About Public Schools

Here we cover the history of public schools, explain the various types and discuss their pros/cons. Learn more about technology on campus, health and nutrition issues, and the latest information related to a variety of student populations.

View the most popular articles in About Public Schools:

Charter Schools Produce More Graduates than Public Schools

Updated
|
Charter Schools Produce More Graduates than Public Schools
Studies show that graduation rates at charter schools outpace graduation rates at public schools. Learn how charter schools have been able to improve graduation rates, and the positive effects charter schools have on students’ lives in the long-term.

The ideas behind the development of charter schools began in the 1950s. However, credit for beginning the charter school movement generally goes to former American Federation of Teachers President Albert Shanker. Shanker called for reform to public schools in the late 1980s that inspired states to pass legislation permitting the establishment of charters. Minnesota took the lead in 1991, creating the nation’s first legislated charter school, which opened the following year.

The charter school movement was borne out of the nation’s desire to improve education. This has long been a point of emphasis in our country and is often a hallmark of presidential debates and congressional action. However, determining the best way to prepare the country’s youth for post-secondary education and the workforce can sometimes be difficult to do. Parents have many options for their child’s education, including charter schools, traditional public schools, private schools, magnet schools or homeschooling. But when it comes to the debate between charter schools and public schools, recent data collected by Mathematica Policy Research reveals that charter schools seem to be doing a better job of graduating students and preparing them for life after high school.

This video compares charter and magnet schools.

Educational Benefits

According to Mathematica, the graduation rate at charter schools is between 7-11 percent higher than public schools in the same area. Even for at-risk students, who may not have the financial,

. . .read more

Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools

Updated
|
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
Uncover the projected changes in enrollment among diverse ethnic groups and the challenges state education systems face in meeting growing financial demands amidst increasing enrollment

Over the last 60 years, American public schools have become more and more diverse, with various ethnic and racial groups comprising a significant percentage of total enrollment. However, according to new data released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the diversity of public schools in this nation will change drastically over the next decade and appear much differently than today.

The Numbers

The number of white students enrolled in public schools has been falling for years. According to the NCES, between 2000 and 2010, white enrollment decreased from 61 percent to 52 percent of the total public school population. At the same time, the number of Hispanic students increased from 16 percent to 23 percent of total enrollment. This was a trend seen throughout the country over that timespan, with schools in the South and the West seeing the largest Hispanic enrollment increases of any region.

Graph from Huffington Post

The 2014 data released by the NCES shows that this trend has continued since 2010 and will continue for the foreseeable future. Through the 2022-2023 school year, the number of white students graduating is projected to decline by another 16 percent. A 14 percent decrease in the number of black students and a 29 percent decrease in the number of American Indian and Alaskan Native students that graduate from public high schools is expected as well. Conversely, other minority groups are expected

. . .read more

The Hidden Costs of Public Education

Updated
|
The Hidden Costs of Public Education
As the school year kicks into full swing, we examine the many fees and other hidden costs lurking in a “free” public education today.

The back-to-school ritual has become expensive for families across the country today. While “public” education tends to imply free schooling, that is no longer the case for many cash-strapped school districts. Before you send your kids off to the hallowed halls of their neighborhood schools, check out how much that public school might set your checkbook back.

Mandatory Fees Add Up Quickly

Mandatory fees may encompass everything from textbook fees to the cost of technology. Although the ACLU takes the consistent stand that requiring fees for public education is illegal, the practice is becoming widespread as school districts grapple with budget cuts. According to NBC News, the cost of those mandatory fees can vary widely, from $20 or $40 a student to hundreds per student in some districts.

Gawker recently published a report that included a copy of a fee slip from a high school in Park Ridge, Illinois. The slip shows fees totaling nearly $600, with $300 for a required Chromebook that students must purchase even if they have their laptop or tablet at home. The slip also listed generic “10th Grade Fees” at $114 and several smaller fees for textbooks and a yearbook.

This video from the Cato Institute examines the true cost of public education.

Extracurricular Activities Don’t Come Cheap

Clubs and sports are another area when many parents feel the stab in their pocketbooks.

. . .read more

Parents Spending More to Send Kids Back to School

Updated
|
Parents Spending More to Send Kids Back to School
The pandemic has turned back to school supplies into expensive items. Shortages, supply chain problems, surges in consumer buying during lockdown - all have contributed to the current situation.

As kids and parents get ready for the back-to-school flurry, it doesn’t appear pocketbooks will open up quite as much as last year. According to three different national surveys, parents are planning to pare back on school spending this year, although the specific amount varies somewhat. As kids lament the end of their summer vacations, parents are on the hunt for ways to save as they equip their kids for their new classroom experiences.

Spending Expectations from National Retail Federation

The National Retail Federation predicts spending for back-to-school to be significantly more per family than it was last year. This time last year, the average family in the United States spent $688 on school supplies, clothing, shoes, and backpacks to send the kids back to school in style. This year, that number is expected to be closer to $634.

