Pros and Cons of Public vs. Private Kindergarten

You and your little one made it through preschool in one piece, and you’ve been soaking up the summer sun, and enjoying a little extra time together. It’s been great, but it’s getting close to time to start thinking about school again. We know, it comes back around SO fast.

Now that it’s time to get your child enrolled in kindergarten, where will you send them? Here are some pros and cons of public vs private kindergarten to help you narrow down your search.

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Pros

-Better Technology

Private schools have access to better funding, and therefore are able to provide more up to date technology in their classrooms. Private schools will typically have high end computer labs, and up to date teaching equipment.

-Smaller Class Sizes

Private schools tend to have smaller class sizes. Again, due to funding…private schools are able to hire more teachers, allowing for more one-on-one time with each student.

-Academically Focused

Private schools tend to push academics more than public schools. They may work with a more advanced curriculum, and also have higher expectations from your child.

Cons

-Costly

The benefits of a private school education definitely come at a cost, so be prepared for a monthly tuition bill if you’re considering private school.

-Less Extra-Curricular Activity

Private schools tend to offer less extra-curricular activity, but that doesn’t mean there is none. If your child has a particular interest in a sport, or playing an instrument… you may have to dig around for a private school that offers the opportunity to explore those.

– Less Life Exposure

Going to private school has the potential to keep kids in a safe little bubble. Initially, that might sound like a pro. Who doesn’t want to keep their kids safe? But there is such a thing as keeping them too safe. When children are limited to life exposure, they miss out on a lot of learning opportunities.

PUBLIC SCHOOL

Pros

Free

One great thing about public school, no monthly tuition!

Transportation Available

Another great thing is that if you aren’t able to transport your child to and from school, you can arrange for them to take the bus!

Tons of Extra-Curricular Activity

Public schools have tons of extra-curricular activities for your child to get involved in! Public schools are great if your child has a lot of interests and wants to stay busy after school hours.

Cons

Large Class Sizes

Due to a lack of funding, many private schools are short on teachers. This means larger class sizes, and a lot less one on one time.

Can’t Express Religion

There is so much diversity in public school, and so many different beliefs. In order to not focus one religion over another, public schools typically do not allow religious practice of any kind. This means that the bible, prayer, and anything else to do with religion that used to be practiced in public school, no longer is.

Ran by the Government

Public schools must abide by all government regulations and protocols, which means all children are held to the exact same standard. This means all students must pass the same mandated tests, regardless of their level of learning. Government regulation does not provide very many opportunities for a child that needs a different learning approach.

Now That you Know the Pros and Cons of Public Vs. Private Kindergarten, Happy Hunting!