

Role of a K-12 Consultant 

A consultant can help you craft your school list to be sure of a balanced list offering a match of services with the student and parent’s interests. A consultant can also review all admissions materials, in particular student and parent essays, to help focus them to each school’s admissions goals. A consultant can directly work with your child to brainstorm, draft, and edit their own essays. The consultant can provide feedback on whether the essays read as genuine and how to shine during the application process. 

Want more input on K-12 schools?

Vicky consults with families to help select, apply to, and communicate with public and private schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. Vicky maintains a principle of non-judgment. Hourly, VIP, and Season packages include a discussion to review school options, applications, essays, and key decisions. Vicky offers a limited number of packages each year to assure her availability. 

Vicky’s own children have attended both public and private schools, and have received both accommodations and curriculum changes; her elder is in high school, and her younger in middle school. New clients can email to learn more about her services, or see her website to learn about her packages.