The pros and cons of public versus private schooling

One of the most difficult decisions a parent must make is where to send their child to school. There are both benefits and drawbacks when it comes to choosing between a public or a private school.

Without a doubt, finances and location are important when selecting what school to send your child to. However, other factors also play a role.

Advantages of public schooling

Public schools in South Africa partly rely on the government for funding and supplies. No-fee schools are fully funded by the government and only exist in the country’s poorest areas. All other public schools are partly funded by school fees paid by parents, which are generally much lower than private schools. Public schools are also based on zoning (geographic catchment areas), which means that the children living within a certain area surrounding a public school will be able to attend the school.

• Attending a public school is cheaper than private schooling.
• Your child will attend school with children from the community, making it easier to encourage friendships with peers who live nearby. You will also meet local parents in your neighbourhood.
• Public schools frequently have more class alternatives, after-school programmes, and diverse curriculums than many smaller, private schools.
• Your child may be exposed to a broader range of cultures and ethnicities than in certain private schools.
• Some public schools have better facilities, such as sports fields, swimming pools, art and music programmes, and even theatres.
• According to a National Center for Education Statistics research, public school instructors have more experience and qualifications to serve special needs kids than private school teachers.

The drawbacks of public schools

• Overcrowding is a common problem in public schools. Larger class sizes result in less personalised attention.
• Not all public schools are created equal. The quality of education can vary greatly between schools, even within the same city.
• School budgets may restrict access to high-quality instructional materials.
• While the school is required by law to give your child specialised education, you may need to be more proactive for your child to thrive in the educational system.

Advantages of private schooling

Private education in South Africa is much more expensive than public education, but standards are (generally) higher. These schools are attended mostly by children from middle and high-income families. School fees and the parent body fund private schools (or independent schools).

• Smaller class sizes may be less intimidating and result in more personalised attention. The teacher can determine the optimal learning strategy for your child.
• Many private schools offer a more demanding curriculum, and pupils who excel academically may thrive in this environment.
• The school’s values will represent its essential principles. A private school may have greater traditions and expectations.
• Private schools may have superior supplies, resources, and equipment.
• Teachers in private schools have more discretion over their curriculum and teaching techniques.
• Smaller private schools can work closely with a child who is regularly absent from school due to illness or therapy.
• Some private institutions provide substantial scholarships to students who excel academically or on the sports field.

The drawbacks of private schools

• Private schools are not subject to the same laws when teaching children with special needs. Your child’s preferred school may not provide the special services he or she requires.
• Private schooling can be expensive and place a burden on the family’s finances.
• Curriculum selections may be limited, particularly in secondary schools.
• Typically, private schools do not provide treatments such as speech therapy. Additional therapy is thought to be the duty of the parents.
• Smaller private schools may not provide a wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities.
• Your child may not attend school with other children from the neighbourhood, limiting his or her opportunity to make local friends.