Over 90% of Canadian students attend public school. However, does that mean that public schools are the better choice?
When choosing a school for your child, you have a lot to consider. Understanding the difference between public and private schools can help.
At the end of the day, both public and private schools have their benefits and drawbacks. There’s no choice that is universally better. Instead, you must decide what’s best for your family.
Read on to learn the difference between public and private schools.
The Difference Between Public and Private School: Cost
One of the most important differences that may impact your decision-making is cost. Public schools are free for school-aged children. Parents may need to pay for things like supplies and lunches, but the education, itself, is free.
Private schools do come with a price tag. Some students may qualify for merit-based or need-based scholarships, but most will have to pay to attend.
The Difference Between Public and Private School: Educational Approaches
Public schools are expected to help students achieve certain government-mandated milestones. As a result, the curriculum and testing requirements may be limited or rigid.
Private schools are not burdened by these same obligations. Some private schools may work better for students with learning disabilities or who would benefit from a non-traditional classroom. Some private schools are also religiously affiliated and incorporate religion into the educational program.
The Difference Between Public and Private School: Location
Parents who choose private schools often do so because of location. Parents do not get to select which public school their child attends. Instead, they must send their child to the school within their school district.
If you don’t like your local public school system, private school may be beneficial. Children are not limited by where they live when attending private school. Note that you may have to provide your own mode of transportation.
The Difference Between Public and Private School: Class Size
One of the biggest benefits of private school is that they tend to limit class sizes. Public schools often outgrow themselves, forcing teachers to take on classrooms with more students than what is considered optimal. As a result, teachers may not be able to provide all of their students with the individualized attention that they need.
On the other hand, private schools usually offer smaller class sizes. Take peartree.school for example, with maximum class sizes of 16. In a class of this size, every student will receive the individual help and attention that they need to succeed.
Choose the Best School For Your Family
Public schools teach the vast majority of students but that doesn’t mean that public schools are right for every family. By evaluating the difference between public and private school, you can get a clearer sense of your options when choosing a school for your child.
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