Private V. Public School

For some parents, giving their child a private education simply is not an option; to others, sending their children to public school is out of the question. Having experienced both types of school, I would have to say that neither is an ideal situation. Each had drawbacks and pluses, and in the end, being able to attend both gave me a very balanced view on education and life.

My first foray into education was a private preschool, but considering I remember very little of that period, I'll skip ahead to my tenure as a public school student, which spanned from kindergarten to eighth grade.

Because of differences in funding and organization, the quality of public schools varies widely from state to state. Ideally, the level of education and quality of teachers should be consistent, but actual infrastructure can vary. My elementary school, for example, was in quite good shape for a public school campus. It had acres of well-maintained sports fields, fairly new technology, and safe, well-kept buildings. Middle school, however, was a bit of a surprise, as I transitioned into a smaller campus with less-than-stellar amenities. Rocky, worn asphalt and dusty soccer fields gave way to dated buildings bearing peeling paint. What the facilities lacked however, the school made up for in current technology and resources and absolutely fantastic teachers and staff.

When I entered my first year of high school, the contrast between public school and this new private venture was sharp: brand new buildings soared up from brick-lined walkways and beautifully tended landscaping. Classrooms were outfitted with custom projectors and video/sound systems, labs were clean and streamlined, and the halls didn't even smell school-like. Even the older buildings were outfitted with new windows, safer locks, and any possible upgrade available to ensure the comfort and safety of the students. A dazzling new gym with state of the art courts and seating, an aquatics center, synthetic track, and AstroTurf sports fields were the icing on the cake.

Looks aside, the quality of education was about the same. Public school was driven and comprehensive, covering state standards and ensuring that students were drilled with the basics they simply had to know for testing and more advanced topics. Private school classes were equally challenging, but seemed to embrace immersion in the topic of study, and focused studies more on preparation for college. The atmosphere at the private school seemed more relaxed, as most students who attended the school were there because of high grades and test scores and a genuine thirst for learning, while in public school I often suffered through classes held back by unmotivated students or disrupted by children who would have clearly rather been pounding away at video games than math equations.

Having had attended the orientation for the public high school I would have attended, I was shocked at the difference in attitudes. The faculty of the public school were somewhat cold and clearly laid down the rules for the years to come. Students were required to complete this and that; not doing so would invoke consequences. The whole situation seemed drab and uninspiring, as if the school were a factory rather than a haven in which students could learn and grow.

Conversely, the orientations for my private high school were warm and inviting. Teachers and administrators expressed their excitement for the months and years ahead, laid out clear goals and plans and practically ensured that students would find a place in the school in which their needs could be met and minds nurtured. For once, I felt more like a person than a number shoved ceaselessly through the machine of education. The fact that my individuality was accepted and fostered was a breath of fresh air, and I found my years of high school to be just as the school had promised. If I ever needed assistance of any kind, there were hordes of counselors, tutors, and administrators waiting to assist me. I could focus on my education and not worry about being lost in the rush.

With that said, I found the whole private school atmosphere to be a little suffocating. The absence of overly-distracting students was appreciated, but the uniforms and strict rules made everything a little too conformed. Having previous experience with public school, I saw an obvious disconnect between the ideal private school haven and reality. Children who had spent their entire educational lives in public school would probably struggle a bit with real world situations in which not everyone is watched so closely or has so much expected of them. My tenure in public schools gave me a good sense of what goes on in the real world, where not everyone dresses the same or is privileged enough to attend a private institution.

Essentially, when it really comes down to education, the difference between public and private schools is tiny. Some private schools are more focused on a certain method or area of study, but for the vast majority of students, the course offerings will be the same. The atmosphere is another matter, and it is up to parents to decide if they would rather have their children face the realities of a public school education or be a little more nurtured in private school.