Which U.S. States Have the Most and the Fewest Public Schools Per Capita?

Public schools play a vital role in our communities. In addition to an academic education, they provide children with consistent meals, opportunities for personal growth, and a chance to develop social skills. Research indicates that children who have access to good education throughout their lives are more likely to grow up and find gainful employment, have successful marriages, and be productive citizens. Additionally, they’re less likely to turn to crime, have poor health, and rely on government assistance. With these things in mind, it’s no doubt that proper education is a crucial part of a functioning society. 

While every child in the U.S. has the right to attend a public school, that doesn’t guarantee each receives an equal education. Unfortunately, due to the lack of sufficient public schools in some places, some public institutions have larger classroom sizes, guaranteeing less one-on-one time with teachers. Additionally, due to how public schools are funded, some have fewer resources than others, further impacting the quality of their students’ education. The COVID-19 Pandemic also forced several public schools across the US to shut down permanently, exacerbating the problem. 

In recent years, as a result, private schools across the country have seen an increase in enrollment rates. 

As education is such an important issue, Playground Equipment has dug deep into the statistics and created a report on which states have the most public schools (and the fewest) per capita.

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The Difference Between Public and Private Schools

To understand the issue a little better, we first have to understand the difference between public and private schools. The defining difference between the two is that public schools get their funding through local taxes and state and federal funds. Private schools, on the other hand, are funded through tuition payments and funds from nonpublic sources like religious organizations, endowments, grants, and donations. Some private schools in certain states are able to receive grands for services such as transportation.

Benefits of Private Schools

Smaller Class Sizes: Because of the cost, private schools will usually have smaller class sizes, which means students get more time with teachers. 

Less Bureaucracy: Private schools aren’t usually required to abide by the same regulations as public schools, meaning they can require less tedious paperwork, and can focus more on education. This also provides parents a chance to escape standardized tests and state-mandated curriculums. Public schools often also allow for teachers to teach curriculums that aren’t allowed in public schools, such as religious topics. For teachers, this could also be a boon, as educators can have greater autonomy and control over their lessons.

Stronger Parental Involvement: Parents who are more proactive about choosing where to send their children are also usually more hands-on in schools. Therefore, private schools tend to display greater parent involvement. 

Benefits of Public Schools 

Cost: First and foremost, public schools are free to all children living the US.

More Qualified Teachers: On average, public school teachers tend to be more highly educated. In a public school setting, teachers are more likely than their independent school counterparts to hold a master’s degree and to have logged more hours pursuing in-service study.

Greater emphasis on core subjects: Because private schools don’t follow state and federal guidelines, they don’t always have the same focus on core subjects such as English, math, social studies and science. As a result, public school students spend three more hours a week on these subjects than private school students.

Public schools can sponsor more activities: Though the number of students in public schools can be a problem in classrooms, it can also mean more students are available to fill out a wide variety of extracurriculars. 

Diversity: Due to the cost of private schools, only wealthier parents or children who can secure scholarships are able to attend private schools. As the only factor limiting your public school is usually your address, public schools tend to have greater diversity. According to Drexel, diversity is important in schools to teach students about interpersonal differences and foster acceptance, which helps children become better citizens in their communities as adults.

Special Ed and Gifted Programs: Federal and state laws require most public schools to offer diagnostic and disability services, which is important for families with children who have special needs. While many private schools offer these services as well, it’s not a guarantee. Additionally, due to the class sizes, private schools are more likely to be able to offer gifted classes for students who are ahead of the curve in their academics. 

Class Sizes

While there are many benefits to public schools, the lack of access to public schools means class size remains an issue. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how large a classroom should be, but the research seems to indicate that classes with fewer students provide higher quality educational opportunities. Even in low-income areas, classrooms with 12-15 students fared better in tests than classrooms with 21-25 students. According to our report, some states like Georgia only have on average 9 public schools per 10,000 children of primary school age. 

With the shortage of public schools in America, it’s no surprise that some families might turn to charter schools or private schools for their children’s education. 

At the end of the day, whether it’s through a private or public institution, quality education is a crucial factor in shaping the future of our children and our communities. Ensuring proper funding, managing class sizes, and providing quality education are essential steps towards achieving this goal. If you’re a school or organization dedicated to enriching children, check out Playground Equipment for products and plans for commercial play structures, elementary school playground equipment, and more. Together, we can make education a priority and give every child the opportunity to succeed.

The States With the Most Public Schools per 10,000 Students in the United States

Sources:

• National Center for Education Statistics: nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_216.70.asp
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Children’s Bureau: cwoutcomes.acf.hhs.gov/cwodatasite/population/index

Learn about the author: Nic Breedlove