Choosing what type of school your child will attend can set their foundation for life, it can also set a precedent for you financially. Whether it’s public or private, here are the good and bad of both.

Public school Pros

• Public schools are far more affordable to attend than private schools
• They generally have a more varied curriculum and offer more after-school activities than smaller private schools
• Public schools are well established and have access to great facilities like sporting grounds and swimming pools
• Children that attend their local school learn to be part of a community and take pride in it
• They are also exposed to a greater diversity of other races and cultures

Public school Cons

• Big classes and overcrowding is one of the greatest issues in government schools
• There often aren’t enough teachers to pupils
• Large classes can result in pupils missing out on individual attention
• Overcrowded classes may also result in pupils with learning problems being overlooked in some cases
• There can be a lack of discipline in public schools
• Some public schools lack access to basic resources for learning

Private school Pros

• Private schools often have a more challenging academic curriculum
• Some are religious based schools and can provide regular religious classes
• Private schools have the benefit of much smaller classes so teachers can give better individual attention
• Private schools often have better access to resources like books, supplies and computers
• Discipline in private schools is usually a lot stricter. If there are children that disrupt classes or ignore rules, they are more likely to be expelled from the school
• Private schools are more traditional. This teaches pupils to value traditions and uphold these beliefs
• Children that attend private schools often have a more established network after school through the alumni association

Private school Cons

• Private schools are far more expensive than public schools, and many parents can’t afford to send their children to them. This can make them quite an elite experience
• Many of the children that attend private schools are from a wealthier background, this often puts pressure on middle class children who attend private schools as they feel they have to keep up with that standard
• The religious emphasis can be alienating for those who follow a different religion
• Private schools often offer a more limited curriculum and are more traditional in subject choices
• Some of the newer private schools don’t have sporting facilities and so offer a limited range of extra-mural activities for children
• There is often less of a racial mix so it may not be a good preparation for after-school life in South Africa
• The decision of whether to send your child to a public or private school really depends on the child, and what kind of education and attention they need, as well as the cost of the school and if that’s an option for you

Which schooling system would you like to choose for your child: public or private?

• This article was written by Claire Barnardo and was first published in the Baby Group Website.

Photo Courtesy: Express Pros