Government School Vs Private School- Making the Right Choice for Your Kid

When it comes to deciding on their kids’ education, all parents want only the best for their children. But frankly speaking, these days the industry is booming, and there are so many choices when it comes to educational institutions. However, if we are to generalise here in India, there are two types of school – public and private.

How do you really choose which type is right for your child? Well, that’s what we’re here to talk about today. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between government school and private school below.

Government School or Private School – Which is Better?

Here’s a comparison between government and private schools in India:

1. Funding

Government schools are funded by public organisations like the local, state, and national Governments. They are mostly funded by taxation and in some cases, they do not charge the students any fee for admittance. Private schools are a different story. Funding is based on the student’s tuition fees, and some schools charge large donations. This makes it difficult for lower to middle-class families to afford the high quality of education. However, on the flipside, they still have options.

2. Quality of Education

Private schools take on a different tone when it comes to the quality of education. Most private schools deliver education in English. Foreign languages are the second or third languages, respectively, and the national language is taught too. This is something Government schools don’t do since their mode of restriction is mostly restricted to the regional language.

3.  One-on-One Attention

Each kid is unique, and not all of them have the same learning style. Government school teachers simply don’t have the time to provide one-on-one attention to their students. This is because the classrooms are too small and jam-packed with many students. There’s simply no room to accommodate comfortably due to the poor infrastructure and lack of space. Private schools have got this figured out by making sure the student-to-teacher ratio is balanced for every classroom.

4. Delivery of Curriculum

Most public schools tend to follow the State Board or ISCE curriculum, while private schools follow the ICSE or CBSE curriculum. The CBSE and ISCE curriculum are both created by the Government; however, here lies the difference – the level of difficulty and delivery. In terms of delivery, public schools teach whatever is there in the syllabus. Private schools go the extra mile and teach students to think outside the box. They teach students way beyond the syllabus and have many practical projects. This not only gives students a solid foundation but teaches them that learning is not just restricted to books; it’s a lifestyle.

5. The Devotion of Teachers

A teacher’s responsibility isn’t merely to teach; it’s to make an impact in the child’s life. Since teachers in public schools take on so many different roles (like taking care of creating ID cards, cafeteria chores, etc.), they don’t get the time or energy to fully dedicate themselves in teaching students. Private teachers don’t do menial chores and instead, just focus completely on the students. Teachers in private schools go the extra mile in making sure that children understand concepts and if need be, they provide supplemental lessons too after school.

Teachers in private schools are recruited on various criteria and not merely based on their academic qualifications, unlike government schools.

6. Facilities

The facilities and learning standards by private schools are growing by the day. This is an area in which public schools are lagging. There’s also a lot of exposure in private schools since students are encouraged to participate in various academic competitions. This helps students gain experience quickly and look at different perspectives. There’s also high-quality equipment and features available in private schools like student workstations, learning labs, theatre rooms, libraries, etc. All these motivate the student to learn and do their best. Or in short, it instils a passion for learning. Since public schools lack a lot in this arena, students might feel frustrated or discouraged to learn more.

7. Admission Factor

Private schools don’t simply take in any students. They test your child’s skills and capabilities by putting them through entrance tests. If your child doesn’t fare well, they’re not allowed to enrol as a student. Government schools don’t do this, and the admission process is easy. The only compulsory criterion is that you must reside within their geographical zone. Since private schools have strict admission standards, parents make it a priority to take care of their kids and teach the basics well.

The schools also make sure that the child is facilitated with a proper environment at home, one that encourages learning and growing. One-to-one interviews with the parent aren’t uncommon in private schools and students get to know the families well to understand better what learning style and strategies to incorporate in the students’ teachings.

8. Overall Satisfaction

It is safe to say that the overall satisfaction rating, in terms of education, is higher amongst parents who send their kids to private schools when compared to government schools. Amongst the advantages and disadvantages of government schools and private schools, this one definitely stands out. When you look at the quality and calibre of students hailing from institutions after they graduate, the difference is clear. Private school students are more outspoken, skilled, and have ample career opportunities due to their diversified way of learning, compared to government school students.

The Final Verdict

There’s a lot of ground to cover for Government or public schools. Teachers need to be dedicated to their students and care about their wellbeing more. This is the reason why lower-income families are trying to send their kids to private schools despite the cost factor – to give their kids a brighter future. If you’re a parent who is thinking about sending their child to a government school, be sure to make an informed decision.

If you’re sure you can teach your child by yourself, then that’s a way to save money. However, if you’re busy with work and don’t have the time, sending your child to a private school will turn out to be your best option, despite the high fees and level of commitment academically.

Also Read:

How to Choose a Good School for Your Child
Things to Consider Before Changing Your Child’s School
Pros and Cons of Boarding Schools