argumentative essay on private school is better than public school

Private Schools vs. Public Schools

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At a time when public schools are the target of unrelenting criticism, the results of a new study come as welcome news (“ Are Private Schools Worth It ?” The Atlantic, Oct. 18). Using data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Sarah and Christopher Lubienski, professors at the University of Illinois, found that when controlling for demographic factors, public schools are doing a better job academically than private schools.

That finding will no doubt come as a surprise to those who believe private schools are intrinsically superior. But achievement is higher because students in private schools come from more affluent families than students in public schools, rather than because of better practices. This distinction is crucial. The national average of public schools is pulled down by the number of such schools serving poor students. If these schools were eliminated, schools in the affluent suburbs would hold their own against the best private schools.

It’s important to remember too that private schools are neither required to hire certified teachers nor administer state tests. They also have wide latitude in deciding which students to admit and which to push out. In short, they operate entirely differently. Therefore, I’ll go a step farther. Even when socioeconomic factors are controlled, I don’t think it’s fair to compare private schools with public schools.

I also hasten to note that most of the schools in the Lubienskis’ study were religious schools. These hardly constitute the totality of private schools in this country. So before drawing any definitive conclusions, we need to know how other private schools compare. Perhaps a study by Luis Benveniste, Martin Carnoy and Richard Rothstein provides an answer. They concluded that “the social, cultural, and economic backgrounds of the parents and the community in which the school was located seemed to be the main determinant of variation, much more so than a school’s public or private character or, within the latter group, whether it was religious or secular” ( All Else Equal , RoutledgeFalmer, 2003).

The opinions expressed in Walt Gardner’s Reality Check are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.

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Public School vs. Private School Education Essay

Introduction, the comparison of public and private schools, works cited.

The choice of the best school is the eternal problem for all parents. Many debates have occurred on this basis. Public and private schools vary in numerous aspects. Nevertheless, the most significant reason for parents’ choice of public schools is the cost of studying at private schools. Although public schools are free for all students, private schools are better for pupils because of the profound approach to studying and the effective environment for education.

The determination of the best type of school can be rather a challenging task. There are both advantages and disadvantages in the public and private sector of education. It is necessary to compare the schools on the basis of several significant factors.

Quality of education

The school program and teachers’ qualifications predetermine the quality of teaching. Thus, public schools should follow the standards defined by the national curriculum. Private schools can offer a wider choice of subjects to be taught. For instance, some schools include specific topics in their programs such as sexual or religious education of children.

Some parents may choose the particular school because its basis meets their principles and understanding of the world. Besides, the teacher in private schools is free to choose thy ways of presenting new material. However, some subjects such as mathematics, history, and science are obligatory in both types of schools.

Private schools demonstrate the better quality of education because of their admission standards. Private schools accept students who pass necessary tests and prove that they have the desired level of knowledge. Such a selection enhances the quality expectations. Public schools have to accept all students regardless of the level of their knowledge. Very often, this fact impedes the achievement of good academic results (Kennedy par. 6).

Exposure to violence

The level of violence in public schools is of primary concern to principals. There have been many cases of shooting in public schools. Consequently, public schools have to work on their security measures. It is also difficult to monitor the intentions and activities of all students in public schools.

On the contrary, private schools are considered to be safer than public. It can be explained by several facts. As far as private schools do not have to accept all students, the risk for dangerous behaviors is lower. Also, it is easier to supervise pupils in private schools because they are less in number.

The number of students who are taught is significant for the efficiency of education. In public schools, almost thirty students go to one class. Teachers face difficulty in approaching and engaging every student. The time devoted to the lesson is not enough for providing all pupils with opportunities to express themselves and answer.

In private schools, the class is comprised of no more than twenty students. Thus, teachers have the possibility to monitor the academic achievements of every pupil in the class. During the lesson, the teacher can approach every student and evaluate his or her knowledge. Consequently, the teacher notices students who need more attention and can help them to catch up with others.

Social development

The school environment influences the social and moral development of students drastically. This environment includes the social support, the educational programs, relations with other peers, and teachers’ approaches to the presentation of new material. Strong relationships are essential for the efficient social development of the child. Thus, students are more likely to greet each other or help with different activities when they have positive feelings (National School Climate Center 1).

