If sending your child to a standard public school system is not an attractive option, you also have the choice of sending him to a charter school or a public school. While there are some similarities among charter schools and private schools, they are also very different. These are some ways that charter schools differ from private schools.
Financing
Like public schools, charter schools are also financed by the government. These schools receive funds from the state, county or district that administrates them. There is no tuition charges for students to attend because this is already paid for through government funding.
However, this is not the case with private schools. Private schools are privately owned by individuals or groups of people that do not provide full funding for the schools to be run. Tuition is paid by the parents of each student and this covers the cost of paying teachers or other employees, school supplies, utilities for the building and other costs that occur.
Admission
Students attend charter schools because their parents choose to send them there. There are no admission tests that students need to take to become enrolled. Charter schools are not allowed to deny a student enrollment based on test scores, having a learning disability or low income status.
However, private schools often require entrance exams for potential students. If a student does not receive a certain score on these tests, he may not be allowed to enroll. Being admitted to a private school may also be determined by the income level and credit history of the parents as well.
Curriculum
Charter schools have a pre-determined type of curriculum that must be taught to students. This is chosen by the government that oversees them. If they do not follow these rules, it is possible for the school to be closed down.
Private schools are not required to teach according to a set type of curriculum. In fact, many private schools are faith-based and may also implement religion into their curriculum. In these private schools, students are required to take classes offered pertaining to religion along with their core classes.
Whether you choose to send your child to a charter or a private school, it is helpful to speak to the administers of the school first. This will give you the needed information so you can make a well-informed decision about which type of education your child will receive. Click here for more info.
