compare and contrast essay about public and private schools

Essay on Public Schools vs Private Schools

Public school vs private school essay introduction, public schools vs private schools: classroom size & admission, essay about private and public schools: cost & tuition, private school vs public school essay conclusion.

Need to compare and contrast public and private schools? Essay samples like this one will help you with this task! Here, you will learn about advantages, disadvantages, and differences between public schools vs private schools. Choose your side of the debate and persuade the readers in your public school vs private school essay!

Comparing private and public schools can be more or less like comparing oranges and apples, two very disparate things that can never be held on similar standards. Choosing the best school for your child is one of the most important decisions parents have to make for their children but most parents rely on rumors and hearsay in deciding on whether to send their children to a private or a public school.

The best ways to determine whether you are making the right decision for your child is by visiting the school and asking for clarification from teachers for all your queries. What school your youngster attend to is a personal decision which is greatly determined by the family values, special needs of the kids, his mannerisms and interests.

This essay critically compares the differences and similarities, advantages and disadvantages and the issues that a rise in both private and public schools that affects the education of the children mainly preschool kids the its effects they on the kids future life.

Statistics show that some time back private school used to do better than public schools but recently this gap has been narrowing and making it harder for parents to choose between a private independent school with a high price tag on it, from a local public school which is relatively cheaper (Diana, 2006).

According to Maureen ( 2011, pp.10) public schools usually have larger class sizes due to the fact that they are required to admit every child who meets the qualifications set by the government. This offers an advantage to the pre-school children by improving their communication and socializing skills since they interact with more children from different races, cultures and social classes.

However, large classes are also disadvantageous in that it reduces the ratio of teachers to students and this tends to limit the teacher’s concentration on students hence limiting the children’s there performance. The average ratio of teachers to students in public schools is 1:17while in private schools its 1:9.

Private schools on the other hand are very selective in terms of their admissions. Some schools cannot admit students from certain religions, races or even economic status. This tends to reduce the population of private schools. Some of the long term effects to children attending privately owned pre-schools are poor socializing skills due to the low population size and similar social classes, religion and lack of diverse cultures (Robert, 2011, pp4).

Public schools are cheaper and they are funded by the government and some of them are usually underfunded. They are a part of the large school system which is part of the government and this makes them vulnerable to the political influence hence exposes them to political vulnerabilities which if experienced affects their performance.

The economic status of the country and the government also greatly affects the operations of public schools. Their curriculum is determined by the government and as you know different regions face different challenges hence the need for different curriculum to meet the different needs. (GreatSchools, 2010, pp.5)

Private schools on the other hand charge a higher tuition fee which is the major source of its funds. This makes them independent and protects them from the political realm hence they are free to determine their own curricula which is usually single minded, producing best results by providing the best quality of education possible (Eddie , 2011, pp.4)

In cases of children with special needs public schools usually have special programs and specially trained teachers who are well trained to work with such children. In contrast most private schools lack these programs and they are sometimes forced to deny such kids admission to their institutions and sometimes these services may be offered at an extra cost.

Is the question about which schools are better, private or public schools, answered yet? I bet not since there are no clear conclusions since they both have advantages and disadvantages as we have seen. In a nut shell the best school for ones child depends on the values, mannerisms, family, back ground, needs and interests of both the parents and the children. In other words one man’s meat is another man’s poison.

Diana, J. S. (2006). Public Schools Perform Near Private Ones in Study . Web.

Eddie, R. (2011). Pre School Education: Private Schools Vs PublicSchools . Web.

Great Schools Staff. (2010). Private versus public . Web.

Maureen, B. (2011). Public vs. private : Which is right for your child? Web.

Robert, N. (2011). Private vs Public Schools: Class Size. Web.

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Public and Private Schools: Comparing

Private schools, public schools.

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. – Albert Einstein.

Are private schools more effective than public schools to educate children? The first couple of United States sent their children to the élites private school in Washington and so did the grandchildren of the present vice president of the United States. Study shows that all congressional representatives staying in Washington send their children to public schools and 25 percent of the public school teachers send their children to private schools 1 . Research has shown that the students of privately run schools perform better in standardized tests than students from public schools. Nevertheless, the question that arises is that how true is these findings? If at all there are differences between private and public schools, where are the differences? Are there no similarities between the two? If we take what Einstein said is true, should such a distinction be made?

Proponents of private schools argue that they provide higher quality of education as compared to public schools whereas on the other side of the debate, the argument is that public schools are better suited to meet the educational demand of the nations 2 . Clearly, there are inherent differences between the two types of schooling. However, the aim of the essay is not to take a side in the debate around public and private schools but to compare and contrast both system of schooling. In the following paragraphs, this essay will evaluate the differences and similarities between public and private schools.

Private schools are independently run schools, which cater to small number of students and are costlier. There are more than 28 thousand private schools in the US 3 and 25 thousand in the UK 4 . These schools run independent of local or central government. As they are not under any government regulations, they are not restricted under the state budget. They also get extra freedom in designing their education system and curriculum.

The annual cost of private schools in the United States in 2005-06 was $14000 for grades 1 to 3 and $15000 for grades 6 to 8, and $16000 for 9 to 12. The fees for the boarding schools are higher ranging from $29000 to $32000. In the UK, the average cost of private school per annum is £2400 to £5000 and in a boarding school, the cost ranges from £3100 to £5600.

As these schools are costlier, they cater to a limited number of students. Further, they are also not under compulsion to enrol all the students seeking admission. Therefore, these schools are in a position to design their curriculum in order to meet individual child’s needs. In a 1915 letter to the editor of New York Times 5 , has mentioned that private schools are more “democratic” in nature and have greater “personal influence” over pupil at an age when they most need it. As these schools have individualistic attention on students, co-curricular activities like arts, music, sports, etc. are also a part of the educational values. Therefore, along with the general curriculum (like maths, English, science, etc.) children are also introduced to other activities.

The class sizes in private schools are small. As students have to go through a selection process, they form an almost homogeneous crowd with similar goals. Not all students are accepted in such schools, thus limiting the access of students with special needs to such schools. The following paragraphs look at the nature of public schools their functioning.

In contrast to private run schools, public schools are state or government run schools. In the UK, such schools are called state schools. They follow local, state or central government laws. As they are state run, these schools receive funding from the government. Therefore, the budget of these schools is fixed by the government. Admissions to such schools are easy, as the schools have to accept all children who seek admission. There are no tuition fees and education is free. Still a test is set a selection process.

The teaching staffs in these schools are state certified. The certification is a surety that the teachers have the necessary educational background and experience to teach in schools. The public schools offer a general program in terms of curriculum. Here the curriculum is set by a mandate by the state and the school board has no influence over it.

In the public schools, children from all background can be found, thus boasting of diversity. They usually reflect the community. Further, due to the existence of special education laws, students with special needs can be taught in such schools. The teachers are trained to handle such requirements. Usually the schools are larger in public schools.

There are a lot of difference between public and private schools. Private schools are costlier and take in few students. Arguably, individual attention can be more in such a school. While public schools can boast of diversity and students, get to interact with children from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Private schools can decide their own curriculum and the management decision are not bounded by state governance. Public schools must accept all students who wish to enrol in the school, while private schools have the liberty to accept students who meet their standards. Public schools must adhere to state regulations and decisions. Private schools, even though they have to follow some state rules, their governance is privately run independent of government intervention. There is a difference in the graduation rate from private and public schools. 90-95 percent student from private schools enter college while 62 to 67 percent of the students from public schools enter college. The difference is attributable to the socioeconomic background of the student’s and the selective admission procedure of private schools.

