Evaluating Public Schools

This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.

In many cities across the country, public schools are suffering. Due to lack of funding and other issues, many public schools fail to meet the needs of their students, prompting many local parents to send their children to private school instead. But private school comes with its own list of challenges and it isn’t always the best choice. If your child is attending private school but you’re thinking about making the switch back to public school, keep reading to learn some important information.

In 2026, families also have more public school options in some areas, including charter schools, magnet schools, and open enrollment programs. However, eligibility and availability depend on state and district policies. Public School Review's School Choice in 2026: What Public School Families Need to Know explains these options in greater detail.

The Pros and Cons of Private School

Private school is not always all it’s cracked up to be; There are both pros and cons for you to consider. One of the biggest advantages that many private schools offer is more personalized attention for students. Private schools often boast smaller class sizes and lower student-teacher ratios than public schools, they may also have a more challenging curriculum. Because private schools are funded differently than public schools, many private schools have better books and supplies as well as more up-to-date technology. Some private schools even focus on a particular subject or skill, which

The quality of your child’s education will have a significant impact on the rest of his life.

• The education he receives while he is young will prepare him for higher education and, eventually, a career.
• The challenge is, however, that there are many different types of schools to choose from.
• If you want your child to receive the best education available to him, consider enrolling him in a magnet school.

What is a Magnet School?

A magnet school is a type of public school that, while still part of the local public school system, has a particular curricular focus.

• In many ways, magnet schools are just another type of school but there are some key features that set these schools apart.
• In the United States, magnet schools are developed around a core set of five principles according to the Magnet Schools of America organization.

These five pillars include the following things:

• Diversity – Part of what sets magnet schools apart from other schools is the focus on diversity which gives students a global educational experience. Through recruitment and lottery systems, magnet schools strive to develop a student body that is reflective of the surrounding community.
• Innovative Curriculum and Professional Development – Each magnet school has a particular theme and the curriculum is relevant to that theme, designed to prepare students for higher education and eventual career success.
• Academic Excellence – Magnet schools are committed to multi-dimensional instruction which is focused on the needs of the students. Various assessment strategies are used to

When your child reaches school age, you have a lot of important decisions to make. First, you must decide whether you want to send your child to a private or a public elementary school. Each of these options has pros and cons, but unless you do your research, you may not fully understand what they are.

Some children will thrive in any educational environment, while others may need special attention or a certain academic structure. Only you know what your child’s needs are, so it is up to you to do the research and choose the best option for your child. In this article, you will receive an overview of private and public elementary schools and the pros and cons of each so you can make an educated decision.

This video from the Today show looks at the private vs. public issue.

The Difference Between Public and Private

Even if your child attended preschool, elementary school will likely be his first true educational experience. It is very important that you choose the right school for your child at this age because it will shape his academic career in the future. The main decision you need to make is between private and public elementary schools. Even if you choose to send your child to public school in the future, choosing a private school for elementary might be a good choice.

A private elementary school may also be

The age-old question of where to send your child to school, if you’re fortunate enough to have a choice, is one that has been debated for ages. Do you go the private school route to give your child smaller class sizes, more rigorous learning experiences, and a better shot at an upper-tier college? Or do you opt for the public school option, where your child will experience more diversity among their classmates and have more opportunities for exploring academic and extracurricular activities? No doubt, private schools, and public schools have their advantages and disadvantages, which help create a vastly different school experience for your child.

The School Experience

Obviously, there are sharp contrasts in the type of experience your child will have at a public or private school. In private school, your child will likely be in classes with fewer students, with a teacher that is more likely to report enjoying his or her job, and at a school that is more likely to have modern resources, including supplies and textbooks that are relatively new, if not brand new. The curriculum is driven at the school level, with teachers having more say regarding what is taught and how they teach it. Private school students also engage in more physical activities and eat healthier school meals than do public school students.

Conversely, public school students are more likely to attend a school that is socially, racially, and economically diverse. Public school students take part in a curriculum

If you’re in the market for a new home you better be researching local school districts – it could mean all the difference for your family, whether you have children or not.

When people search for a new home, there are many factors that weigh in on their decision: price, amenities, neighborhood, the square footage, rent or own, new or old, and much more. Don’t make the mistake of forgetting to add another important aspect of home buying to this research list - school districts. Even if you don’t have, or never plan to have school-age children, school districts can still have quite an impact on your home value and living area.

Mark Schreier of Century 21 American Homes discusses the importance of considering school districts when buying a home.

Four Reasons to Consider School Districts

Here are four of the main reasons why the quality of school districts is something that you need to keep in mind when you buy your next home.

1. A Good School District = A Good Neighborhood

All other things constant, a good school district tends to equal a good neighborhood. And when it comes to real estate, the name of the game is location, location, location. Great location can mean safer neighborhoods, an abundance of places to eat, ease of access to transportation, proximity to urban, beach or vacation areas, and amenities like public parks and services.

If you do have kids, a good location and a good neighborhood are even