What are some key factors to consider when choosing between a private and public school?

When choosing between a private and public school, several key factors should be considered. Academic rigor is one, as private schools often offer more challenging curricula, including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, which can better prepare students for college-level work. In contrast, public schools focus on standardized testing and core subjects. Another factor is class size and personalization; private schools typically have smaller classes, allowing for more personalized learning and attention from teachers, while public schools often have larger classes that makes individualized instruction impossible.

Extracurricular opportunities also vary between the two types of schools. Public schools offer a broader diversity of activities due to larger student bodies. With more students, public schools can support a wider range of clubs, sports teams, and other extracurricular programs because there are more participants. In contrast, private schools, despite offering a good selection of activities, may have fewer options due to their smaller student populations. They may, on the other hand, provide more state-of-the-art facilities and professional coaching because of better finances.