Public Schools

October 11, 2008

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Public Schools

by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Public schools garner a lot of critical attention from the media, and surveys often show that parents have a low opinion of U.S. public schools in general. On the other hand, the majority of parents send their children to public schools and usually feel that their school is a good one. The reality is that public schooling can be a sound and reasonable choice for most children.

Many public schools throughout the nation have strong records for academic achievement and safety. They provide adequate supplies, comprehensive and rigorous curricula, comfortable and safe buildings, and dedicated, motivated teachers and administrators. It is a national shame that the same cannot be said of all public schools. Particularly in less affluent areas, many public schools fall short in some, if not all, areas. These schools put children at risk academically, physically, and emotionally.

Public school advantages
Public schools are free to all students and often are in walking distance of a child's home or provide free transportation. Some school districts offer open enrollment, giving you an opportunity to select from all the public schools in your area. Some districts also offer magnet, or satellite, schools that focus on particular subjects, such as science, math, or the performing arts.

Public schools offer many features funded by national, state, or local grants, including:

Free or subsidized breakfasts and lunches

Programs for students with learning difficulties

Programs for children with other special needs, including physical and emotional challenges

Gifted, talented, or academically advanced programs

Various therapies, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy

On-site after-school care or enrichment opportunities, such as team sports, music or art lessons, hobby clubs, etc. (often at extra cost to parents)

One big advantage of attending a local public school is the chance for your child to get to know many other children in your neighborhood or town, which makes it easier for after-school socializing. If he attends a private school, he might not have this opportunity, as private schools tend to draw pupils from a broader geographical area and his classmates may live many miles away. Also, public schools usually have a more diverse student body than private schools, and going to school with people from different cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds can teach children many important life lessons.

You can find out about the academic performance, student-body make-up, and overall reputation of the public schools in your area through a variety of sources. Contact the schools or school district directly--they have all the statistics--and talk to other parents in your town about their children's experiences. This is where doing your homework can make a big difference in your child's life.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Charter Schools
			Choosing A School
			Private Schools
			Choosing a School

Created June 13, 2001
Reviewed August 15, 2004

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