There are certain similarities between private and public schools. All schools have to adhere to certain state laws. For instance, both the schools must follow the general curriculum form like teaching maths, science, and english. Regulations and disciplining of students are practiced in both forms of schools. Though private schools have an option of taking or not taking standardized tests, they usually take them and public schools usually take them mandatorily. In both form of schools student’s safety is a priority issue for the school management.

Even though there are more differences than similarities between private and public schools, it should be overlooked that both type of schools primarily are educational bodies. Their main aim is to educate students.

Suzanne Fields, “Public or private schools”, Washington Times, 2008, p21

Kevin C. Duncan and Jonathan Sandy, “Explaining The Performance Gap Between Public And Private School Students”, Eastern Economic Journal, Vol. 33, No. 2, 2007

Great Schools, “Private vs. Public Schools: What’s the Difference?” , 2009. 

Private Schools Directory & Guide 2009.

Letter to the Editor by William F. Slocum, President Colorado College, “Public and Private Schools”, The New York Times, 1915

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Private School vs. Public School

A private school is autonomous and generates its own funding through various sources like student tuition, private grants and endowments. A public school is government funded and all students attend free of cost.

Because of funding from several sources, private schools may teach above and beyond the standard curriculum, may cater to a specific kind of students (gifted, special needs, specific religion / language ) or have an alternative curriculum like art , drama, technology etc. Public schools have to adhere to the curriculum charted out by the district, and cannot deny admission to any child within the residential school zone.

There are several preconceived notions regarding private and public schools. Private schools are often assumed to be very expensive, elitist and a better bet for admission to good colleges. Public schools are often thought of as shoddy, less disciplined and low-grade curriculum. This comparison offers a fair insight into both schools for parents to make an informed decision.

Comparison chart

Admission criteria.

Anyone may apply to attend a private school, there is no zoning based on the students address. However, granting admission to a student is up to the school authorities and is based on tests and other criteria.

Admission to public school is determined by the address of the students. Every community has a zoned school and students attend their respective zoned school. Certain school districts may have variations to this rule. Public schools are required to accommodate all children within the zoning area.

Private schools have to raise their own funds and they get most of their funding through student tuition, fundraising events, gifts and endowments from donors.

Funding for public schools is a three tiered process. The federal government allocates certain amount of funds to each state for education. The state government contributes through income taxes, lotteries and property taxes. The local government may also contribute through taxation funds. Some public schools these days have resorted to a some amount of fundraising on account of budget cuts.

Private schools do not have to adhere to their respective state’s standards or the Common Core state standards and have the freedom to choose their own curriculum.

Public schools are moving towards adoption of the Common Core State Standards . As of today, 45states, the District of Columbia and 4 territories have adopted the Common Core State Standards.

The Common Core State Standards in a nutshell:

Private schools usually have smaller class sizes and could have as many as 10 to 15 students in an elementary classroom. A lower student ratio can mean a more personalized interaction for students and teachers.

Public schools have a larger student to teacher ratio and have larger class sizes. This is often due to budget cuts or inadequate funding. There can be as many as 30 students in an elementary classroom.

Private schools are subjective in their requirement for teachers to be certified, some do not require certification, and others may require certification but could be open to a certification from a different state.

Public schools required teachers to be certified in the state they teach. Certification requirements vary and are determined by each state.

Teacher Pay

Private school teachers get paid less than public school teachers and may or may not have health insurance . (In the UK private school teachers receive higher wages than their state school counterparts.)

Teachers in public schools get paid more than their private school counterparts. Public schools also offer health insurance and retirement benefits which may vary depending on the state.

Private schools are free to choose their own form of assessments and tests. They are not required to publish results of their tests.

Public schools are required to administer standardized tests to their students which are chosen by the state. The test scores are required to be published by the school.

Transportation

Private schools may or may not provide transportation to students; the provision differs from school to school.

It is mandatory for public schools to provide bus transportation to all students living in the school's designated residential area.

Additional Resources

Funds from various resources enable private schools to offer more to students in terms of science, technology , humanities, and the visual and performing arts.

Due to dependency on government funding, public schools may not have enough resources to offer technology tools, music , art and other activities to their students.

Test Scores

Comparison between public and private school test scores is a difficult if not virtually impossible task, because the type of tests may differ, and private schools have a choice to not publish their scores.

Are Private Schools Really Better?

It is very difficult to give a conclusive answer with an absolute "Yes" or "No." It depends on what parents want for their child, what and whether they're willing to pay to get it, and what the child is capable of. While curriculum is often considered to be more rigorous in private schools, private schools are not a guaranteed access to a better college or university. The following videos throw light on different perspectives of private vs public schools.

KCRA News discusses the results of studies conducted on the much debated topic:

An insight on whether private schools stand to have an advantage for admission to Standoford:

A word from the dean at USC on the topic:

How To Choose

Choosing between a private and public school goes beyond just affordability. Choosing the right school for your child is a process where there's no such thing as too much information. A good place to start would be to eliminate all preconceived notions about private and public schools and knowing that's it's more about the best fit for a child as opposed to "the best school in town." Of course, there's no substitute to visiting every short-listed school.

This video presents some facts about private schools, and might help bust some myths regarding affordability and elitism:

While test scores seem to be a natural go-to criterion to compare schools, they can often be misleading. Test scores cannot be the absolute criterion to assess a school, whether public or private; there is more to a school than just test scores, and it's possible that a school with a lower score may actually be more nurturing or a better fit for a child:

• School Funding - teach-nology.com
• Private Education - capenet.org
• Is a Private School Worth It? - theweek.com
• Core Standards - Official Site
• Lake Washington School District
• Public and Private School Teaching - teaching.monster.com

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Public vs. Private School

There are many differences and some similarities in public and private schools. I have attended both a public and private school, and I preferred going to a public school rather than a private. There are many reasons why I enjoyed going to a public school rather than a private, and that is because they have so many differences. There are a few similarities though. Some of those differences and similarities would be how the school is funded, rules, class size, and transportation.

            The biggest difference between a public and private school is how they are funded. Public schools are most of the time funded by the state and the government. Private schools are funded by paying a tuition. The nicer the private school is the higher the tuition that you have to pay. Most of the time private schools are independent and aren’t interfered by the public. Private schools depend on their own funding, which comes from tuition, grants, and donations. Since public schools are funded by the government, it is free to go to and anybody can attend if you are in the school’s district. If you attend a private school, you can live wherever you want. 

            There are different rules you have to follow at private school. For example, most of the time you have to wear the school’s uniforms, keep your shirt tucked in, wear white socks, and a belt. On the other hand, at public schools you can just about wear anything you want to. It just can’t have profanity on it and girls can’t wear revealing clothing. My personal experience, I always felt that teachers at private schools are way more strict than public schools. For instance, my friend was on his phone and the teacher saw him and automatically took it from him with no warning or anything. They also told us not get on our phones at lunch, which I thought was absurd. While at a public school, it is way more laid back. I felt like at the private school, I attended, the administration was always trying to find a reason to start something. Other than the dress code rules, all the other rules are basically the same. For example, no bullying, plagiarism, using profanity, etc.

