Main Difference – Government School vs Private School
The main difference between Government School and Private School stems from their funding and administration. As the names imply, government schools are administered and funded by the local, state or national government whereas private schools are funded wholly or partly by student tuition and administered by a private body. Private Schools are independent to a large extent from the interference of the government. Based on these two major differences, other significant differences can be noticed between government schools and private schools.
What is a Government School
Government schools are primary or secondary schools mandated for or offered to all children without charge, funded and controlled by the local, state or national government. Since they are supported by the government, they are wholly or partly funded by taxation.
Since government schools are controlled by the government, the curriculum is decided at a state or national levels; all government schools follow the same curriculum.
Admissions and testing are also managed by the government. Admission to government school is determined by the address of the student. The schools are obliged to take in the students who belong to their respective geographical zone.
Although technology and other facilities vary according to schools, government schools generally have fewer facilities than private schools. Government schools also have a greater number of students than private students; the number of students in a class may also be drastically high due to lack of facilities. However, it is important to notice that government schools always hire highly qualified teachers; teachers must meet all state-mandated requirements and be proficient in their subject to work in a government school.
What is a Private School
A private school is not funded nor administered by the government. They are controlled by a private body and funded partially or wholly by student’s tuition. The fees are usually higher in private schools. At the same time, private schools usually have better infrastructure facilities and up-to-date technology when compared with government schools.
The curriculum of the school is decided by the school board; therefore, they do not have a common curriculum. The school administrators also decide the fees and admission. The school has the authority decide whether a student meets the requirements for admission or not. The school also decided the criteria for the recruitment of teachers. In this case, a teacher in a private school may not be qualified as a teacher in government school.
The class size of a classroom is smaller than that of a government school. This is mainly due to the availability of resources and facilities.
Difference Between Government School and Private School
Definition
Government School is a primary or secondary school funded and controlled by the local, state or national government.
Private School is a primary or secondary school not administered by the government.
Funding and Control
Government Schools are more or less funded by taxation and controlled by the government.
Private Schools are more or less funded by students’ tuition and administered by a private body.
Curriculum
Government School has a set curriculum set at the national level.
Private School’s curriculum is decided by the school board.
Number of Students
Government Schools have more students than private schools.
Private Schools have fewer students than government schools.
Facilities
Government Schools have fewer facilities and technology compared to private school.
Private Schools have more facilities and advanced technology than government schools.
Teachers
Government Schools recruit teachers who meet all state-mandated requirements.
Private Schools have different criteria for recruiting teachers.
Image Courtesy:
“Li Cheng Uk Government Primary School” by Dltl2010 – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
“Warwick School” by G N Frykman at en.wikipedia – G N Frykman, 2007, private photograph. Transferred from en.wikipedia by SreeBot, (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
