Public vs. private - a closer look at U.S. schools

American high schools can generally be separated into two major categories: public or private.

Under these two categories are a variety of sub-categories that highlight the diverse options students have when crafting and choosing their high school education.

Keep reading to  learn more about the differences between each type of school.

Public schools

Falmouth High School, Falmouth, ME. A U.S. News and World Report Gold Medal School ranked by Forbes Magazine as the best place to live and learn in the U.S.

Chaffey Joint Union High School District, Ontario, CA. A California public school district located just outside of Los Angeles. Student success here ranks at the top of all large high school districts in CA.

Public schools are typically larger and bound to the city or community they are located in, meaning they enroll students who live within the school boundaries. They are funded by local, state, and government funds. Public schools generally have a wide variety of choices in the curriculum whether it’s arts, AP classes, or athletics.

Under the public school umbrella are magnet and charter schools. Magnet schools are also considered public but they are almost always connected to a highly specialized focus, like the arts or science. Magnet schools don’t need to be bound by the community they are located in, and like the name implies, tries to draw from a larger pool of students to increase diversity and also enroll the best and brightest minds.

Charter schools are also public and they are supported by the community in which they are located in. It’s not unusual to have parents, teachers, and community organizations run charter schools. Charter school classes are more often smaller, more individualized, and also free to create a unique and specialized learning experience. While charter schools adhere to basic curriculum requirements of the state, they are often considered cutting edge and they also more often than not, have a specialized focus in either science or arts.

Private schools

Rice Memorial High School, South Burlington, VT. Rice currently has students from over 15 countries and is conveniently located near Burlington, VT.

Grandview Preparatory School, Boca Raton, FL. A small school that offers as many course options, extracurriculars, and sports as many larger schools.

Private schools are typically smaller than public schools and rely on funding from tuition, grants, and other non-public sources such as donations and religious organizations. Many private schools have a religious connection and some private schools are also categorized as parochial, meaning a church or religious parish supports the school.

Private schools can have a wide range of tuition prices as well as focuses. The admission requirements for private schools often vary, but private schools can be very selective in their admissions, often requiring students to complete more than what public schools generally require.

Since private schools are not bound by government funding or requirements like public schools are, private schools can tailor the curriculum and learning experience to the students they educate. There is more flexibility to create programs for students based on the needs and wants of the students that attend.

Visit our school catalog  to browse  our extensive network of public and private schools in the United States, and reach out to your International Sales Consultant with  questions.