            Another difference is class size. Most public schools have way more people attending them than private schools. There are usually around 30 students to a classroom at a public school. While at a private school, there are around 15 students and sometimes less than that. The hallways at a public school are always packed when changing classrooms or when we were on break. One reason I liked public school more was because there were always new people to be friends with and not have to be stuck seeing the same people in every class. I also think that since there are so many more people in a public school, it helps you prepare for college because you are already used to seeing people you don’t know. While at a private school, you see the same 30 people that are in your grade everyday. People say that because the classrooms are smaller at a private school you get more help from the teacher. My grades were better at a public school though. You could also make the argument that private school is harder than public, but I just think it depends on the teacher. Since private schools have a smaller number of students most of the administration knows you by name, this could be a good or bad thing depending on the situation.

            A big difference between public and private schools is transportation. Public schools are required to have bus transportation to take students to and from school. Whereas at a private school someone has to drop you off and pick you up from school if you are not old enough to drive. An obvious similarity is that, if you are old enough, you can drive yourself to and from school and have you own parking spot. Since public schools have rules on how far you can live from the school, private school students have to travel farther than public school students.

            There are many differences between public and private schools. At the end of the day there are obviously going to be similarities because it is school, and you are there to learn. I personally didn’t enjoy going to a private school for many reasons. One of them being because of how small my class was. The only thing I really enjoyed, at the private school I attended, was the food was much better than public school food. I enjoyed going to a public school much more because there was more of a variety of people and it was more laid back.

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Public School vs. Private School: Argumentative Comparison

Table of contents, public schools: accessibility and diversity, public schools: limited resources and class sizes, private schools: specialized curriculum and resources, private schools: affordability and socioeconomic disparities.

• Baker, B. D., & Welner, K. G. (Eds.). (2017). School Choice: Policies and Outcomes. University of California Press.
• Henig, J. R., Hula, R. C., & Orr, M. T. (Eds.). (2019). Educational Inequality and School Finance: Why Money Matters for America's Students. Harvard Education Press.
• Kahlenberg, R. D. (Ed.). (2013). The Future of School Integration: Socioeconomic Diversity as an Education Reform Strategy. Century Foundation Press.
• Ravitch, D. (2013). Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools. Knopf.
• Van Dunk, D. D., & Taylor, S. S. (Eds.). (2020). Global Perspectives on School Choice and Privatization. Information Age Publishing.

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Private School vs. Public School

Parents have much to consider, from test scores and class sizes to diversity and costs.

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Parents may want to look at the certification, training and professional development obligations of teachers in both public and private schools.

Deciding whether to send a child to public or private school can be a tough choice for parents of elementary, middle and high school students. Data on whether public or private education is better can be challenging to find and difficult to understand, and the cost of private school can be daunting.

So how can parents weigh private schools versus public schools?

Myra McGovern, spokesperson for the National Association of Independent Schools, says it comes down to what is best for each child.

“The individual needs of the child should shape the choice for parents,” she says.

Robert Pianta, professor of early childhood education and founding director of the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning at the University of Virginia , notes that there are various types of private schools. Some are managed by and affiliated with religious sects, while others operate independently under certain philosophical guidelines. He says parents should be “clear about the specific benefits that they are seeking for their child.”

“What is it about their child that makes them think a private education will be better, and then, more importantly, what is it about a specific private school that matches that child’s needs?” he wrote in an email. “And then, would this experience (or others) be also available in public school?”

Public and Private Schools By the Numbers

With more than 13,000 public school districts (made up of about 100,000 schools) and more than 30,000 individual private schools in the U.S., parents have plenty of choices. However, certain locales may have limited or no private school options. Some may have private schools for certain grades and not others.

Consider these

According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools still attract far more students than private schools, with 50.8 million students attending public school as of 2019. Private school enrollment in the fall of 2019 was 4.7 million students, down from 5.7 million in 2017.

But what are the distinctions that might make a difference to parents as they decide between the two? Experts and education researchers say parents should look at a variety of factors when choosing a school for their child, including:

• Educational outcomes, such as rates of graduation and college enrollment.
• Class size.
• Teacher training.
• Affordability.
• Availability of programs for learning disabilities.

Comparing Student Success in Public and Private Schools

Research has consistently shown that private school students tend to perform better on standardized tests. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, which is often referred to as “the nation’s report card,” assesses both public and private school students in subjects such as math, reading, science and writing. The most recent NAEP data shows what other research has found: Private school students score better in almost all subjects.

For example, eighth grade private school students averaged about 20 points higher than public school or charter students on the NAEP reading test in 2022. Fourth grade private school students had nearly the same advantage in average scores.

On college entry tests such as the SAT , NAIS found that students in private schools consistently outperformed their public school peers in all subject areas.

While private schools appear on paper to promise better educational outcomes for their students, some scholars have attempted to dig deeper than just test scores to find out if private schools actually increase student success.

Pianta, who led a study published in 2018 that examined academic, social, psychological and attainment outcomes, says he found student success is more directly related to family attributes, such as having college-educated parents and higher incomes, than which school they attend.

“When you compare children who went to private school (for an average of six years) with those who only went to public school, any apparent benefits of private schooling – higher test scores, for example – are entirely attributable to parents’ education and income,” he says. “The fact that they went to private school does not account for any differences we might see.”

Christopher Lubienski, a professor at Indiana University and co-author of the book, “The Public School Advantage: Why Public Schools Outperform Private Schools,” agrees, saying, “Whether it’s a public or private school is not necessarily the defining factor. Private schools tend to score better on tests. … But we found that family background differences more than explain the difference between public and private school test scores.”

So how do students from low-income families who attend a private school perform?

Megan Austin, a principal researcher at the American Institutes for Research, looked at the success of students who participated in Indiana’s publicly funded private school voucher program, which is aimed at students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and skews heavily toward the parochial schools that participate in the voucher program.

She says that students using vouchers to attend private schools were somewhat less successful than those who were attending without a voucher, but that “both types of students … were less likely than traditional public school students to ever fail a course, or to ever be suspended in high school, and they were more likely to enroll in college within one year of high school graduation.”

Courses and Class Size

When researching school options, parents also may want to consider what kinds of courses public and private schools offer, particularly in high school, where high-achieving students may want access to a varied selection, including honors and Advanced Placement classes, Austin says.

She adds that parents should ask schools about how many students graduate on time, how many of their students enroll in college, and the school’s average SAT and ACT scores, among other things.

“Those are all indicators that have been shown to correlate with later success, so asking for that information is a good starting point,” she says.

Class size may be another indicator for parents. While some may feel that smaller class sizes are better for students, Pianta says research on the impact of smaller class sizes on student success has been mixed.

“It’s only when classrooms are in the 12-18 (student) range of size compared with classrooms of 25-35 (students) that we really see a difference,” he says. “In fact, although those smaller classes are observed to be richer in interactions and conversations, there is also some evidence to suggest that some larger classrooms (25-30) actually are better managed, and children learn somewhat more in terms of facts.”

Pianta also stresses that, when it comes to class size, “there’s not a clear rule of thumb.”

Still, the selling point of private schools for many parents is smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction. The student-to-teacher ratio at private schools in 2021 was 12.5 students per teacher, lower than the average 15.4 at public schools.