It is rather difficult to define the type of school that is the best for the appropriate social development of children. The social development of children depends on the school environment. One cannot say that positive school environments are typical for private or public schools only.

Public schools can be helpful because pupils have the possibility to communicate with many people. They can find many friends and develop positively. However, there is a risk that the students may find friends who will influence them negatively. Also, an enormous diversity of public schools’ society provides the opportunity to learn how to behave and communicate effectively in society.

Private schools, at the same time, may have the better environment for the social development because of the limited number of learners. Administrators and school personnel can do their best to create the most efficient environment for pupils while it is not always possible in public schools.

The primary disadvantage of private school is their cost. They are much more expensive than public schools. The necessity to pay for private education limits the number of students whose parents can afford paying annual fees. Public schools are funded by local authorities and provide all students with the equal opportunity for studying.

A variety of aspects influences the choice of school. Private schools provide students with better academic opportunities in comparison to public one. Despite the fact that public schools require no tuition fees and can be useful for the development of social skills, private schools are better because of the high quality of education, a limited class size, and a low level of violence.

Kennedy, Robert. Comparison of Private and Public Schools . n.d. Web.

National School Climate Center. School Climate and Moral and Social Development . 2013. Web.

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Public vs. Private Schools: Which to Choose?

Education is one of the most essential aspects of every person’s life, directly related to the possibility of personal development and success in the future. One of the critical issues that arise concerning education is the choice between public and private schools. This can be a dilemma for many parents, so in this essay, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

Public schools are free and accessible to all children regardless of their social status and income. They are financed from the State budget and usually have an extensive education and development budget. Qualified teachers usually staff these schools with educational experience and high qualifications. Public schools offer various subjects and programs that help children achieve high-level education (Strauss, 2018a). However, public schools may have some disadvantages. In some areas, public schools may have a bad reputation, and their level of education may be lower than in private schools (Pierce, 2021). Moreover, public schools can have large classes, making it difficult for teachers to work and reduce individual attention to each child. On the other hand, private schools offer unique learning opportunities. They often have lower noise levels and smaller classes, allowing teachers to pay more attention to each child. Private schools can also provide outstanding educational programs that can help children with learning difficulties and a more comprehensive range of cultural and sports activities.

It is likewise worth noting that education in public schools can be more diverse and inclusive, as they accept all pupils without regard to family finances or other factors. This helps to create a more diverse learning environment and can promote tolerance and social responsibility among students (Strauss, 2018b). On the other hand, private schools have a more elevated level of control over learning and discipline, which leads to better student achievement and better preparation for higher education. However, it can likewise lead to more rigorous and competitive knowledge, which is only sometimes the best approach for all students.

Unlike public schools, which are funded from the budget, private schools require tuition fees. This can be a significant financial burden for parents, especially those with limited budgets (Kerr & Wood, 2018). In addition, not all private schools offer scholarships or financial assistance, which may make access to education difficult for some children.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the choice between public and private schools may depend on family differences. Some families may prefer public schools because they are closer to home. In contrast, others may choose private schools that are more academically oriented and may be more suited to the specific needs and purposes of the child. Finally, the preference between public and private schools should be based on the child’s individual needs and the family’s capacities.

In conclusion, public and private schools have their advantages and disadvantages. Public schools suggest free and highly qualified teachers but may hold drawbacks, such as large classes and low levels of education in some areas. Private schools offer a more personalized approach and unique education prospects, but the cost may not be affordable for some families. Therefore, the choice between public and private schools must be based on many factors, including individual needs and family capacities, as well as each school’s reputation and educational level. It is essential to pay attention to the quality of education, accessibility, and cost of education, as well as to the relevance of the child’s needs and the family’s wishes.

Kerr, E., & Wood, S. (2022). The Cost of Private vs. Public Colleges . US News & World Report. Web.

Pierce, E. (2021). Private School vs. Public School . US News & World Report. Web.

Strauss, V. (2018a). Are private schools really better than public schools? A look at the data . Washington Post. Web.

Strauss, V. (2018b). No, private schools aren’t better at educating kids than public schools. Why this new study matters . Washington Post. Web.

