Parents want to send their kids to good schools. By receiving a great education, a kid will have a productive and bright future. That’s why determining the quality of a school is important. Indeed, public schools check many of the boxes that parents are looking for a top tier education. Not only is the price right (free!), but they can also offer many other benefits, like transportation, superb education options for kids with learning disabilities, diversity in student population, teachers who have state certifications, and lots more.
Public schools create balanced students
Public schools can help ensure that a student’s academic, social, and emotional needs are met, but they also prepare kids for life outside school.
“With over 90% of Indiana students attending public schools, public education plays a crucial role in preparing students for the future,” says Dana Altemeyer, Ed.D., director of communications with MSD Lawrence Township. “Students in public schools interact with a broader cross-section of society, learning important social skills like teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, better preparing them for the workforce.”
Ivy Price-Ware, M.Ed., a Midwestern author and education advocate, agrees. “As someone who has taught in both charter and private schools but dedicated most of my career to public education, I can confidently say that public schools excel at preparing kids for the ‘real world.’”
This is because public schools provide a diverse social environment. “Public schools are like a melting pot where children from different cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds come together,” Price-Ware says. This diversity is vital for developing kids, helping them socialize and engage with others different from themselves. “In the real world, they’re going to interact with people from all walks of life, and public schools provide a great environment to build those social skills,” she says. “They get to learn about different cultures and perspectives, which helps them develop empathy and a broader worldview.”
There are financial benefits to a public education
Public schools are tuition-free, but there are other financial pros to attending a public school.
“Many public schools offer resources, such as free or reduced cost meals, transportation, afterschool programming, and mental health services, supporting overall wellbeing,” Altemeyer says. These cost-saving programs can be a significant help for working class and single-parent families.
“Ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals throughout the day supports their learning and health,” Price-Ware says. Public schools in some areas even offer breakfast programs and after-school snacks.
Additionally, public schools are generally located within neighborhoods, reducing transportation costs. “This proximity to home not only saves money but also allows parents to be more involved in their child’s education, which is crucial for academic success,” Price-Ware says.
The curriculum is set by the state
Public school academics are consistent and comprehensive across all grades. “This means that no matter where a child lives, they’re getting a quality education that prepares them for the next step in their academic journey,” Price-Ware says.
Altemeyer says that this accountability helps maintain consistent quality across schools. “Public schools are accountable to local, state and federal governments, and must ensure transparency and adherence to educational standards,” she says.
Many great teachers prefer to work at public schools
Teachers who’ve entered the field because they see teaching as a calling tend to want to work at public schools. Except in rare cases, the majority of public school teachers have at least one bachelor’s degree in a specialized education field, while many even boast masters degrees or more.
Public schools play a crucial role in providing accessible and high-quality education to students from all backgrounds. By promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity, public schools create an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
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