McGovern of NAIS says smaller class sizes in private schools create a “more tight-knit environment,” which allows the “teacher to really get to know each individual student and their strengths and weaknesses.”

Pianta agrees that smaller class sizes may benefit certain types of children. “If parents have a real reason to be concerned about their child in a large classroom (perhaps that student is very shy or, on the other hand, more likely to be disruptive), then smaller classrooms are better,” he says.

But he adds that many public school classrooms have fewer than 20 students per class, which would allow the same kind of individualized attention students receive in private schools.

Teacher Training and Certification

Regardless of class size, parents may want to look at the certification, training and professional development obligations of teachers in both public and private schools.

McGovern says that while many private school teachers are not certified as public school teachers are required to be, private schools often hire subject matter experts with advanced degrees who can give students more authoritative instruction than a teacher with a background in just education.

“Independent schools generally have extensive professional development for individual teachers and groups of teachers to make sure their skills in the classroom are really top-notch,” she says.

McGovern also says independent schools “are not driven by performance on standardized tests,” as many public schools are, giving teachers more flexibility to create engaging curricula. Private schools are generally not required to meet state testing requirements. However, because some private schools don’t teach with standardized testing in mind, it can make it more difficult for those schools to document the benefits of their approach, she notes.

Lubienski says teacher certifications are important. Public school teachers face rigorous requirements to attend training and to adopt the latest changes in curricula for important subjects like math. Without certifications and regular professional development, curricula can become outdated.

The Cost of Public vs. Private Schools

Public schools are funded by taxpayer dollars, but private schools represent an additional expense for parents. To send their children to private schools, parents generally either need to have the resources on hand to pay tuition or they need some type of financial aid, whether that is scholarship money, loans or publicly funded vouchers in states and localities that offer them.

Tuition costs vary based on the type of private school. For example, median tuition at independent day schools for grades K-12 was $27,408 as of September 2022, according to NAIS. Private boarding schools were more expensive for K-12 students, charging $63,650 on average.

Schools operated by organizations like the Roman Catholic Church or other religious groups tend to cost less than secular independent schools. For example, average annual tuition for private Catholic elementary schools as of 2023 was $4,840, compared to $11,207 for all private elementary schools, according to the Education Data Initiative . Average tuition for secondary Catholic schools was $11,240, while independent private secondary schools charged $16,645.

Diversity in Public and Private Schools

Racial diversity at private schools typically looks different than at public schools. According to NCES data, 66% of students attending private schools were white in the 2019-2020 school year. Hispanic students made up 12% of the population, while 9% were Black, 7% were Asian and the remainder were students from biracial, Pacific Islander or Native American backgrounds.

In contrast, 45% of students attending public schools were white, according to NCES data from the fall of 2021. Hispanic students made up 28% of the population, while 15% were Black, 5% were Asian and the remaining 7% were students from biracial, Pacific Islander or Native American backgrounds.

Pianta says parents looking to send their children to schools with a diverse student body are more likely to find that in public schools. “The diversity of public school is a strength,” he says.

Best Schools for Learning Disabilities

For children with learning disabilities, education experts say that private schools may not always be a good fit.

Public schools are required by law to provide access to “a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensure special education and related services to those children,” according to the U.S. Department of Education’s webpage on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act , or IDEA. The department says 7.5 million children were receiving services in public schools under IDEA as of the 2020-2021 school year.

Pianta says his research shows children with learning disabilities are better off in public schools, given the resources that states and localities are required to commit under the IDEA.

“Public schools are more tightly regulated than private schools, and this is very evident in the services they must provide to students with special needs,” Pianta says.

McGovern of NAIS acknowledges that not all private schools have support systems for children with learning disabilities, but emphasizes that “some schools do a phenomenal job with students of different learning abilities.” She adds that some private schools are specifically geared toward students with learning disabilities and provide programs tailored to address those needs.

For example, The Fletcher Academy in North Carolina notes on its website that it serves students “with ADHD, processing & memory issues, and a variety of learning disabilities, including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.” Similarly, the Forman School in Connecticut is a college prep school for children with ADHD and dyslexia.

“It’s important for families to ask what the school’s strengths are and their capabilities to really serve the child based on his or her unique needs,” McGovern says.

Researching Public vs. Private Schools

Because each child is different and school options vary by locality, many experts say parents need to do their research locally before deciding what’s best.

“People often assume that private options are better in areas like transportation, housing and health care,” Lubienski says. “With education, that’s not necessarily true.”

He says parents may want to choose private schools over public schools for reasons that go beyond academic outcomes, such as religious education or extracurricular activities such as sports, music or theater.

Austin at the American Institutes for Research says parents should evaluate a variety of options in their communities, including public charter and magnet schools.

“Many parents name academic quality as their top priority, but fewer parents end up having a strong understanding of the academic quality of the school their student goes to,” Austin says. “Instead, they tend to rely on reputation, word-of-mouth or less concrete information that may or may not actually reflect school quality.”

Searching for a school? Explore our K-12 directory .

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Comparison of Private and Public Schools

The Key Points to Help Families Decide Which Is Right for Them

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You may be considering whether private or public schools are better options for an obtaining an education. Many families want to know more about the differences and similarities between them. Learning about what private and public schools offer can help students and parents make an educated choice.

What's Taught

Public schools must adhere to state standards regarding what to teach and how to present it. Certain subjects, such as religion, are taboo. Rulings in many court cases over the years have determined the scope and limits of the curriculum at public schools.

By contrast, private schools can teach whatever they and their ruling bodies decide and present it in any way they choose. That's because parents choose to send their children to a specific school, which has a program and educational philosophy with which they are comfortable. That doesn't mean that private schools don't provide a quality education; they still undergo rigorous accreditation processes regularly to ensure that they are providing the best educational experience possible.

Both public and private high schools do have one key similarity: they require a certain number of credits in core subjects such as English, mathematics, and science in order to graduate.

Admission Standards

Public schools must accept all students within their jurisdiction with few exceptions. Behavior is one of those exceptions. Public schools must document really bad behavior over time. Should a student's behavior exceed a certain threshold, a public school may be able to place that student in a special school or program outside of the student's district of residence.

A private school, by contrast, accepts any student it wishes—and rejects those it does not—according to its academic and other standards. It is not required to give a reason as to why it has refused to admit anyone. Its decision is final.

Both private and public schools use some kind of testing and review transcripts to determine the grade level for new students.

Accountability

Public schools must comply with a host of federal, state, and local laws and regulations . In addition, public schools must also comply with all the state and local building, fire, and safety codes just as private schools must do.

Private schools, on the other hand, must observe federal, state and local laws such as annual reports to the IRS, maintenance of state-required attendance, curriculum and safety records and reports, and compliance with local building, fire and sanitation codes.

Accreditation

Accreditation is generally required for public schools in most states. While accreditation for private schools is optional , most college-prep schools seek and maintain accreditation from major school accrediting organizations. The process of peer review is a good thing for both private and public schools.

Graduation Rates

The rate of public school students graduating high school has risen to 85 percent in 2016-2017 , the highest rate since the National Center for Education Statistics began tracking these figures in 2010-2011. The dropout rate at public schools does tend to have a negative effect on matriculation data, and many students who enter into trade careers generally enroll at public schools rather than private, which decreases the rate of students who go on to college.

