Selecting a school for a child is one of the most difficult decisions a parent is expected to make and is also one of the most important. Countless research has shown that schools have a substantial impact on early childhood development in terms of both social, physical, academic aspects. Public schools are a service provided by the state for the wellbeing of its populace. Therefore, public schools would generally have an oversight board funded by the government to ensure that educational standards are upheld. Private schools on the other hand refer to independent organisations in the education industry that focus on providing the education service usually with a profit motive. This profit maximisation strategy usually ensures the quality of education is maintained to an acceptable standard and that any issues are addressed quickly. Most private schools such as private schools Brisbane also have additional facilities due to the increased capital such as sports, better qualified teachers, better environmental factors such as cleanliness and space. In addition to their nature, private and public schools have several practical differences that may influence your decision on where to send your child. This article attempts to describe several of the most prominent differences between the two.
The Social Aspect
Social development is a critical aspect of childhood development. It refers to the process by which a child learns to interact with other people, as well as form an individual identity and values. It is responsible for the development of language skills as well as conflict resolution. Many advocate this to be a reason for public schools to be superior as children from all walks of life attend public schools whereas only those of families who can afford private schools attend them. However, private schools, especially for older children and teenagers offer an opportunity for networking which may be valuable for their professional lives. The classroom environment is also different between the two, with public schools having more students and private schools having less, which allows for teachers to have closer relationships with the students which may foster learning.
Academic Opportunities
Private schools have more access to finance and are able to fund various academic ventures as well as recruit more selectively for their lecture panels. In more advanced classes this would translate to better equipped laboratories, advanced technologies such as distance learning facilities, virtual classrooms, and training in digital technologies. Although public schools, especially in developed areas, have access to these as well.
Overall, it is advised to make this decision based on the individual needs of the child in concern rather than the broader aspects of the two systems. Both private and public schools serve equally well to those who are suited for them. For example, students who prefer to learn in smaller, more focused classrooms or would like to have the option of attending an extracurricular that is not in a public school would find a private school more appropriate whereas it is not necessary for students who already thrive in a public school.