Public or Private School? It Shouldn’t Matter

Subscribe to the brown center on education policy newsletter, mark dynarski mark dynarski owner - pemberton research, former brookings expert.

June 12, 2014

My years of attending different schools went like this: public, private, public, public, private.  As the sequence suggests, I had opportunities to experience schools that were public and schools that were private.  At least from my perspective as a student, a school’s classification as public or private did not make much difference. They were all schools to me.

I was reminded of the public versus private school debate, and my experience with the insignificance of this categorization, by a recent front-page article in Education Week with the headline, ‘Public Schools Outperform Private Schools, Book Says.’   The authors of the book ( The Public School Advantage: Why Public Schools Outperform Private Schools ), Christopher and Sarah Lubienski, argue that earlier research showing private schools—mostly Catholic schools—outperformed public schools was hampered by data limitations. When they analyze data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study’s (ECLS) kindergarten cohort, they find that after adjusting for student characteristics, the average student in an elementary public school had a higher math score than the average student in an elementary private school.

At least three issues come to mind about these findings. First is that costs are not mentioned, despite how much they matter. Second is how disconnected the findings are from the choices parents actually have to make. And, thirdly, the question of ‘public versus private’ is a sideshow diverting attention from a far more substantive inquiry: what can we do to make all schools become more productive?

First, costs. Recent data on Catholic schools reports per-student costs well below public schools. It’s about $6,000 for elementary schools and $12,000 for secondary schools . NCES reports average public school spending combined for both levels of $12,000 . Over the K-12 span, then, and with most Catholic elementary schools spanning K-8, the total spent per student is about $102,000 in Catholic schools versus 50 percent more, $156,000, in public schools. By this metric, even if Catholic schools had the same test scores, their productivity (output per unit of input) is substantially higher than public schools.

Second, parents. Tables in the Lubienskis’ book show huge differences in public and private school test scores. Catholic and Lutheran schools have fourth-grade NAEP scores that are 10 points higher than public schools. Because of how the NAEP is scored, this difference is approximately an entire grade level. Fourth graders in public schools are scoring about what third graders in private schools score. Differences between public and private school students are even larger in eighth grade, ranging from 14 to 20 points.

These differences disappear when the authors do their analysis. But how? Scores are ‘adjusted for’ student differences using statistical models. I am not criticizing the use of statistical models, having spent decades using them. But there are limitations that need to be kept in mind. In the case of private schools, ‘adjusting’ for characteristics creates a hypothetical situation in which public and private schools are being analyzed ‘as if’ they had the same characteristics. For example, a local public school that has a large enrollment and many students on free lunch and a local private school with a small enrollment and few students on free lunch will be compared ‘as if’ they have the same enrollment and the same proportion of students on free lunch.

The fact that this situation doesn’t actually exist is the point. Parents see real schools, not hypothetical ones. Suppose a parent is considering whether to send their son or daughter to a private school or to a public school. For sake of argument, let’s assume transporting their child to either school takes the same time and energy. There is a huge difference in student test scores between the schools, which the parent recognizes might be partly because high-achieving students already attend the private school. The parent also learns that studies suggest students who attend private schools are more likely than similar students attending public schools to graduate from high school and to enroll in college . Suppose the private school is achieving these score differences and graduation outcomes while also spending less than public schools.

This scenario might lead many parents to choose private schools. Having high-achieving students in the private school as peers for one’s child is an attractive feature. Increasing the odds that one’s child will graduate from high school and attend college is appealing as well. The lower cost closes the deal.

Except in reality, parents don’t pay a lower cost for private schools. In fact, the cost of a private school is added onto the cost of a public school. Parents pay property and state income taxes that fund public schools, and then have to decide whether they can afford private school on top of that. So, private school becomes an expensive proposition. Some parents will nonetheless decide to pay for it, but it’s unsurprising that 90 percent of America’s K-12 students are in public schools.

The Lubienskis say their findings should undermine arguments in support of voucher programs and other market-based programs because these programs are based on the idea that students attending private schools will do better than if they attended public schools. Let’s expand ‘doing better’ beyond test scores and focus on the education attainment of older students.

