FREE ESSAY ON SCHOOL SYSTEMS

SCHOOL SYSTEMS

Pros and Cons of Public and Private Education
There are many educational choices for parents in today's society. A parent has the
option to either send their child to a private or public institution. Florida
participates in the school voucher program, which helps some parents afford to send their
children to private schools. Ultimately the choice is up to the parents and there are
many issues that must be evaluated in each school system to make the right decision for
the students and the parents. There are several differences between public and private
schools; the most obvious distinction is that private schools require tuitions. Other
similarities and differences between the two school systems include the type of
educational tools available, sports/extracurricular activities, and the socioeconomics of
the school and its location. 
Private school education allows teachers to spend extra time with each student and to
have a more personal student-teacher relationship due to smaller class size. Private
school teachers have more control of their class due to the fact that they spend less
time and effort on discipline. The teachers at private schools generally like their jobs
better and therefore are more prone to teach more efficiently. In private schools rules
and regulations are made by the school not the state and therefore better assist the
students and parents of the school.
In private schools students have an easier time making the team because there is not as
much competition in try-outs for the sports. However, there is a lack of competition in
private school because private schools are not as large as other schools and do not play
against the tougher teams and also do not have as rigorous schedules. The private schools
may lack programs such as football or girls soccer and do not have all of the
opportunities of other schools. There are not as many clubs in private schools; some may
not have Latin, French, spirit, and honor clubs. 
The private school system usually caters to the middle and high classes due to the cost
of tuition. Private schools typically have stricter dress codes and are more likely to
required uniforms. Private schools are predominantly found in wealthier areas that
provide a safer environment for the students to learn. The funding of private schools
comes directly from the parents and therefore there is more control over spending. 
The public school system has a tougher time educating students because of oversized
classrooms, unsatisfied teachers, and pressures from the state to pass standardized
tests. There is a lack of respects for teachers in the classroom and unfortunately most
of their time is spent disciplining instead of teaching. However, there are more
opportunities at public schools due to their size and diversity. For instance at public
high schools there are honor classes, advanced placement classes, lower level classes,
and special education teachers for each grade level which gives students the opportunity
to better their education. Although, on average there are more substitute teachers at
public schools and this may cause disruption in the class schedule and ultimately hurt
the students. Unfortunately, in public school there is a lack of guidance to the middle
range students. The honors and advance placements student are looked after and the lower
students are encourage to stay in school and graduate, but the average students may feel
neglected and not live up to their potential. 
Public schools are more competitive in sports and have more strenuous schedules than
private institutions. There are a larger variety of sports and clubs in public schools
and more opportunities for community service and other activities. There is also a better
chance of recognition of outstanding athletics and academics in public school by local
newspapers and news stations which may lead to scholarships. Almost all public schools
have standard facilities that include gyms, workout rooms, lockers, and football
stadiums. 
Although some public schools do require uniforms to be worn most do not. However, all
public schools do have dress codes but enforcement is dependent upon the school itself.
Public schools have a diverse student population that includes many different races,
religion, and social classes. This diversity helps to broaden student's perspectives of
the world. Public schools are based on taxes from that area, which directly affects the
distribution of fund, therefore newer and more technologically advanced schools are in
better locations and more middle to high-class students attend these schools. While
busing lower class and minority students to different locations does help with diversity,
it also causes problems with segregation, discrimination, and disruption of the education
of the student who are bused. 
In conclusion, there are several similarities and differences in public and private
schools. Both educational systems have their advantages and disadvantages for instance at
a private school a student may be given the chance for a superior education but not have
the opportunities for extracurricular activities that a public school can offers. Public
and private schools both have qualified teachers, opportunities to gain valuable
knowledge, and have high hopes for their graduates. Independent of the type of school,
teachers care about their students and wish them success. Ultimately, success is based on
the student's ability to get the most out of their education regardless of whether it is
at a private or public school. (878)