In private schools, the matriculation rate to college is typically in the 95 percent range. Minority students who attend a private high school are more likely to attend college than minority students who attend public school. The reason why most private high schools do well in this area is that they are generally selective. They will only accept students who can do the work, and they tend to accept students whose goals are to continue in college. 

Private schools also offer personalized college counseling programs to help students find the best-fit colleges for them. 

Funding differs greatly between private and public schools. Public schools are not allowed to charge any tuition fees in most jurisdictions at the elementary level. Students may, however, encounter modest fees in high schools. Public schools are funded largely by local property taxes, though many districts also receive funding from state and federal sources.

Private schools charge for every aspect of their programs. Fees are determined by market forces. Private school tuition is just under $11,000 a year as of 2019-2020, according to the Private School Review. The average boarding school tuition, however, is $38,850, according to College Bound. Private schools take no public funding. As a result, they must operate with balanced budgets.

Discipline is handled differently in private schools versus public schools. Discipline in public schools is somewhat complicated because students are governed by due process and constitutional rights. This has the practical effect of making it difficult to discipline students for minor and major infractions of the school's code of conduct .

Private school students are governed by the contract , which they and their parents sign with the school. It clearly spells out consequences for what the school considers unacceptable behavior.

Violence in public schools is a top priority for administrators and teachers. The highly publicized shootings and other acts of violence that have taken place in public schools have resulted in the application of stringent rules and security measures such as metal detectors to help create and maintain a safe learning environment.

Private schools are generally safe places . Access to campuses and buildings is carefully monitored and controlled. Because these schools usually have fewer students than public schools, it is easier to supervise the school population.

Still, both private and public school administrators have the child's safety on top of their list of priorities.

Teacher Certification

There are some key differences between private and public schools regarding teacher certification. For example, public school teachers must be certified by the state in which they are teaching. Certification is granted once statutory requirements such as education courses and teaching practice are met. The certificate is valid for a set number of years and must be renewed.

In most states, private school teachers can teach without a teaching certificate . Most private schools prefer teachers to become certified as a condition of employment. Private schools tend to hire teachers with a bachelor's or master's degree in their subject. 

Article edited by  Stacy Jagodowski

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34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Topics cover education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more.

Do your writers need some inspiration? If you’re teaching students to write a compare and contrast essay, a strong example is an invaluable tool. This round-up of our favorite compare and contrast essays covers a range of topics and grade levels, so no matter your students’ interests or ages, you’ll always have a helpful example to share. You’ll find links to full essays about education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more. (Need compare-and-contrast essay topic ideas? Check out our big list of compare and contrast essay topics! )

What is a compare and contrast essay?

• Education and parenting essays
• Technology essays
• Pop culture essays
• Historical and political essays
• Sports essays
• Lifestyle essays
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• Animal essays

When choosing a compare and contrast essay example to include on this list, we considered the structure. A strong compare and contrast essay begins with an introductory paragraph that includes background context and a strong thesis. Next, the body includes paragraphs that explore the similarities and differences. Finally, a concluding paragraph restates the thesis, draws any necessary inferences, and asks any remaining questions.

A compare and contrast essay example can be an opinion piece comparing two things and making a conclusion about which is better. For example, “Is Tom Brady really the GOAT?” It can also help consumers decide which product is better suited to them. Should you keep your subscription to Hulu or Netflix? Should you stick with Apple or explore Android? Here’s our list of compare and contrast essay samples categorized by subject.

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Private school vs. public school.

Sample lines: “Deciding whether to send a child to public or private school can be a tough choice for parents. … Data on whether public or private education is better can be challenging to find and difficult to understand, and the cost of private school can be daunting. … According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools still attract far more students than private schools, with 50.7 million students attending public school as of 2018. Private school enrollment in the fall of 2017 was 5.7 million students, a number that is down from 6 million in 1999.”

Read the full essay: Private School vs. Public School at U.S. News and World Report

Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education

Sample lines: “Home schooling, not a present threat to public education, is nonetheless one of the forces that will change it. If the high estimates of the number of children in home schools (1.2 million) is correct, then the home-schooling universe is larger than the New York City public school system and roughly the size of the Los Angeles and Chicago public school systems combined. … Critics charge that three things are wrong with home schooling: harm to students academically; harm to society by producing students who are ill-prepared to function as democratic citizens and participants in a modern economy; and harm to public education, making it more difficult for other parents to educate their children. … It is time to ask whether home schooling, charters, and vouchers should be considered parts of a broad repertoire of methods that we as a society use to educate our children.”

Read the full essay: Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education at Brookings

Which parenting style is right for you?

Sample lines: “The three main types of parenting are on a type of ‘sliding scale’ of parenting, with permissive parenting as the least strict type of parenting. Permissive parenting typically has very few rules, while authoritarian parenting is thought of as a very strict, rule-driven type of parenting.”

Read the full essay: What Is Authoritative Parenting? at Healthline

Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic

Sample lines: “Face masks can prevent the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2. … However, covering the lower half of the face reduces the ability to communicate. Positive emotions become less recognizable, and negative emotions are amplified. Emotional mimicry, contagion, and emotionality in general are reduced and (thereby) bonding between teachers and learners, group cohesion, and learning—of which emotions are a major driver. The benefits and burdens of face masks in schools should be seriously considered and made obvious and clear to teachers and students.”

Read the full essay: Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic at National Library of Medicine

To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans?

Sample lines: “In recent years, book bans have soared in schools, reaching an all-time high in fall 2022. … The challenge of balancing parent concerns about ‘age appropriateness’ against the imperative of preparing students to be informed citizens is still on the minds of many educators today. … Such curricular decision-making  should  be left to the professionals, argues English/language arts instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky. ‘Examining texts for their appropriateness is not a job that noneducators are trained to do,’ she wrote last year, as the national debate over censorship resurged with the news that a Tennessee district banned the graphic novel  Maus  just days before Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

Read the full essay: To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans? at Education Week

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Netflix vs. hulu 2023: which is the best streaming service.

Sample lines: “Netflix fans will point to its high-quality originals, including  The Witcher ,  Stranger Things ,  Emily in Paris ,  Ozark , and more, as well as a wide variety of documentaries like  Cheer ,  The Last Dance ,  My Octopus Teacher , and many others. It also boasts a much larger subscription base, with more than 222 million subscribers compared to Hulu’s 44 million. Hulu, on the other hand, offers a variety of extras such as HBO and Showtime—content that’s unavailable on Netflix. Its price tag is also cheaper than the competition, with its $7/mo. starting price, which is a bit more palatable than Netflix’s $10/mo. starting price.”

Read the full essay: Netflix vs. Hulu 2023: Which is the best streaming service? at TV Guide

Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes?

Sample lines: “In the past, we would have to drag around heavy books if we were really into reading. Now, we can have all of those books, and many more, stored in one handy little device that can easily be stuffed into a backpack, purse, etc. … Many of us still prefer to hold an actual book in our hands. … But, whether you use a Kindle or prefer hardcover books or paperbacks, the main thing is that you enjoy reading. A story in a book or on a Kindle device can open up new worlds, take you to fantasy worlds, educate you, entertain you, and so much more.”

Read the full essay: Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes? at Books in a Flash

iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?

