Ever since the dawn of time, the quest for knowledge has always been part of human life. Unlike other species that walk the earth, human beings have a unique cognitive capacity that creates fertile ground for reasoning and imagination. It was at this point that education became a valuable tool to impart knowledge and wisdom to a forming mind. The world has given way to a new system of education which is unlike anything was seen in earlier epochs where thinkers would sit at a square with their students posing complex logical questions (Peterson and Campbell 34). The contemporary schooling system consists of a complex system that revolves around the provision of standard education to ensure that they are equipped with necessary skills that would enable them to succeed in life. It is this disposition that has created a long-standing rivalry between private and public schools with experts claiming that it perpetuates the “fallacy of dichotomy.” Public schools are state-funded institutions that adhere to a specific curriculum that cuts across the board. Additionally, they have a set standard of qualifications that the tutors have to subscribe to for an opportunity to liaise with them and offer their expertise. On the other hand, we have private schools which some parents prefer as they are often thought to be better than their contemporary. In this essay, I will discuss the effectiveness of public education to society.
Public schools have a better standing in society because they offer education to all. These institutions do not discriminate on the basis of social class, gender, religion or social orientation but seek to provide quality education to all those seeking enlightenment. The mantra of a typical public school is “education to all,” which goes a long a way to show the seriousness that the put in ensuring that all school going children receive this basic right. Countries around the world have embarked on providing free or subsidized education to ensure that children do not miss this chance to better their lives. It, therefore, becomes accessible to all children in a community. Conversely, private schools are famed for offering modules at exorbitant prices in the name of providing “quality” education. Currently, 10% of the American students attend private schools as per the figures provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (Curren 12). It serves as a grim reminder of the income disparities that still exist where only those with the financial muscle that would have an opportunity to attend these schools. Private institutions, therefore, inadvertently perpetuate discrimination by financial capability and; most probably a class. Moreover, most of these institutions are run privately by directors who may arbitrarily decide to enforce their curriculum, lowering standards of education.
It is also important to remember that public schools are better suited for molding student who is all rounded. Public education has proved to be a hodge-podge of diversity since provides equal opportunity for children from all walks of life. Inner city schools in urban environments are serving as the best example of this plurality. A typical public school in such a locality has students from an assortment of ethnicities: African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and European Americans (Streep, et al. 79). Such an environment breeds a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures which fosters cordial relations. A student enrolled in a public school is more likely to morph into a responsible adult who understands that all men are born equal, none superior to the other. Moreover, it is common for a student in these types of institutions to come across physically challenged, which would be important in altering their attitude towards them. A previously naïve and prejudicial child would have an opportunity to end the stigma that surrounds people with disabilities that often views them as the “disabled.” In essence, these they are merely able individuals who have the same capabilities as they counterparts and can also achieve extraordinary academic feats. Nonetheless, the same cannot be said of private schools. They function as independent fiefdoms that seek to create a specific form of hegemony. Stakeholders controlling these schools adhere to strict guidelines that give rise to individuals with the same religious inclination, political affiliation, race or gender. They lack the exposure necessary to cope well with a diverse social setting.
In conclusion, public institutions are centers of excellence that seek to mold individuals who can fit in well with everyone across the divide. Public schools enable children from all spheres of society to receive an education that will serve them well in future. Furthermore, they have a unique chance to mingle with others from different races and ethnicities, which is essential in blurring racial bias. Private schools canot enjoy these perks owing to the unusual dynamics that exist in such a situation. Education becomes a symbol for uniformity, creating a warped view of society. Parents should therefore reconsider enrolling their children in private institutions and opt for the more inclusive options, public schools being the best candidate.
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