The DC voucher study cited above found that using vouchers increased high school graduation by 21 percentage points. Applicants for those vouchers were low-income (families below 185 percent of the poverty level were eligible), and nearly all were African-American. That study did not follow students long enough to know whether students went on to college. However, the study of the New York voucher program cited above found that using vouchers increased college enrollment by 9 percentage points for African-Americans.

These seem like small numbers, but economists have estimated that compared to dropping out, lifetime earnings of high school graduates are $300,000 higher for African-Americans, and lifetime earnings of graduates who attend at least some college are $800,000 higher. Thus, the increased likelihood of graduating high school and attending college associated with the use of a voucher can add tens of thousands of dollars to lifetime earnings. This is likely an underestimate given that completing college is not accounted for (neither study explored college completion), but is associated with even greater earnings. And most voucher users do not use the voucher for long, usually only two to three years. The current DC voucher program provides $8,000 for elementary schools and $12,000 for high schools, which means public spending of somewhere around $20,000 to $30,000 could achieve an earnings effect three times larger or more.

Of course these are rough numbers that are influenced by data limitations: estimates of lifetime earnings necessarily involve many assumptions; the New York City study found beneficial effects of vouchers only for African-American students and not for Hispanic students; and only a couple studies have been done (though both studies referenced here use strong experimental designs). And if a much larger voucher program were created, it might serve other kinds of families and possibly have smaller effects.

The point is that comparing test scores of public and private schools can be a distraction from the bigger picture. In fact, the entire public-private debate is nothing more than a sideshow. How to improve schools generally is more fruitful, though less dramatic, than framing the debate as ‘public is bad and private is good,’ or the reverse. Certainly though, analyzing what private schools are doing to yield higher graduation and college-going rates while spending less is one way to begin answering that question. And if what’s discovered to be working in private schools can possibly be replicated by the public schools that nearly all students attend, there will be no need for future debate. 

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Private vs. Public Schools: Which one is Better for Students?

In the United States, there are many debates over the best form of schooling. One of the most heated debates is private vs. public education.

The most obvious difference between private and public education is the price tag. Every child in America can attend public school for free. However, parents may opt for their child to attend a private school. Most private schools cost money. This alludes to the fact that private schools must be “better” in some way to justify the monetary expenses. Both types of schooling offer unique benefits, and both have their respective drawbacks.

US News claims parents should look at a variety of factors when choosing a school for their child including rates of graduation and college enrollment, class size, diversity, and availability of programs for learning disabilities.

Private schools typically have smaller classes. This lets the students have more one-on-one attention with teachers. Whereas students in public schools can blend into the crowd of students in their classes. Thus, students will have different preferences for class size based on their personalities. Parents should take this into consideration when thinking about what is best for their child.

However, with larger class sizes comes vast diversity. Private schools’ price tags and strict screening can limit the diversity of its student population. Diversity helps students prepare for future careers since most workplaces consist of many different cultures and backgrounds. I am talking about diversity with minorities, social classes, and people with disabilities.

On this topic, students with disabilities do better in public schools. Public schools are closely regulated so that they follow guidelines to provide resources for students who need them. Private schools must also do this, but they are not under strict watch. Private schools are not funded as well as public schools, resulting in poorer resources for students with disabilities. 

Fatherly explains that private schools hire more teachers that are fresh out of college and fewer teachers with master’s degrees. Since the only income private schools have is tuition payments from families, they pay their teachers less. This results in public schools attracting better teachers.

US News also digs into “how students in private schools score higher on standardized tests and score better across all subjects. However, it is hard to tell if private schools are the cause of this. Afterall, parents who have the resources and are willing to pay money for a “better” school probably help their students even more. They may be hiring tutors, paying for SAT practice books, and the like. Family attributes, like the parents’ education and social status, may be a more accurate explanation for the higher test scores.”

It is also important to note that parents who can not afford private schools send their students to public schools. Many low income students are not able to focus or put as much work into their education with their family’s lack of resources and money. When low income students are given fundings to attend private schools, they do not perform as well as those paying to attend. Yet, poor students being funded still outperform public school students (US News).

