Public vs. Home vs. Private School

Which One is Better?

As a public school administrator, you think I'd favor public education over home or private school options...and I do in general. However, both other forms have their advantages and in some situations, they are the appropriate choice for families. Keep in mind that most public schools could not even handle an influx of students if home and private school options magically disappeared, so public schools don't mind that these two options exist.

Public School Advantages:

1. Public schools spend way more money per student per year to help them learn. In Missouri, this is over $6,000 per child. Most private households could never afford to spend that much on their child's home school education annually.
2. Public school students have easier access to support services such as a nurse and counselor.
3. Public school students have access to extracurricular and athletic activities that take little to no effort on the part of the family.
4. Current research shows that student learning in public schools is equal to that in private schools.
5. Children are exposed to a diverse group of learners and learn to interact with them socially.
6. Research shows that low-achieving students benefit from interaction with higher-achieving students. These lower-achieving students are often low-income students.

Home School Advantages:

1. Parent have control of the curriculum their children are exposed to.
2. Children are shielded from bullying.
3. Social interaction is controlled by the parents.
4. Religious views can be designed into instruction.

Private School Advantages:

1. Parents can choose a school that fits their child's needs or the family's religious views.
2. The per pupil expenditure is as high as the school tuition allows depending on the goals and vision of the school.
3. The prestige of the private school can open up future opportunities for college or business connections for the child.
4. Children are exposed to a similar peer group.

There are obviously disadvantages to each option and as those tend to be the real reason parents choose one option over the other two, I do not feel a need to share my opinion on them.