Private School vs. Public School Education

This research paper explores the topic of private school versus public school education. The research question guiding this research paper is as follows: Does a child get a better education in a private or public school? An introduction to the topic is followed by a review of literature research related to school characteristics and parental choices, teacher pay, curriculum, family decisions, and conclusions.

Enrollment in both public and private school continued to increase. Figures show that enrollment in public school has gone from 15,503 in 1900 to 47,051 in 2001 and is projected to be 47,178 in 2010. Enrollment in private school has gone from 1,352 in 1900 to 5,851 in 2001 and is projected to be 5,836 in 2010 (National Center for Education Statistics, 2002). Parents are choosing private schools over public schools for various reasons and the question remains as to whether students are receiving a better education in a private or a public school.

School Characteristics and Parental Choices

Studies have shown that racial composition of the local student population is a reason for choice of school. Coleman, Hoffer, and Kilgore (1980; 1982) discuss the issue of integration in public and private schools. Blacks are sending their children to private schools just as whites are due to the belief that they provide a better education with career develop

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ols provide an education of higher quality compared to public schools. However characteristics of private schools that were not measured may have led to the findings. Thus earning advantages may not actually be attributed to the academic quality of private schools. For example there may be a labor market attachment associated with private schools which increases earnings. There may also be family variables such as family attitudes toward school and resulting student motivation that affect earnings. Unequal Standards Make Comparisons Difficult Broward County Public Schools (2003) describes differences between public and private schools. Public schools must operate for a minimum of 180days according to state attendance law and private schools are permitted only 170 days. Public schools may not charge residents fees for materials and private schools have no restrictions. Public school teachers must have a college degree and be state-licensed and private school personnel are subject to their own requirements only. Pubic school students must meet state graduation requirements and private schools determine their own requirements. Content and performance standards for each course must meet state standards in public schools and
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Approximate Word count = 2455
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)

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