Sample lines: “The iPhone vs. Android comparison is a never-ending debate on which one is best. It will likely never have a real winner, but we’re going to try and help you to find your personal pick all the same. iOS 17 and Android 14—the latest versions of the two operating systems—both offer smooth and user-friendly experiences, and several similar or identical features. But there are still important differences to be aware of. … Owning an iPhone is a simpler, more convenient experience. There’s less to think about. … Android-device ownership is a bit harder. … Yet it’s simultaneously more freeing, because it offers more choice.”

Read the full essay: iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you? at Tom’s Guide

Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you?

Sample lines: “Cord-cutting has become a popular trend in recent years, thanks to the rise of streaming services. For those unfamiliar, cord cutting is the process of canceling your cable subscription and instead, relying on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu to watch your favorite shows and movies. The primary difference is that you can select your streaming services à la carte while cable locks you in on a set number of channels through bundles. So, the big question is: should you cut the cord?”

Read the full essay: Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you? at BroadbandNow

PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch

Sample lines: “The crux of the comparison comes down to portability versus power. Being able to migrate fully fledged Nintendo games from a big screen to a portable device is a huge asset—and one that consumers have taken to, especially given the Nintendo Switch’s meteoric sales figures. … It is worth noting that many of the biggest franchises like Call of Duty, Madden, modern Resident Evil titles, newer Final Fantasy games, Grand Theft Auto, and open-world Ubisoft adventures like Assassin’s Creed will usually skip Nintendo Switch due to its lack of power. The inability to play these popular games practically guarantees that a consumer will pick up a modern system, while using the Switch as a secondary device.”

Read the full essay: PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch at Digital Trends

What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram?

Sample lines: “Have you ever wondered what is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? Instagram and Facebook are by far the most popular social media channels used by digital marketers. Not to mention that they’re also the biggest platforms used by internet users worldwide. So, today we’ll look into the differences and similarities between these two platforms to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your business.”

Read the full essay: What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? at SocialBee

Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference?

Sample lines: “In short, digital watches use an LCD or LED screen to display the time. Whereas, an analog watch features three hands to denote the hour, minutes, and seconds. With the advancement in watch technology and research, both analog and digital watches have received significant improvements over the years. Especially in terms of design, endurance, and accompanying features. … At the end of the day, whether you go analog or digital, it’s a personal preference to make based on your style, needs, functions, and budget.”

Read the full essay: Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference? at Watch Ranker

AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis

Sample lines: “Art has always been a reflection of human creativity, emotion, and cultural expression. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), a new form of artistic creation has emerged, blurring the lines between what is created by human hands and what is generated by algorithms. … Despite the excitement surrounding AI Art, it also raises complex ethical, legal, and artistic questions that have sparked debates about the definition of art, the role of the artist, and the future of art production. … Regardless of whether AI Art is considered ‘true’ art, it is crucial to embrace and explore the vast possibilities and potential it brings to the table. The transformative influence of AI art on the art world is still unfolding, and only time will reveal its true extent.”

Read the full essay: AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis at Raul Lara

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Christina aguilera vs. britney spears.

Sample lines: “Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera was the Coke vs. Pepsi of 1999 — no, really, Christina repped Coke and Britney shilled for Pepsi. The two teen idols released debut albums seven months apart before the turn of the century, with Britney’s becoming a standard-bearer for bubblegum pop and Aguilera’s taking an R&B bent to show off her range. … It’s clear that Spears and Aguilera took extremely divergent paths following their simultaneous breakout successes.”

Read the full essay: Christina Aguilera vs. Britney Spears at The Ringer

Harry Styles vs. Ed Sheeran

Sample lines: “The world heard our fantasies and delivered us two titans simultaneously—we have been blessed with Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles. Our cup runneth over; our bounty is immeasurable. More remarkable still is the fact that both have released albums almost at the same time: Ed’s third, Divide , was released in March and broke the record for one-day Spotify streams, while Harry’s frenziedly anticipated debut solo, called Harry Styles , was released yesterday.”

Read the full essay: Harry Styles versus Ed Sheeran at Belfast Telegraph

The Grinch: Three Versions Compared

Sample lines: “Based on the original story of the same name, this movie takes a completely different direction by choosing to break away from the cartoony form that Seuss had established by filming the movie in a live-action form. Whoville is preparing for Christmas while the Grinch looks down upon their celebrations in disgust. Like the previous film, The Grinch hatches a plan to ruin Christmas for the Who’s. … Like in the original Grinch, he disguises himself as Santa Claus, and makes his dog, Max, into a reindeer. He then takes all of the presents from the children and households. … Cole’s favorite is the 2000 edition, while Alex has only seen the original. Tell us which one is your favorite.”

Read the full essay: The Grinch: Three Versions Compared at Wooster School

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Malcolm x vs. martin luther king jr.: comparison between two great leaders’ ideologies .

Sample lines: “Although they were fighting for civil rights at the same time, their ideology and way of fighting were completely distinctive. This can be for a plethora of reasons: background, upbringing, the system of thought, and vision. But keep in mind, they devoted their whole life to the same prospect. … Through boycotts and marches, [King] hoped to end racial segregation. He felt that the abolition of segregation would improve the likelihood of integration. Malcolm X, on the other hand, spearheaded a movement for black empowerment.”

Read the full essay: Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr.: Comparison Between Two Great Leaders’ Ideologies  at Melaninful

Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear

Sample lines: “The contrast is even clearer when we look to the future. Trump promises more tax cuts, more military spending, more deficits and deeper cuts in programs for the vulnerable. He plans to nominate a coal lobbyist to head the Environmental Protection Agency. … Obama says America must move forward, and he praises progressive Democrats for advocating Medicare for all. … With Obama and then Trump, Americans have elected two diametrically opposed leaders leading into two very different directions.”

Read the full essay: Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear at Chicago Sun-Times

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lebron james vs. kobe bryant: a complete comparison.

Sample lines: “LeBron James has achieved so much in his career that he is seen by many as the greatest of all time, or at least the only player worthy of being mentioned in the GOAT conversation next to Michael Jordan. Bridging the gap between Jordan and LeBron though was Kobe Bryant, who often gets left out of comparisons and GOAT conversations. … Should his name be mentioned more though? Can he compare to LeBron or is The King too far past The Black Mamba in historical rankings already?”

Read the full essay: LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant: A Complete Comparison at Sportskeeda

NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison

Sample lines: “Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were largely considered the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the majority of the time they spent in the league together, with the icons having many head-to-head clashes in the regular season and on the AFC side of the NFL Playoffs. Manning was the leader of the Indianapolis Colts of the AFC South. … Brady spent his career as the QB of the AFC East’s New England Patriots, before taking his talents to Tampa Bay. … The reality is that winning is the most important aspect of any career, and Brady won more head-to-head matchups than Manning did.”

Read the full essay: NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison at Sportskeeda

The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers?

Sample lines: “The Celtics are universally considered as the greatest franchise in NBA history. But if you take a close look at the numbers, there isn’t really too much separation between them and their arch-rival Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, you can even make a good argument for the Lakers. … In 72 seasons played, the Boston Celtics have won a total of 3,314 games and lost 2,305 or a .590 winning mark. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have won 3,284 of 5,507 total games played or a slightly better winning record of .596. … But while the Lakers have the better winning percentage, the Celtics have the advantage over them in head-to-head competition.”

Read the full essay: The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers? at Sport One

Is Soccer Better Than Football?

