Public vs. Private School? Decision Is Personal

There are many factors to consider when parents are deciding between public and private schools. For some, selection might be based on location and fellow students, while others find teachers, electives and class size determining factors. To help parents navigate the school selection process, several resources are designed to help.

One such resource is Barbara Levy of Education Connection, who works closely with her associate, Fontaine Draper. Through Education Connection, the pair helps families create education plans for children. And, despite state investigative reports that recently revealed how Atlanta Public Schools tests scores were altered to demonstrate positive results, Levy feels that in some cases, public schools might still offer an alternative.

Parents are now more vigilant, says Levy, due to the last investigations. She also says that we won’t see a radical outswing from public to private schools based on this scenario.

“Parents will question what’s going on,” said Levy whose business is based in Buckhead. “Parents must be involved in a child’s education and have other alternatives. Parents need to know what’s out there and who is leading the charge.” 

School systems are like a business, said Levy, and it’s a top-down decision.

“How you feel about a school is very important and, when you get to the urban myths, let them fly,” said Levy, who has her master's of education in guidance and counseling from the University of Michigan. “Parents make up the public schools and their involvement is critical.”

Beyond involvement, Levy also believes it’s important for parents to know their child’s friends. “Those are the kids that your child will be around, and they are at school longer than they are around their parents when school is in session. You’ve got to know who is also coming in to your house.”

Another tip that Levy also provides is to carefully research the school both public and private. “And," she says, "only look at the CRTC with a grain of salt, but be aware of the curriculum.”

In selecting your child’s school this year, what did you consider parents? We would love to hear from you.