Another important fact to consider is that many private schools do not require the same certifications for their teachers. They stress subject area specialists. Public schools focus on core classes whereas private schools sometimes focus on certain subjects like music, art, or other content areas (Fatherly). Many parents who choose private schools do so for religious or extra-curricular reasons. Thus demonstrating that they care more about the particular private schools’ speciality than the “overall better” educational appeal.

To continue, Fatherly explains how private schools also have a “better peer environment.” This is due to the fact that they can screen who enrolls, resulting in only the type of student they want to attend their school. However, the real world works quite differently. Public schools teach students outside of the safe bubble of the socioeconomic upper class. So, public school students will understand how to deal with more challenging peers while private school students will be facing this issue for the first time in college or when they are working in the real world.

In conclusion, the decision to send students to private or public schools depends on what is best for the student. For families who can afford it, private schools lead to higher grades and test scores, a good, safe environment, and subject speciality. However, private schools lack diversity, can become costly, and do not embody the reality of the real world. 

12 thoughts on “Private vs. Public Schools: Which one is Better for Students?”

I enjoyed the fact that you incorporated pros and cons while analyzing both types of schools. Public schools, especially in highly populated areas are often understaffed and overcrowded. It seems as though this is one of the reasons public schools get a worse rep than private schools. However, for many families public schools are the only financially accessible option. I think if more funding went into the American public school system, everyone would be better off in general. Higher pay for teachers would incentivize more employees, more efficient resources would be available to students, and in turn going to school in the US would be a more fair experience as private school graduates would no longer have a huge advantage over public school graduates. I do understand that private school students essentially pay for better connections and a “better” education all around but there is a part of me that believes good education should be free and equally accessible to everyone. Although this is true in other countries, it may not work in the US as it would require a considerable amount of reform/change, something the US has always been relatively “slower” at.

I definitely agree there are many problems with public schools. One example is how low-income areas have worse schools since schools receive their money from property taxes. I am setting up my CI blogs to always compare to public schools because they are the default school in America. I agree that a good education should be free for all students in the US. However, we must always remember that the upper class will try to set themselves apart by creating “better” schools to keep a massive class divide. No matter how great public schools become, the rich will find a way to prevent social mobility.

At first, I thought it was factual that private schools were a much better option but at a second glance, this seems to be a back and forth battle. The price tag is a real concern for many. Those who are willing and able send their children to private schools seeking a better education. But this is not always the case. I believe that the school does not determine their success rather their motivation and accessibility to resources. If every child were to have private tutors and fancy textbooks and study materials of course they are going to do better. I also have a huge issue with the lack of diversity between the student body and regulations placed upon the school board. This is detrimental in preparing students for the real world and can lead to issues expressed in critical race theories. Following a personal story, my dad was sent to a private catholic school growing us as a kid in order for his mother to try to was his native American heritage out of him along with strictly disciplining him. Later on, he was sent to a public school where he ended up doing much better. Being the rebel he was, he still did not get the best grades but he acted out less and was able to graduate. In my opinion, public schools are the safer option but if you have the money and resources at your disposal, use them as you see fit.

I thought that private schools were always “better” before I did research, too. Honestly, it is a way for the upper class to separate their children from the middle and lower classes and keep the connections within their social circle. I absolutely agree that public schools are better for many people, especially students who do not care about school. After all, the students are the ones that must put in the effort. My angle was that if private schools cost money then they must be “better” in order to be at the same level of value as public schools. I know someone who went to a private catholic school to play volleyball because they had a better program. I am sure there were other reasons, but it seems parents care more about a particular private school’s programs or amenities.

I have attended both private and public schools throughout my life. There is no doubt that both schools have their own pros and cons. No matter what kind of education someone receives, the most important factor is how the agent applies their self. If someone chooses a private education, but does not apply their maximum effort, they are wasting time and money. I found that my private high school helped me branch out of my hometown, and meet different kinds of people.

Additionally, I think you did a great job at framing this post. You listed a significant amount of pros and cons for both sides, and made the argument clear. I think your point on government funding and how public school teachers are paid more is an interesting topic. Its funny to think that the better teachers are drawn to public schools.

