When you’ve navigated life in five different states while raising three kids and have a background in teaching, discussions about education tend to arise quite often. Each time we relocated before having kids, I found myself a teaching position in our new community, earning teaching licenses across Massachusetts, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Although I stepped away from the classroom when I became a parent, schools have consistently occupied my thoughts as I explored various institutions, conversed with educators, and conducted research to determine the best options for my children.
Despite my diverse experiences across the country—both as a teacher and a parent—one constant has emerged: I’ve exclusively placed my children in public schools. The idea of enrolling them in private institutions never even crossed my mind.
My educational journey began in public schools in suburban Connecticut, where my parents chose our home based on its proximity to the local elementary, middle, and high schools. Attending the same public school district from kindergarten through high school shaped my views, leading me to pursue a teaching degree and apply for positions in public schools upon graduation.
Do some public schools in America require assistance? Absolutely. Still, the blanket assumption that private schools inherently provide a better education is simply unfounded.
As a mother of three school-aged children, I’ve become aware of the stigma associated with a “public school” education—a reality I hadn’t grasped before, but one that now troubles me deeply as a mom, former educator, and public school alumnus.
The Reality of Schools
Here’s the reality: every school faces challenges. Each institution has a handful of teachers who may not be fully engaged or who are merely biding their time until retirement. Every school contains students from families grappling with various struggles—be it financial hardship, mental health issues, or difficulties in supporting their children academically. All schools operate with budgets—some more generous than others—and must make choices about how to allocate funds for supplies, programs, and basic needs like lunch.
Every school has its share of students who thrive and those who struggle. There are dedicated teachers who inspire and those who may fall short, yet all contribute to shaping students’ experiences in some way. Moreover, all schools, whether public or private, expose children to challenges and realities of life before parents may feel ready to address them.
Challenging the Narrative
So why do advocates for private education frequently elevate their institutions above local public schools? Even The Washington Post has challenged this narrative, reporting on a study that reveals private schools do not outperform public schools when socio-demographic factors are considered. Researchers from the University of Virginia analyzed data from over 1,000 students and found no evidence that private institutions provide superior education.
Moreover, private schools often cater primarily to neurotypical children, potentially leaving behind those with special needs or learning differences who may not receive the support they require.
This information is particularly relevant now, as Betsy Johnson, our recently appointed Secretary of Education, pushes for the privatization of public education—persuading the public that private schools are superior. Coming from one of America’s wealthiest families, perhaps she believes her own private school education correlates with her family’s affluence. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Wealthy parents often produce wealthy children, regardless of their schooling.)
Johnson has even referred to public schools as a “dead end” in her advocacy for expanding voucher programs, which would divert resources away from public schools to support private education.
That label is offensive. It undermines the hard work of the dedicated public school teachers who strive to engage students and foster a love of learning. Teachers who comfort kindergarteners missing their parents and celebrate high school seniors as they receive their diplomas. Teachers who care deeply for their students, often losing sleep over their well-being and academic success. Teachers whose efforts are interrupted by lockdown drills while they strive to protect young lives—all for a woefully inadequate salary.
The notion of a “dead end”? Absolutely not.
Public vs. Private Education
Once socioeconomic factors like income are taken into account, there are no significant differences between public and private education in terms of quality. As a former public school student, teacher, and a parent whose children attend public schools, I stand by America’s public school system.
The dead end lies in the flawed perception that public school students are receiving an inferior education, which is an insult to my own education, my teaching efforts, and the achievements of my students. My lessons were not a dead end; they were pathways to critical thinking and writing skills, nurturing an appreciation for diversity and inclusion through literature.
Sure, public schools in America face challenges. But the widespread belief that private schools provide a superior education is simply not supported by facts. What private schools often offer is a space for affluent, predominantly white students to mingle with peers of similar backgrounds. But a better education? Not necessarily.
The Washington Post highlights that, “Despite frequent arguments favoring vouchers or similar mechanisms for enhancing private school enrollment, recent findings show no evidence that private schools outperform public institutions, especially when family background is considered.” Essentially, student success is heavily influenced by parental income and education level, a trend observed in both public and private schools.
Conclusion
The key takeaway is that all students need access to resources—books, computers, nutritious meals, and support for learning disabilities to help them succeed. Whether these resources are found in public or private schools doesn’t matter as much as ensuring they are provided.
So, Betsy Johnson, instead of insults and pushing for more private school enrollments, how about you focus on improving public education for all students? We need a commitment to adequate lunches, necessary materials, and fair compensation for teachers.
We don’t need your vouchers or disparagement of public schools; rather, we require your support for educators and students alike. Public schools are filled with extraordinary teachers and eager learners who will undoubtedly thrive alongside their peers from private institutions.
And you know what? Someday, when my kids are adults embarking on their careers, it’s likely you won’t even be able to distinguish their public school background. (They’ll probably want to share their positive experiences, too!)
Summary
The argument that private schools provide a superior education compared to public schools is debunked by research showing that socio-demographic factors play a significant role in student success. Public schools face their challenges, but they offer valuable education and opportunities for all students. The focus should be on improving resources and support for public education rather than perpetuating the myth of private school superiority.
Keyphrase: Private schools vs public schools
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