Introduction
What do parents look for when comparing public and private schools? Is it the quality of education or affordability that determines choice between the two? Some parents will prefer public schools while others will prefer private schools for their children. It’s obvious because there are differences between private and public schools. Therefore, parents base their choices according to factors such as finance, proximity of school, school’s history of performance, and personal taste of children or parents. Parents expect the schools they chosen for their children to meet high goals of academic achievement (Spellings & Brown, 2007).
Parents are much concerned about the quality of education their children receive, especially at basic level. A good choice of school will lay a firm foundation for a child’s academic performance both now and in the future. There is a difference between private and public schools. A public school is one that is run by government funds. Private schools on the other hand are run by individuals, or firms as business enterprises.
Review of literature
Parents have many choices to make before deciding on which school their children will join. Public schools in many countries are now affordable since they are free of charge. Some organizations are issuing scholarships for enrolment in private schools. These among others increase choices available to parents on suitable school for the children.
Location of a school is important in determining which to join. Some parents may opt to take their children to schools in the nearest neighborhood. The major reason is convenience. Such schools are well linked to local community and they can make follow-ups on their performance. The parents can also link up with specific teachers to monitor their children’s’ performance.
Parents might also consider schools with special needs, extracurricular activities, and personal approach to learning among others (Spellings and Brown, 2007). Special needs are mainly catered for in public schools since many private schools only reward students with excellent performance.
Parents also compare academic performances between private and public schools. They look at schools’ average test scores, their trends in recent past, and evaluate them on that basis. School systems vary widely in their overall academic performance especially private and public both compared (Chen, 2007).
Chen, (2007), argues that school and class size is also a major factor. Parents view that class and school size will affect its academic performance. A school or class with a small student population is manageable hence the teacher can keep track of student’s performance. With a smaller ratio, students can get personal attention from their teachers. Ozmet, (2004), also agrees that in private schools, there is greater teacher and student contact.
The other important consideration is affordability (Chen, 2007). Private schools charge a higher tuition than public schools. Many public schools are free of charge. Religious or moral foundation of the school also determines the choice between public and private schools (Chen, 2007). It is mainly common in private religious schools than public schools.
Parents’ education levels also affect choice between public and private schools (Beavis, 2004). Those with higher education levels choose private schools for their children. Nishimura and Yamano (2008) found out that in Kenya people still preferred private schools over public schools even with introduction of free primary education. Abel (2011) also argues that the parent should consider her child needs when choosing between public and private schools. (Savvy Daddy, 2008). Teaching methodologies will also determine the choice of school (Free content article directory, 2011).
Safety at school is also a major consideration made by parents. It is obvious that many private schools have safe environments than public schools (Chen, 2007). Howell, (2006), conducted a survey on what determines the choices parents make on public and private schools.. On public schools, parents do not look at their academic achievements rather they look at other ancillary matters like its safety, location, racial diversity among others (Howell, 2006).
Methods
The research paper relied on previous studies conducted. The findings from previous studies have been critically reviewed. Also reviewed are article on the subject of the study. This is due to the exploratory nature of the study. The major factors that are considered by the parents in choosing schools for their children were reviewed and weights assigned to them. Different factors have different weights depending on parent’s perception.
Results
According to study findings, parents will at least compare the choices to make between public and private schools for their children. If a parent is not contented with its performance and impact on the child, he or she can switch schools. A parent will consider factors like cost, academic achievements, location, safety, special programs among others.
Conclusions
There are many factors that parents consider when making choices between private and public schools. Academic achievement among others is given much weight. Parents will look at those schools which can improve their children’s academic performances. They will switch schools at any cost until they find the most suitable one for their children. In making such critical choices, the parent should weigh all factors depending on their importance. It is because not all schools have desired qualities they might be looking for. Some schools might be performing well academically but not in terms of extracurricular activities. In conclusion, academic achievement is the major concern for choice between public and private schools.
Graph: Factors that determine choice between public and private schools
References
Abel, K. (2011). Can you afford Private School? Family Education.
http://school.familyeducation.com/money-and-kids/private-school/29622.html
Beavis, C. (2004). Why parents choose public or private schools. Research Developments,
http://research.acer.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1010&context=resdev
Chen, G. (2007, December 04). Public School vs. Private School. Evaluating public schools.
http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/5
“Free content article directory”. (2011, Oct, 3). Choosing between private and public schools.
http://education.ezinemark.com/choosing-between-private-or-public-schools-
7d30da41c69e.html
Howell, W. (2006). Switching schools? A closer look at parents’ initial interest in
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about the choice provisions of no child left behind. Peabody journal of education, 81(1,)
p. 140-179.
Nishimura, M. & Yamano, T. (2008, June). School choice between public and private schools
under free primary education policy in rural Kenya.
http://www3.grips.ac.jp/~pinc/data/08-02.pdf
Ozment, K. (2004, Sept). Public vs private: the best high schools. The best High Schools.
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/articles/public_vs_private_the_best_high_schools/
“Savvy Daddy” (2008). How to choose between private and public school.
http://www.savvydaddy.com/content/site/survival-guide/00195/how-choose-between-
private-and-public-school
Spellings, M., & Brown, S.M. (2005). Choosing a school for your child. US Department of
Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement, Washington D.C.
http://www.ed.gov/parents/schools/find/choose/pdf