Because my mother is a teacher, I always knew that public school teachers were paid more. But it is weird how the “better” private school pays their teachers less. I definitely agree that school success is up to the student. However, parents are usually the ones that decide which school to send their children to. Parents must decide what is best for their student.

It is weird it is simple economics. Public schools draw from taxpayer dollars to fund teacher salaries. Also, most private schools don’t have teachers that are part of the union.

As someone who has attended public schools throughout my whole education, growing up I always thought private schools provided a better education than public schools. However once I got to high school, I realized that is not always the case. Both options have their pros and cons and I believe if parents feel more comfortable sending their child to a public or private school that should be their choice. However, after reading your post I feel that there is a lot of unfairness when it comes to private schools. For instance the lack of diversity, fewer resources for disabled students, and the lower salary for teachers. In the end parents will choose where they want their children to attend school based on their own beliefs and desires for their children.

I also thought private schools were “better” growing up. However, most private schools are honestly not “better” enough to be considered worth the money or effort. Some private schools might be really good – especially if the public school in your area is bad.

Catholic schools produce the best citizens.

It’s great that you mentioned how private schools typically have smaller classes. My little sister is about to step into the next stage of her education and we are now looking for a school that would work for her. She might do well in a private high school, so we are considering enrolling her in one.

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U.S. public, private and charter schools in 5 charts

While children in the United States are guaranteed a free education at their local public school through state constitutional law, many families weigh other educational options for their children. Even before the coronavirus pandemic upended families’ usual routines, 36% of parents with K-12 students say they considered multiple schools for their child in the 2018-19 school year.

Students’ school environments vary widely – sometimes even for children living in the same community – depending on whether they attend traditional public, private or charter schools.

Here are some key distinctions between these three types of schools, based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). All figures reflect the most recent school year with data for all three types of schools.

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to better understand how U.S. students’ school experiences might differ depending on whether they attend a traditional public school, a private school or a charter school.

Data comes from the Institute of Education Sciences’ National Center for Education Statistics . We used the most recent year in which data is available for all three school types.

Public, private and charter schools include those that teach students in kindergarten through 12th grade, unless otherwise specified. Racial categories used in this analysis include those who report being a single race and non-Hispanic. Hispanics are of any race. National School Lunch Program data for 2021-22 is not available for Alaska.

What’s the difference between public, private and charter schools?

Until a few decades ago, parents with kids in elementary, middle or high school could choose to send them to either a traditional public school or a private one. More recently, many states have added a third option: public charter schools.

• Traditional public schools are taxpayer funded, are tuition free and must adhere to standards set by a school district or state board of education. These are the most common schooling option in the U.S.
• Private schools are known for being selective, religiously affiliated or sometimes both, and charge tuition rather than receive public money. In addition to tuition dollars, private schools may be funded through a combination of donations, endowments or grants from other private sources. As a result, they have more autonomy when it comes to curriculum and other academic standards. During the 2021-22 school year, about three-quarters of private school K-12 students (77%) attended a religiously affiliated school. The largest share went to Catholic schools, which accounted for 35% of all private school enrollment. Another 23% of private school students attended secular institutions.
• Public charter schools are legally allowed to operate in nearly all states, plus the District of Columbia, as of 2024. Like traditional public schools, these are taxpayer funded and tuition free. They’re open to any student who wishes to enroll. But unlike their traditional counterparts, agreements – or charters – with the state or local government allow them flexibility when it comes to curriculum and other standards. They also may turn students away due to space constraints.

Differences exist in the size and locale of each type of school, NCES data from the 2021-22 school year shows.

Traditional public schools tend to be larger than the other types. For instance, 39% of public schools enroll 500 or more students, compared with 32% of charter schools and 8% of private schools. And while 31% of public schools have fewer than 300 students, 44% of charter schools and 82% of private schools do.

Public schools are relatively evenly distributed across urban, suburban and rural areas, while most charter and private school campuses are located in either cities or suburbs.

(Traditional public and charter school environment data includes prekindergarten students, who account for less than 1% of enrollment at these types of schools.)

Where is enrollment growing and shrinking?

