One of the most crucial decisions you’ll face is whether to enroll in a public or private school. Public schools in the US are government-funded, which means they are tuition-free for residents. They are known for their diverse student populations and offer a wide range of academic programs. Public schools often follow standardized curricula set by the state or district. Class sizes are generally larger in public schools, and they usually provide a broader selection of extracurricular activities. There are public and private schools that offer IB curricula.
On the other hand, private schools in the US are funded by tuition, donations, and endowments, giving them more control over their admissions process. Class sizes in private schools are smaller, allowing for more personalized attention from teachers. Moreover, private schools often offer a more flexible curriculum. Regarding extracurricular activities, private schools may provide specialized programs and have access to better resources and facilities due to their higher funding levels.
Public schools typically have more diverse student populations since they enroll students from the entire Independent School District (ISD), offering exposure to various cultures and backgrounds. I will get to what ISDs are in a minute. Private schools, on the other hand, may have a more homogeneous student body, depending on their admission policies and focus, resulting in a different and more concentrated cultural experience.
Public schools follow a government-provided curriculum based on the classes you take and have a minimum number of credits required to graduate from high school. While this may sound daunting, I’ll talk more about the curriculum and credits in more detail later on. Private schools have their own curricula, and these can vary from one school to another.
Lastly, and most importantly, there are financial considerations to keep in mind. Public schools are typically tuition-free for residents. However, international students might need to pay non-resident tuition, the cost of which varies by state and district. In contrast, private schools come with tuition costs, and scholarships may be available for outstanding students. It’s worth noting that the average fee for private high schools in the US was $16,000 in 2021, showing how expensive private schooling is. Public schools offer education of equal quality, so there’s no need to worry about being unable to attend a private school.