The NRF predicts overall back-to-school and off-to-college spending will total $72.5 billion. The majority of that will come from college costs, while back-to-school spending should total around $26.7 billion of that larger number. The average family sending a child to college is expected to spend around $836, as opposed to $907 that was spent last year.

“The good news is that consumers are spending, but they are doing so with cost and practicality in mind,” Matthew Shay, president, and CEO of the National Retail Federation stated on the organization’s website. “Having splurged on their growing children’s needs last year, parents will ask their kids

. . .read more

Tuition for Public Schools? Some Districts are Saying Yes

Updated
|
Tuition for Public Schools? Some Districts are Saying Yes
We look at a new trend in public schools – charging tuition to students outside the district to attend high-demand schools. Now, some schools are actively marketing to attract out-of-district students and compete with private schools in their areas.

Public school was established to provide a free education for everyone living in the United States. It has been dubbed the great equalizer, providing the same opportunities for all students, regardless of race, background or income level. However, some public schools are bucking this philosophy, at least for students who live outside their immediate boundaries. One of the recent trends catching fire in public schools across the country is the charging of tuition to students living outside district boundaries. Fair? It depends on who you ask.

Tuition Spreading, Rates Increasing

Business Insider reports that many school districts across the country charge tuition to students who want to attend the school from outside the district. What is interesting about this latest trend is the amount of tuition charged, which is increasing exponentially at some in-demand schools. While the typical going rate for out-of-district transfers ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, some schools charge students $10,000 or more for a year of education.

The new rates are comparable to those at private schools, which some public institutions willingly admit they are trying to compete with. The school board president for the Rye Brook District in New York told Business Insider, “You get a first-rate education. You hear about charter schools. You hear about private schools. You hear about parochial schools. This is just another option.”

Rye Brook recently announced plans to charge tuition rates of $21,500 for slots in middle and high schools for

. . .read more

Recent Articles

Back to School: Getting Up to Date with Required Vaccinations
Back to School: Getting Up to Date with Required Vaccinations
Stay up to date on the current requirements for vaccinations for school-age children today, as well as some of the problems schools face when parents do not properly immunize their kids.
Teaching in Contemporary Times
Teaching in Contemporary Times
We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.
Public Schools in a Minute
January 27, 2024
Public Schools in a Minute
Explore the diverse world of public schools in a minute! Our brief overview provides a snapshot of the educational landscape, school districts, curriculum, and more. Get a quick glance at the big picture of K-12 education.

About Public Schools

Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes
Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A comprehensive look at the U.S. public school system, including history, governing bodies, funding, and services. Compare private, public and charter schools. Learn more about Magnet school programs and get tips on choosing the right school for your child.
Public Schools in a Minute
Public Schools in a Minute
An Overview of Public School Services
An Overview of Public School Services
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
TYPES OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Explore the different types of public schools, from charter to language immersion, and learn about the unique pros and cons of each type. Is a co-ed or single sex classroom best for your child? Charter school or magnet? Read expert advice and get valuable tips on the various public education programs available and how to choose what works best for your family.
What Are Alternative Schools and How Do They Impact College Admissions?
What Are Alternative Schools and How Do They Impact College Admissions?
What Is A Magnet School?
What Is A Magnet School?
Public School vs. Homeschooling
Public School vs. Homeschooling
TECHNOLOGY ON CAMPUS
From eBooks to web cams, technology on campus continues to grow. Learn how the latest technology impacts your child’s education. Get tips on the best ways to integrate technology into education and stay abreast of the latest developments and challenges facing schools.
Should Public Schools Ban Cell Phones?
Should Public Schools Ban Cell Phones?
How Your Child Can Benefit from New Public School Laptop Programs
How Your Child Can Benefit from New Public School Laptop Programs
Internet Access at School: What is Appropriate?
Internet Access at School: What is Appropriate?
HEALTH AND NUTRITION AT SCHOOL
From vending machines to Jamie Oliver, bed bugs to tuberculosis, we provide an in-depth look at health and wellness in public schools. Help your kids stay healthy on campus and learn about current health epidemics, vaccination requirements, physical fitness programs and the latest food initiatives.
Why Fast Food is “Healthier” Than School Lunches: The Shocking USDA Truth
Why Fast Food is “Healthier” Than School Lunches: The Shocking USDA Truth
How Diet and Nutrition Impact a Child's Learning Ability
How Diet and Nutrition Impact a Child's Learning Ability
Physical Education Reform in Public Schools
Physical Education Reform in Public Schools
BACK TO SCHOOL
Learn more about preparing your child and wallet for a new school year. Inside you’ll find valuable advice to help your family prepare for the transition from swimsuits to school. While there is no tuition, public school education does not come without costs. Learn more about budgeting for a new school year and get great money saving tips.
Parents Spending More to Send Kids Back to School
Parents Spending More to Send Kids Back to School
10 Ways to Help Your Student Start the School Year on the Right Foot
10 Ways to Help Your Student Start the School Year on the Right Foot
How Has the Pandemic Changed Public School?
How Has the Pandemic Changed Public School?