Sample lines: “Is soccer better than football? Soccer and football lovers have numerous reasons to support their sport of choice. Both keep the players physically fit and help to bring people together for an exciting cause. However, soccer has drawn more numbers globally due to its popularity in more countries.”

Read the full essay: Is Soccer Better Than Football? at Sports Brief

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Mobile home vs. tiny house: similarities, differences, pros & cons.

Sample lines: “Choosing the tiny home lifestyle enables you to spend more time with those you love. The small living space ensures quality bonding time rather than hiding away in a room or behind a computer screen. … You’ll be able to connect closer to nature and find yourself able to travel the country at any given moment. On the other hand, we have the mobile home. … They are built on a chassis with transportation in mind. … They are not built to be moved on a constant basis. … While moving the home again *is* possible, it may cost you several thousand dollars.”

Read the full essay: Mobile Home vs. Tiny House: Similarities, Differences, Pros & Cons at US Mobile Home Pros

Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores

Sample lines: “It is clear that both stores have very different stories and aims when it comes to their customers. Whole Foods looks to provide organic, healthy, exotic, and niche products for an audience with a very particular taste. … Walmart, on the other hand, looks to provide the best deals, every possible product, and every big brand for a broader audience. … Moreover, they look to make buying affordable and accessible, and focus on the capitalist nature of buying.”

Read the full essay: Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores at The Archaeology of Us

Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed

Sample lines: “The key difference between artificial grass and turf is their intended use. Artificial turf is largely intended to be used for sports, so it is shorter and tougher. On the other hand, artificial grass is generally longer, softer and more suited to landscaping purposes. Most homeowners would opt for artificial grass as a replacement for a lawn, for example. Some people actually prefer playing sports on artificial grass, too … artificial grass is often softer and more bouncy, giving it a feel similar to playing on a grassy lawn. … At the end of the day, which one you will choose will depend on your specific household and needs.”

Read the full essay: Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed at Almost Grass

Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases

Sample lines: “Maximalists love shopping, especially finding unique pieces. They see it as a hobby—even a skill—and a way to express their personality. Minimalists don’t like shopping and see it as a waste of time and money. They’d instead use those resources to create memorable experiences. Maximalists desire one-of-a-kind possessions. Minimalists are happy with duplicates—for example, personal uniforms. … Minimalism and maximalism are about being intentional with your life and belongings. It’s about making choices based on what’s important to you.”

Read the full essay: Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases at Minimalist Vegan

Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian?

Sample lines: “You’ve heard buzz over the years that following a vegetarian diet is better for your health, and you’ve probably read a few magazine articles featuring a celeb or two who swore off meat and animal products and ‘magically’ lost weight. So does ditching meat automatically equal weight loss? Will it really help you live longer and be healthier overall? … Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure  and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease. But if your vegetarian co-worker is noshing greasy veggie burgers and fries every day for lunch, is he likely to be healthier than you, who always orders the grilled salmon? Definitely not!”

Read the full essay: Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian? at WebMD

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Similarities and differences between the health systems in australia & usa.

Sample lines: “Australia and the United States are two very different countries. They are far away from each other, have contrasting fauna and flora, differ immensely by population, and have vastly different healthcare systems. The United States has a population of 331 million people, compared to Australia’s population of 25.5 million people.”

Read the full essay: Similarities and Differences Between the Health Systems in Australia & USA at Georgia State University

Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate

Sample lines: “Disadvantages of universal healthcare include significant upfront costs and logistical challenges. On the other hand, universal healthcare may lead to a healthier populace, and thus, in the long-term, help to mitigate the economic costs of an unhealthy nation. In particular, substantial health disparities exist in the United States, with low socio-economic status segments of the population subject to decreased access to quality healthcare and increased risk of non-communicable chronic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes, among other determinants of poor health.”

Read the full essay: Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate at National Library of Medicine

Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying

Sample lines: “Physician aid in dying is a controversial subject raising issues central to the role of physicians. … The two most common arguments in favor of legalizing AID are respect for patient autonomy and relief of suffering. A third, related, argument is that AID is a safe medical practice, requiring a health care professional. … Although opponents of AID offer many arguments ranging from pragmatic to philosophical, we focus here on concerns that the expansion of AID might cause additional, unintended harm through suicide contagion, slippery slope, and the deaths of patients suffering from depression.”

Read the full essay: Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying at National Library of Medicine

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and contrast paragraph—dogs and cats.

Sample lines: “Researchers have found that dogs have about twice the number of neurons in their cerebral cortexes than what cats have. Specifically, dogs had around 530 million neurons, whereas the domestic cat only had 250 million neurons. Moreover, dogs can be trained to learn and respond to our commands, but although your cat understands your name, and anticipates your every move, he/she may choose to ignore you.”

Read the full essay: Compare and Contrast Paragraph—Dogs and Cats at Proofwriting Guru via YouTube

Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs

Sample lines: “Horses are prey animals with a deep herding instinct. They are highly sensitive to their environment, hyper aware, and ready to take flight if needed. Just like dogs, some horses are more confident than others, but just like dogs, all need a confident handler to teach them what to do. Some horses are highly reactive and can be spooked by the smallest things, as are dogs. … Another distinction between horses and dogs … was that while dogs have been domesticated , horses have been  tamed. … Both species have influenced our culture more than any other species on the planet.”

Read the full essay: Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs at Positively Victoria Stilwell

Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets

Sample lines: “Although the words ‘exotic’ and ‘wild’ are frequently used interchangeably, many people do not fully understand how these categories differ when it comes to pets. ‘A wild animal is an indigenous, non-domesticated animal, meaning that it is native to the country where you are located,’ Blue-McLendon explained. ‘For Texans, white-tailed deer, pronghorn sheep, raccoons, skunks, and bighorn sheep are wild animals … an exotic animal is one that is wild but is from a different continent than where you live.’ For example, a hedgehog in Texas would be considered an exotic animal, but in the hedgehog’s native country, it would be considered wildlife.”

Read the full essay: Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets at Texas A&M University

Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos

Sample lines: “The pros and cons of zoos often come from two very different points of view. From a legal standard, animals are often treated as property. That means they have less rights than humans, so a zoo seems like a positive place to maintain a high quality of life. For others, the forced enclosure of any animal feels like an unethical decision. … Zoos provide a protected environment for endangered animals, and also help in raising awareness and funding for wildlife initiatives and research projects. … Zoos are key for research. Being able to observe and study animals is crucial if we want to contribute to help them and repair the ecosystems. … Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children.”

Read the full essay: Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos at EcoCation

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Private Schools vs. Public Schools

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At a time when public schools are the target of unrelenting criticism, the results of a new study come as welcome news (“ Are Private Schools Worth It ?” The Atlantic, Oct. 18). Using data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Sarah and Christopher Lubienski, professors at the University of Illinois, found that when controlling for demographic factors, public schools are doing a better job academically than private schools.

That finding will no doubt come as a surprise to those who believe private schools are intrinsically superior. But achievement is higher because students in private schools come from more affluent families than students in public schools, rather than because of better practices. This distinction is crucial. The national average of public schools is pulled down by the number of such schools serving poor students. If these schools were eliminated, schools in the affluent suburbs would hold their own against the best private schools.

It’s important to remember too that private schools are neither required to hire certified teachers nor administer state tests. They also have wide latitude in deciding which students to admit and which to push out. In short, they operate entirely differently. Therefore, I’ll go a step farther. Even when socioeconomic factors are controlled, I don’t think it’s fair to compare private schools with public schools.

