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Comparing the differences between teaching in a private school vs. public school

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Raelene Brooks, Dean, College of Nursing

This article was reviewed by Raelene Brooks, Dean, College of Nursing.

Lockers and books to signify teaching at private vs. public schools

6 differences in teaching at public vs. private schools

If you are a teacher, your two options for employment are typically within . There were 49.4 million students enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States as of 2020. In private schools, there were 4.7 million students.

Most private and public schools teach the same basic subjects and often measure learning through standardized tests. That said, the two types of institutions have many differences. Public schools typically follow a common structure that separates children by age groups, meaning elementary, middle and high school students attend classes in different locations. Private schools teach students of the same age, but they may all reside in one building or location due to the schools being smaller. Many private schools have admissions requirements and charge tuition, whereas public schools do not.

Whether you choose to teach in a private or public school, teaching can provide a professional with a rewarding career. Let’s dive into six differences between private and public schools. 

1. Required credentials

Credentials required of teachers in public and private schools can differ, especially among states. For example, public school teachers often need one or a combination of the following:

Private school teachers may face . In more rural and remote environments with teacher shortages, degree requirements for private school teachers may be less stringent, although typically a bachelor’s degree is required. Teacher aides and substitutes may be able to work without a bachelor’s degree. In a more affluent area, private school teachers may be required to have a master’s degree in education or even a doctoral degree in education to teach students from kindergarten to 12th grade.

The level of education required depends on your employer, your location, local laws and the type of school.

2. Class sizes

Private schools often have smaller class sizes due to a variety of factors, including higher cost of attendance and specific admissions requirements. As a result, smaller class sizes can facilitate more personalized instruction and may allow for better student–teacher relationships. However, private schools may require teachers to take on multiple roles.

Public schools often have larger class sizes compared to private schools. Class sizes can vary widely depending on the school district and location. Larger class sizes mean that teachers may have to manage and differentiate instruction for a more diverse group of students, which can be challenging but also rewarding.

Another factor that can affect class size is a school’s setting. For example, public schools in a rural area may have smaller class sizes than those in a large urban environment.

3. Funding

Public and private schools are typically funded through very different sources.  by taxpayer dollars and government allocations at various levels. While this funding model ensures access to education for all, it also makes public school budgets susceptible to fluctuations influenced by economic and political factors. These fluctuations can create challenges in maintaining consistent funding levels.

For teachers in public schools, resourcefulness and creativity often become essential traits as they navigate the dynamic funding landscape. Finding ways to secure additional resources, whether through grants, partnerships or community support, becomes a valuable skill.

On the plus side, public school educators often enjoy a sense of job security thanks to union protections and tenure systems. This stability can be a significant factor for those seeking a long-term teaching career.

As for  they are typically funded through tuition payments, donors and fundraisers. In contrast to public schools, this leads to a greater degree of financial stability. Teachers in private schools may have more autonomy over budget decisions or fundraising efforts, depending on the school’s structure. It should be noted that private schools may offer competitive salaries to attract and retain top talent in the teaching profession. However, the trade-off can be fewer benefits and more variability in compensation packages compared to public school positions.

4. Teaching principles and curricula

Core principles, as well as subject or overall curriculum, may differ between public and private schools. Public schools are required to teach according to the standards that are laid out by the state government and local school boards. This could include what the teachers are required to teach and what they are not allowed to teach.

In a private school, an individual school may be tasked with choosing or creating the curriculum that teachers use in the classroom. In some cases, this gives teachers much more of a creative license when creating their classes.

5. Teaching styles

Public school teachers are often required to hold certifications and follow particular methods. Private schools may have a more varied pool of educators with different educational backgrounds who may have their own methods they are allowed to implement.

A teaching style is the way in which a teacher provides lessons to students throughout the school year. Each teacher has their own teaching style, which, as mentioned, can be affected by the environment in which the teacher works. Teachers may prefer lecture-based learning or project-based learning, or they may focus on collaborative projects or individual work. 

A teacher who prefers project-based learning may have different opportunities to use their preferred teaching method in a private school. These opportunities could include more field trips, extra crafting supplies or simply smaller class sizes that facilitate this type of learning. 

Teaching styles can vary widely within both public and private settings depending on school culture, leadership and even parental expectations.

6. Standards

In public schools, the actions of administrators and teachers are overseen by school districts. The board of a school district, which may consist of any number of schools, makes decisions that can affect all the teachers, administrators and students. The district can include several schools across one district.

The standards that a private school needs to abide by are often overseen by the school’s board, and they make decisions based on the mission of the school.

Teaching at private and public schools

Teaching in general has many benefits and challenges, and they can differ depending on the type of school and a teacher’s ideal teaching goals. It can be helpful to continue your research about what it may be like to work in both settings before making a decision about what path you want to take.

Whether you decide to teach at a public or private school, you can have the chance to make a long-term difference in the lives of students.

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Headshot of Michael Feder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

Headshot of Pamela Roggeman

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

As dean of the °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ College of Education, Pamela Roggeman has spent over a decade in higher education teacher preparation in both the public and private sector. Her experience has included national partnerships that help to advance thought leadership in the field of education. Dr. Roggeman also serves as the President of the Arizona Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors.

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