Private vs Public Schools: How Parental Involvement Impacts Education

Are you considering private or public school for your child? One of the biggest factors to consider is the level of parental involvement in the educational process.

While both private and public schools value parental involvement, the ways in which parents can participate can vary greatly. Understanding the differences between private and public schools' approaches to parental involvement will help you make the best decision for your child's education.

In this article, we'll dive into the impact of parental involvement in both private and public schools, and highlight the unique opportunities and challenges each type of school presents. Let's explore how your involvement as a parent can set your child up for academic success!

The Importance of Parental Involvement in Education

Parents play a critical role in their child's education, regardless of the type of school they attend. By being involved in their child's education, parents can help create a supportive learning environment that encourages their children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Studies have shown that parental involvement can lead to better academic performance, improved attendance, and higher graduation rates. It can also support the development of important social and emotional skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and self-confidence.

When it comes to choosing between public and private schools, parental involvement can vary. Public schools often have more opportunities for parental involvement, such as volunteering in the classroom or attending school meetings. Private schools may have more structured involvement, such as required parent-teacher conferences.

Regardless of the type of school, there are unique opportunities and challenges for parental involvement. Public schools often have larger class sizes, which can make it difficult for teachers to provide individualized attention to each student. Private schools may have higher expectations for parental involvement, which can be a challenge for some families.

To maximize parental involvement in their child's education, parents can take simple steps such as attending school events, volunteering in the classroom, communicating regularly with their child's teacher, and setting aside time for homework and study. By working together with teachers and schools, parents can help their children achieve academic success and reach their full potential.

Conclusion: Parental Involvement is Key to Student Success

There is no denying that parental involvement plays a crucial role in a child's education, regardless of whether they attend a private or public school. Evidence suggests that students whose parents are involved in their education tend to achieve better grades, have higher attendance rates, and are more likely to graduate.

While private schools may offer more in terms of resource availability and technology integration, it is the involvement and commitment of parents that truly sets students up for success. With parents actively participating in their child's learning experience, it fosters a collaborative effort between the home and school to create an environment that supports growth and development.

Whether you choose a private or public school for your child, remember that your involvement and commitment are just as important as the curriculum and resources. By working together with your child's school, you can help ensure they receive the best education possible and set them up for a successful future.

Frequently Asked Question

In the United States, public schools are required to follow state standards for curriculum and instruction. Private schools, on the other hand, have more autonomy in their curriculum customization.

This means that private schools are not legally required to follow the same curriculum as public schools. However, many private schools choose to align their curriculum with state standards or adopt similar curricula to ensure that their students receive a comparable education.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual private school to determine its own educational goals and methods, within legal and ethical boundaries. While there may be some overlap between public and private school curricula, private schools generally have greater flexibility in shaping their educational programs according to their own values and priorities.

Inclusion programs and accommodations for disabilities are two important aspects of education that aim to provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their individual needs.

Inclusion programs involve the integration of students with special needs into regular classrooms, while accommodations refer to modifications made to the curriculum or environment to meet the specific needs of these students.

Inclusive practices and accommodations can improve academic outcomes, increase socialization, and enhance overall well-being for students with special needs.

While public schools are mandated by law to provide these services, private schools have more flexibility in deciding whether or not to implement them.

Therefore, it is up to each private school's policies and resources as to how they handle students with special needs.


Financial assistance and scholarships are available to eligible students seeking higher education. Scholarship programs may be merit-based, need-based or both, and eligibility requirements vary according to the specific program.


Some scholarships may require certain academic achievements or participation in extracurricular activities, while others may take into account financial need as a determining factor.

Financial aid programs like grants and loans also exist to help offset the cost of tuition for those who qualify based on income level or other factors.


While private schools may offer their own scholarship and financial aid programs, availability and eligibility criteria will depend on the individual school's policies.

The average cost of attending a school varies greatly depending on the type of institution and location.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2018-2019, the average annual cost of tuition and fees for private four-year institutions was $36,880.

However, this figure does not include other expenses such as room and board, textbooks, transportation, and personal expenses.

When comparing costs with alternative options such as public schools or community colleges, private schools may appear more expensive.

However, private schools often offer smaller class sizes and specialized programs that can provide students with unique opportunities for academic growth and career advancement.


It is important to weigh these factors when considering the overall value of attending a private school.

Charter schools and private schools are two different types of educational institutions that have distinct characteristics. In terms of school funding, charter schools receive public funds but operate independently from the local school district.

On the other hand, private schools rely on tuition fees and donations from private individuals or organizations to finance their operations. When it comes to academic performance, research studies show mixed results for both types of schools. While some charter schools have shown higher academic achievement compared to traditional public schools, others have performed poorly in standardized tests.

Similarly, some private schools boast high graduation rates and test scores but others do not perform any better than their public school counterparts. Ultimately, the differences between charter and private schools extend beyond just funding and academics as they also vary in terms of governance structure, curriculum offerings, teacher qualifications and student demographics among other facto