PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Receiving a good education is paramount in modern society with the ever increasing competition. The race to receive the best possible education starts early when parents try and select the best possible school. They have two general choices: private teaching establishments and public ones. Their choice depends on their personal circumstances and desires. They make their final decision by comparing the two establishments. Private schools and public schools may be compared in terms of various practical considerations, opportunities they provide and the kind of socialization they provide.

There are vast differences between these two types of establishment in terms of location, building and price. Most of the best private schools are in prime locations in the city with good views. Some are on the outskirts surrounded by forests or nature. Public schools, on the other hand, are located within each catchment area, on busy streets often with no garden or decent playing field. The buildings of the private schools are attractive and well designed; some are listed: St Joseph for example. Many of the public schools are ugly and remind one of communist Russia or East Germany. Naturally you pay for what you get and private schools cost a fortune whereas public schools are free. Practical considerations such as location and price are not the only differences however.

There are differences between private and public schools in terms of opportunities as well. Money brings smaller classes, which means more opportunities for individual students. The classes are bright, modern and airy in private schools and the desks are very comfortable. The same cannot be said for public schools where classes are crowded, desks are uncomfortable and one to one contact with the teacher is limited. As for the quality of teaching, the best teachers often, though not always, go where the money is. The same is true for labs, clubs, playing fields and contact with foreign schools since socialization is considered part of education in private schools. All this is a luxury in a state school in a developing country. To sum up, funding provides private schools with vast opportunities.

Public schools and private schools differ greatly in terms of the kind of social learning they provide. Private schools are home to the privileged and as such, promote a certain kind of life style. Skiing trips abroad, designer labels, all the latest gadgets, cars as soon as they can get a license; in short, consumerism characterizes these establishments. Public schools are attended by middle class and working class students for whom the above life style is only possible in American movies. The glaring differences that characterize the kind of social experience promoted by these two types of teaching establishment also mean social learning and the adoption of personal preferences which will continue into adulthood.

To sum up, public schools are often starved of funds, which impacts the service they provide. The generously funded private schools provide a much better learning experience but at a cost: familiarization with and a liking for a more privileged life style. The selection depends on parents’ means and preferences.