I also hasten to note that most of the schools in the Lubienskis’ study were religious schools. These hardly constitute the totality of private schools in this country. So before drawing any definitive conclusions, we need to know how other private schools compare. Perhaps a study by Luis Benveniste, Martin Carnoy and Richard Rothstein provides an answer. They concluded that “the social, cultural, and economic backgrounds of the parents and the community in which the school was located seemed to be the main determinant of variation, much more so than a school’s public or private character or, within the latter group, whether it was religious or secular” ( All Else Equal , RoutledgeFalmer, 2003).

The opinions expressed in Walt Gardner’s Reality Check are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.

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Best Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Comparison and contrast between public and private schools.

856 words | 3 page(s)

The schools in the world today can be categorized into two distinct types, private and public schools. The essay explains the major similarities and differences between the public and private schools across the globe. Both the public and private schools follow a certain curriculum that set by the relevant education authorities, the instructors of both the public and private schools must a certain academic qualification and the ultimate aim of both the public and private schools is to enhance academic proficiency among the learners. The most common differences include the source of funding, cost of attendance and the population of students. The similarities and differences show the existence a big gap between the two types of schools. Therefore, the choice of school by the parents depend on various logistical considerations.

The private and public schools have different attributes in common. Both the public and private schools follow a certain curriculum that set by the relevant education authorities, the instructors of both the public and private schools must a certain academic qualification and the ultimate aim of both the public and private schools is to enhance academic proficiency among the learners. In order to ensure there is consistency in the education systems, both the private and public schools follow a standard curriculum that is set by the relevant administrative bodies and agencies, there are quality assurance officers who supervise both schools to ensure that they comply with the required standards. In order to acquire competence, the instructors for both the private an public schools must acquire the qualifications required for their level of teaching, this is essential because it assisting in upholding the educational standards in both the public and private schools. Both public and private schools educate the students to acquire the skill that are necessary to make them knowledgeable professionals in future. Therefore, the similarities between the public and private schools imply that both types of schools must be determined to ensure that the learners have the required education so as to progress to the next levels of academic achievement.

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The structural and cultural orientations of the systems in private and public schools exhibit differences. The most common differences include the source of funding, cost of attendance and the population of students. The public schools are funded by the government depending on the number of students and the location where the school is situated, on the other hand, the funding of the private schools relies on the parents the learners and the amount of money is determined by the administrators of the schools. Most of the public schools are very cheap for the parents because most of the expenses and instructors are facilitated by the government as compared to the private schools where the parents have to pay for the infrastructural improvements in the school. Unlike in private schools where there are limitations in their admission of students, the public schools do not have the bound for the admission process and this makes the public schools to have very high populations that lead to congestion. Consequently, the nature and setup of the public and private schools plays a very big role in promoting the educational stratification that creates the differences.

The manifestation of the similarities and differences is an indication of the social disparities that exist in the society. Most of the similarities that are evident in both the public and private schools are administrative while others are as a result of the moral and ethical protocols that guide the education systems in order to achieve the eventual goals of educations. The differences that are evident between the public and private schools have been shaped by the reality of the social differences regarding the various socio-economic groups that exist in the society. Thus, the existence of the public and private schools are created by the limitations that are created by economic capabilities among the parents and it is playing a big role in enhancing the differences in the quality of education that exists in the schools. So, the social status of the family is likely to determine the quality of education the children acquire and the type of treatment they can be exposed to in these schools.

In conclusion, the type of school a parent takes a child depends on the limiting factors in the schools. Assessing the similarities and differences of both public and private schools, the quality of education in the private schools is very high because the type of funding the schools acquire enable them to adopt very high-quality resources. The continuation of the current trends indicates in the schools indicates the evolution of the educations system will continue propagating divergence that will cause the escalation of the quality differences among the schools in the future. The ultimate effect of the divergence is that the quality of the education in the private schools will continue increasing while decreasing in the public schools and the public schools will remain for the rich in the society. Since education is power and authority, the rich are likely to have a more supremacy over the poor which will increase the gap between the two social classes.

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• Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples

Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing . It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.

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Table of contents

When should i compare and contrast, making effective comparisons, comparing and contrasting as a brainstorming tool, structuring your comparisons, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about comparing and contrasting.

Many assignments will invite you to make comparisons quite explicitly, as in these prompts.

• Compare the treatment of the theme of beauty in the poetry of William Wordsworth and John Keats.
• Compare and contrast in-class and distance learning. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Some other prompts may not directly ask you to compare and contrast, but present you with a topic where comparing and contrasting could be a good approach.

One way to approach this essay might be to contrast the situation before the Great Depression with the situation during it, to highlight how large a difference it made.

Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it’s not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments.

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See an example

As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place.

For example, you might contrast French society before and after the French Revolution; you’d likely find many differences, but there would be a valid basis for comparison. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies.

This is why it’s important to clarify the point of your comparisons by writing a focused thesis statement . Every element of an essay should serve your central argument in some way. Consider what you’re trying to accomplish with any comparisons you make, and be sure to make this clear to the reader.

Comparing and contrasting can be a useful tool to help organize your thoughts before you begin writing any type of academic text. You might use it to compare different theories and approaches you’ve encountered in your preliminary research, for example.

Let’s say your research involves the competing psychological approaches of behaviorism and cognitive psychology. You might make a table to summarize the key differences between them.

Or say you’re writing about the major global conflicts of the twentieth century. You might visualize the key similarities and differences in a Venn diagram.

These visualizations wouldn’t make it into your actual writing, so they don’t have to be very formal in terms of phrasing or presentation. The point of comparing and contrasting at this stage is to help you organize and shape your ideas to aid you in structuring your arguments.

When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method.

The alternating method

In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison. Your text is structured like this:

Mouse over the example paragraph below to see how this approach works.

One challenge teachers face is identifying and assisting students who are struggling without disrupting the rest of the class. In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher can easily identify when a student is struggling based on their demeanor in class or simply by regularly checking on students during exercises. They can then offer assistance quietly during the exercise or discuss it further after class. Meanwhile, in a Zoom-based class, the lack of physical presence makes it more difficult to pay attention to individual students’ responses and notice frustrations, and there is less flexibility to speak with students privately to offer assistance. In this case, therefore, the traditional classroom environment holds the advantage, although it appears likely that aiding students in a virtual classroom environment will become easier as the technology, and teachers’ familiarity with it, improves.

The block method

In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you’re comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you’ve already said about the first. Your text is structured like this:

• Point of comparison A
• Point of comparison B

The most commonly cited advantage of distance learning is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. Rather than being required to travel to a specific location every week (and to live near enough to feasibly do so), students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows not only for a wider geographical spread of students but for the possibility of studying while travelling. However, distance learning presents its own accessibility challenges; not all students have a stable internet connection and a computer or other device with which to participate in online classes, and less technologically literate students and teachers may struggle with the technical aspects of class participation. Furthermore, discomfort and distractions can hinder an individual student’s ability to engage with the class from home, creating divergent learning experiences for different students. Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

Note that these two methods can be combined; these two example paragraphs could both be part of the same essay, but it’s wise to use an essay outline to plan out which approach you’re taking in each paragraph.

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If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.

Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .

Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.

You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

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