Four Benefits of Private School vs. Public School
The debate over benefits of private school vs. public school has been going on for decades. Arguably one of the most important decisions a parent will make in their child’s earliest years is where their child will attend school. With more than 13,000 public school districts in the United States (and 1,000 of them in the state of California alone!), in addition to over 30,000 private institutions of learning, parents face no shortage of options when it comes to their child’s education.
While there are pros and cons to both public and private schools, there are many factors that highlight the clear and obvious benefits of a private education. Here are four reasons why private schools produce better outcomes for students and their families.
1. Private Schools Have Smaller Class Sizes
When it comes to evaluating private school vs public school one statistic stands out. Public school classes tend to be filled to capacity. In fact, California ranks 2nd in the nation for the highest number of students per public school class, averaging about 25.75 individuals in each classroom. By comparison, California private schools like MUSE Global tend to have much smaller class sizes, at about 17.5 students per classroom. With smaller class sizes, every student from kindergarten through high school can receive more individualized attention. Having more one-on-one time with their teachers provides students with the opportunity to both learn and be taught in the ways that work best for their specific needs and spark their individual interests and engagement.
At MUSE, passion-centric learning is a fundamental component of our core philosophy. When time and attention make it possible to identify what students are passionate about, they become immersed in doing the things they love and develop an essential respect and excitement for learning that can stay with them throughout their lives.
2. Educational Outcomes Are Better
It comes as no surprise that when students are engaged in their studies and are passionate about learning, they excel academically. Students receiving a private education have higher test scores in all subjects throughout their schooling, and graduation rates are at close to one hundred percent. Private schools consistently have a 95% college admission rate amongst graduating seniors, with more than half earning acceptance to the most selective and prestigious colleges and universities. Public schools, on the other hand, boast an 85% graduation rate at their highest.
Although there is a greater instance of students who come from families with higher incomes and education levels attending private schools, studies have found that minority students who attend private high schools are more likely to attend college than minority students who attend public school. In fact, MUSE’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee exists to celebrate the differing perspectives and backgrounds among its students and ensure their ability to thrive in safe learning spaces.
3. Teacher Training Requirements Tend To Be Stricter
At private schools like MUSE Global, students have the opportunity to be taught by dedicated, well-trained individuals, many of whom hold advanced degrees and have firsthand experience working in their respective fields. Because of this, educators can more easily relate to their students and provide them with a clear picture of what a future (and potential career) in their vocation might look like. They can equip students not only with the academic skills they will need to succeed but real-life, practical ones as well. In 2007, the Frasier Institute studied the benefits of choosing a private school and found that the most highly-rated reason for making this decision was the dedication of the teachers, which was seen as very important by 91% of all parents.
In no small part due to reduced class sizes, teachers at private schools often have a more hands-on relationship with their students’ families, providing tailored, individual feedback and guidance at more regular intervals. MUSE even offers on-campus events, where parents, family, and friends are all invited to visit the classrooms and see their student’s process and passion projects first-hand.
4. Private Schools Use A Curriculum With Philosophy and Values
In addition to academics, private schools often weave more philosophical principles into their curriculum than public schools do. They place more emphasis on encouraging students to pursue their interests and become more aware, well-rounded citizens of the world. For example, at the heart of MUSE Global School’s mission lies The Five Pillars of learning: passion-based learning, academics, communication, self-efficacy, and sustainability. These pillars guide students’ experiences at MUSE and become an integral part of what and how they learn.
Private education can greatly influence a student’s academic career, starting in early childhood education (ECE), and continuing on through elementary, middle, and high school, and even beyond. With more personal attention and a higher standard of learning, a student can shine in areas that excite and encourage them as individuals to continue evolving, exploring, and excelling throughout their lives.
Ready to learn more about our school? Here are answers to some of our frequently asked questions.
