Private School vs. Public School: What Teachers Need to Know

Education

Private School vs. Public School: What Teachers Need to Know

Written by: Wilson College • Nov 4, 2024

An Educator Works With a Group of Young Students in a Classroom.

In the 2020-2021 school year, there were about 3.7 million public school teachers and about 466,000 private school teachers, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. When teachers seek employment, they can know which environment they prefer to work in by first making a close comparison of the two, private school versus public school.

Teachers are equipped with transferable skills that can be applied to either type of institution, but certain factors can influence them to choose one over the other. Both school settings have unique pros and cons, and the best fit depends on a teacher’s personal and professional priorities. Work environment, pay, and curriculum flexibility are a few factors for teachers to consider.

While a bachelor’s degree is the most common education for teachers, a graduate degree may provide more specialized ways to contribute to the field. By earning a master’s degree in education , a teacher can upgrade their skill set so they can pursue opportunities outside the classroom or seek higher level positions in their current school district. Teachers are in demand in both private schools and public schools and continue to impact the lives of children.

What Is Private School?

Private schools are independent institutions that generally have admissions standards for incoming students. They operate without direct government funding and generally rely on tuition payments, fundraising, private grants, endowments, and donations. Private schools usually abide by state rules regarding accreditation, safety, licensing, and building codes.

Types of Private Schools

Independent private schools. These schools are traditional private schools that are not affiliated with a religion.
Religious and cultural schools. These schools are affiliated with a religion and typically use a faith-based curriculum.
Preparatory schools. Also known as prep schools, these institutions focus on preparing students for college with advanced academic programs.
Montessori schools. These types of private schools follow the teachings and philosophies of Italian physician and educator Dr. Maria Montessori. They generally educate elementary and middle school students and focus on hands-on and student-led learning.
Waldorf schools. Waldorf schools are nondenominational and are based on the teachings of philosopher Rudolf Steiner. The Waldorf teaching method emphasizes play-based instruction to develop students’ intellectual, practical, and artistic skills.
Special needs schools. These schools cater to students with various types of disabilities, including physical, learning, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. Teachers often need to hold a specialty certification or training to work with these students.
Boarding schools. Boarding schools are private schools where students and many teachers live on the school grounds. Because of the tight-knit community, teachers may form close relationships with students.
Microschools. Microschools are personalized small learning environments. Many microschools work in tandem with families to plan the child’s curriculum. Microschools may partner with other organizations, such as employers or places of worship. Their school accreditation and teacher licensing is regulated by state laws.

What Is Public School?

Public schools are tuition-free and are open to students in the surrounding communities. Their operations are financially supported by taxpayers, and they must typically adhere to curriculum standards set by the state board of education or the school district.

Types of Public Schools

Traditional public schools. These schools, the most common type of public schools, serve any student living in the geographic boundaries of the school district. Some districts offer online public schools and public microschools.
Public charter schools. Charter schools are also open to the public and are taxpayer-funded, but they may have enrollment limitations due to space constraints. These schools usually have more curriculum flexibility than traditional public schools.
Public magnet schools. Magnet schools are free public schools with specialized programs in areas such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); medical science; international studies; or performing arts. Students within the district are able to attend, though these schools often have admissions requirements and limited enrollment.

Private School vs. Public School: How Are They Different for Teachers?

Carefully assessing private school versus public school for a teaching career is a good idea, since the type of school a teacher chooses can impact their career trajectory.

So, what do teachers need to know before making a decision? While attributes of public school districts and private schools can differ depending on where they’re located, here are some key factors educators should consider:

Teacher Education Requirements

All states require public school kindergarten, elementary, and high school teachers to have a state-issued license or certification. Typical requirements for a teaching license are a bachelor’s degree, a clear background check, passing a teaching certification exam, and the completion of a teaching program. A license is not usually necessary to teach at a private school.

Curriculum

Private schools may offer teachers more curriculum autonomy than public schools since these schools generally don’t follow state curriculum guidelines. Private schools often create their own testing standards, teaching guidelines, and curricula. Therefore, private school teachers may have more opportunities to employ creative and innovative teaching methods than public school teachers. Public schools typically have less flexibility due to state standards and testing requirements.

Resources

Due to the differences in funding, classrooms in either setting may lack basic resources such as school supplies, books, state-of-the-art facilities, and advanced technology. A lack of funding can also affect extracurricular activities. Teachers considering a position in either setting should research the school’s available resources and financial situation before making a commitment.

Class Sizes

Class sizes are often smaller in private schools than in public schools. A report from Statista shows that in 2021 private schools had a student-to-teacher ratio of 12.2-to-1, while in public schools the ratio was 15.4-to-1. Class size directly relates to how teachers offer hands-on individualized attention.

Staff Vacancies

Employment gaps in the classroom are prevalent throughout the education system. For example, a March 2024 survey by the National Center for Education Statistics found that public schools lacked the teachers they needed in the following areas:

General elementary, 58% of all public schools anticipated a need
Special education, 52%
English or language arts, 33%
Social studies, 23%
Computer science, 15%

Teacher Pay

According to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for kindergarten, elementary, and high school teachers, overall, public school teachers have slightly higher median salaries than private school teachers. For example, local elementary school teachers had a median wage of $64,380, while private elementary school teachers had a median wage of $51,360.

This disparity, along with a difference in employment benefits, may be associated with how these schools are funded. Private schools generally rely on tuition payments and donations, which may lessen the budget for teacher salaries. Private school funding may also be linked to enrollment. Many public school teachers belong to a union, which can offer them more job security and financial protection.

Further Your Teaching Career With a Master’s Degree in Education

Individuals evaluating public school versus private school for a teaching career should know that each school environment has its own challenges and benefits. Teachers need to carefully weigh their options so that their decision aligns with their personal and professional goals.

At Wilson College Online, teachers can enroll in an online Master of Education program to advance their knowledge of the field by learning about the latest educational technologies and research-based instructional strategies, among other subjects. Students can complete this accredited program in as little as 18 months. Graduates are equipped to handle more educational responsibilities, including working as an administrator or specialist, or in a specialized instruction role.

Learn how Wilson College Online can help you develop advanced teaching skills and take control of your career.

Recommended Readings

How to Become a School Principal

Nonteaching Jobs in Education

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Education?

Sources:

Brockton Public Schools, “What Is the Difference Between Public and Private School?”

Chicago Public Schools, Virtual Academy

Education Week, “What the Heck Are Microschools?”

Indeed, “15 Important Pros and Cons of Being a Teacher to Consider”

Indeed, “Private School Teacher Salary: How It Differs From Public”

National Center for Education Statistics, Back-to-School Statistics