Public schools usually have more students per teacher than private schools. This means less individualized attention. One study conducted in Tennessee, called the Student Teacher Achievement Ratio project, found that students in small classes were more likely to graduate, to graduate on time and to graduate with honors. They also had higher achievement levels in math and English.
Some people take comfort in the fact that public schools use a standardized curriculum that's reviewed and set at the government level. Others, though, prefer more local control. You may feel that the people who chose public school curriculum cannot understand your child's interests and needs. Perhaps you prefer schools with a different education philosophy altogether, such as Montessori or Waldorf schools. Public school teachers are less able to choose their own materials and have less flexibility in methods and pacing as they teach than their private school counterparts.
Rates of violence and drop-outs are higher in public schools than private ones. Obviously, some public schools are significantly better than others, but all are open to everyone, including children with behavioral problems. Parents have no obligation to be involved, unlike in some private schools, where parental participation is mandatory. Public schools may also face more restrictive laws concerning how they discipline their students and enforce order.
This is only a disadvantage to some people. If you are religious you may prefer that your children be taught a curriculum that reinforces your religious beliefs. You may object to the approach taken to scientific, political or spiritual issues by public schools. Subjects like sex education are particularly sensitive; many parents dislike having their children taught sexual mores by a public institution.
Public schools are designed to meet the needs of children who fit within the spectrum of educational norms. Although they have remedial and gifted and talented programs, they lack the funding and resources to give truly individualized care. Cases of abuse of special needs children in public schools have been documented. If your child has special physical, emotional or mental needs, you may prefer a private school especially designed to educate children just like him.