During the 2021-22 school year, the vast majority of the country’s roughly 54.6 million public, private and charter school students in pre-K through 12th grade (83%) attended traditional public schools. Another 10% were enrolled in private schools, and 7% went to public charter schools.

Enrollment numbers have shifted over the last decade:

• Traditional public school enrollment has declined. In fall 2011, about 47.2 million students attended public elementary, middle and secondary schools, accounting for 87% of all school enrollment. By fall 2021, the number of public school students dropped to about 45.4 million, resulting in a small drop in public schools’ share of total enrollment.
• The popularity of charter schools has grown. Minnesota became the first state to pass legislation allowing charter schools in 1991. In the last 10 years alone, enrollment has risen from about 2.1 million students in fall 2011 to nearly 3.7 million in fall 2021, an increase from 4% to 7% of total enrollment.
• Private school enrollment has held relatively steady. Private school students have consistently made up about 10% of school enrollment, with numbers that have fluctuated from a 10-year low of fewer than 5.3 million in 2011 to a peak of almost 5.8 million in 2015.

How does enrollment look at the state level?

Nationwide, the vast majority of students in pre-K through 12th grade attend traditional public schools – but shares vary somewhat from state to state. In Wyoming, for example, nearly all students (97%) attend public school, while 45% do in D.C.

The states with the highest percentages of public school enrollment include some of those with the lowest population density . In addition to Wyoming, West Virginia (95%), Montana (93%), Kansas and Alaska (91% each) round out the top five states by share of public school enrollment.

In most states, students are more likely to attend a private school than a charter school. Charter school students make up a larger share of enrollment than private school students in just 12 states and D.C. (Data is unavailable for seven states because they did not have any charter schools or legislation allowing them in fall 2021.)

Among the places where students are the least likely to attend traditional public schools:

• D.C. has the highest share of charter school students, at 36%. Just 45% of K-12 students there attend traditional public schools. Another 19% attend private schools.
• D.C. and Hawaii have the largest percentage of students in private schools, at 19% each. In Hawaii, another 76% of students are enrolled in public school, and 6% are enrolled in charter schools.

How do student demographics vary by school type?

Charter schools had the most racial and ethnic diversity during the 2021-22 school year. Hispanic students make up the largest share of enrollment there (36%), followed by White (29%), Black (24%) and Asian American students (4%).

In contrast, 47% of traditional public school students and 65% of private school students are White. Smaller shares are Hispanic, Black or Asian.

Differences also exist by household income level. Nearly all public and charter schools are part of the National School Lunch Program , which provides free or reduced-price meals to students based on family income.

In general, charter school students are more likely than public school kids to qualify for the program. For instance, 31% of charter students and 21% of traditional public school students are enrolled at a school where more than three-quarters of their peers qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Because a relatively small share of private schools participate in this program, 2021-22 data is not available for them. However, research shows that private school enrollment rates are highest among upper-income families .

What does the teaching staff look like at each type of school?

More than 4.2 million full- and part-time teachers worked at public, private and charter schools during the 2020-21 school year, the most recent year with available data. That year, about 3.5 million teachers (83%) taught at traditional public schools. Another 466,000 (11%) worked in private schools, and 251,000 (6%) taught at public charters.

The teaching force in each environment varies based on race and ethnicity, age, experience, and educational attainment.

• Charter school teachers are the most racially and ethnically diverse: 69% of charter school teachers are White, compared with about eight-in-ten at both traditional public and private schools. Charters also employ the largest shares of Black and Hispanic teachers.
• Private school teachers skew slightly older, while charter school teachers are the youngest: About 17% of private school teachers are ages 60 and older, compared with 8% in public schools and 7% in charter schools. And in charter schools, 21% of teachers are under 30, compared with 14% each in public and private schools.
• Charters employ a larger share of teachers with fewer years of experience: For instance, 13% of both private and charter school teachers have fewer than three years of experience, compared with 7% of public school teachers. And 43% of charter school teachers have between three and nine years of experience, compared with 28% each in public and private schools.
• Public school teachers are the most likely to have a master’s degree: 52% of public school teachers have a master’s degree, compared with about 41% each in charter and private schools.

Katherine Schaeffer is a research analyst at Pew Research Center .

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