Benefits of Public Education
6 Reasons to Choose Public School
Public education has gotten a bit of a bad rap in recent decades, as
many families are exploring other education options, like homeschooling,
private schools and charter schools. However, public schools still serve
a significant role in preparing the next generation of world leaders.
Below are 6 reasons to choose public school.
Cost:
The cost of a public education can’t be beaten. Although there are often costs for supplies and participation in sports teams, public schools are still much more budget-friendly than their private counterparts. According to GreatSchools.org, the average tuition for private schools in the United States during the 2016-2017 school years was $19,310.
Availability:
Public schools provide access to an education for every child in a community. The Huffington Post notes that by law, public schools cannot turn students away based on academic performance, income level or disability. This ensures that every student in a neighborhood has the same educational opportunities as the neighbors down the street, regardless of their current personal or financial situation.
Diversity:
Because public schools admit all children in the community, those that attend the schools are more likely to be in classrooms with other children that don’t think, act or look exactly like them. Students are more apt to be exposed to students from different cultures or income levels. The diversity of the student body can increase a student's cultural competency.
Academic Opportunities:
Public schools often have the resources to offer more academic opportunities like advanced classes and courses in specialized subjects like technology and the arts, according to Education Bug. Options might include gifted and talented programs, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
In addition to the choices in the classroom, students in public school often have more options in extracurricular activities. From athletics to music and theatre, most schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities to keep students learning and excelling in the areas they are most interested in.
Services:
By law, public schools are also required to provide certain services to students. Some, such as transportation to and from school, are offered to all the students. Others, such as reduced-price lunches and academic assistance, are provided to students who qualify. Because the services are required, public schools have a staff of special education teachers and learning specialists at the parents’ and students’ disposal.
Coded by
Samantha Black