As an educator, exploring new teaching opportunities can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re considering a move from public to private schools, curious about charter schools or weighing the options of furthering your education to build your credentials, understanding the distinctions between various school environments is key to making an informed decision.
Private Schools vs. Public Schools: The Main Differences
To decide which type of school is right for you, you first need to understand the different requirements and professional opportunities that each presents.
Public Schools
Public schools are funded primarily by local, state and federal government taxes and are free for residents within their designated geographic areas. They are open to all students in the district and often reflect the demographics of the local community. Operated by school districts and overseen by elected school boards, these schools employ teachers who are typically required to hold state certification.
Public schools must adhere to state-mandated curricula and standardized testing requirements, which are established by state and federal education laws and policies. They are also legally obligated to provide special education services and accommodations for students with disabilities.
Public schools often feature larger populations (and larger class sizes), and as such, typically offer a wide range of extracurricular activities supported by public funding. They are secular by law and prohibit religious instruction.
Charter Schools
Charter schools are publicly funded institutions that operate independently of traditional school districts under a charter, or contract, with a state or local authority. Managed by nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities or community groups, these schools combine the accountability of public education with the flexibility of private schools.
Charter schools are free to attend and funded primarily by public taxes, though they can also receive private funding. Unlike traditional public schools, they have greater autonomy in curriculum design and daily operations, allowing them to implement innovative teaching methods or specialized programs. However, they must adhere to the terms of their charter and are held accountable for student performance; failure to meet agreed-upon standards can result in the loss of their charter.
Private Schools
Private schools are independently operated institutions funded through tuition payments, private donations and endowments. They typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention, and may offer specialized programs, though often on a smaller scale.
Unlike public schools, private schools have the flexibility to design their own curriculum and are not bound by state standards, which can result in unique or tailored educational approaches. Admission is selective, requiring students to apply and meet specific criteria, whereas teacher certification requirements are often less strict. Tuition costs, which vary widely, combined with selective admissions, often lead to more economically homogenous student populations.
Governed by a board of trustees or religious organizations, private schools are accountable primarily to parents, trustees and accreditation bodies. Many private schools are affiliated with religious organizations and incorporate religious instruction into their curriculum. While they are not legally required to provide special education services, some may offer programs for students with specific needs.
Independent Schools
Independent schools are a distinct type of private school that operate without oversight from government entities or religious organizations. Governed by a board of trustees, these schools are funded through tuition, endowments and private donations, ensuring financial and operational autonomy.
Independent schools have full control over their curriculum, hiring practices and policies, enabling them to create truly unique educational environments. They are often accredited by regional or national independent school associations, which ensures quality education and accountability. While all independent schools are private, not all private schools are independent — for example, Catholic schools fall under the private category but are not considered independent due to their external affiliations with a religious institution.
Teaching at a Public School
A classroom teacher’s job is generally similar no matter where they teach — they are responsible for leading lessons, managing classrooms and helping students succeed. However, there are some significant differences between employment at a public school versus a private institution.
Certification
Public school teachers are generally required to hold state teaching certifications, which involve meeting specific qualifications such as completing an accredited teacher preparation program, passing standardized exams and engaging in continuing education to maintain their credentials. These requirements are in place to ensure that public school teachers possess the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality instruction to large student populations.
Salary Expectations
Teaching in public schools often comes with higher salary expectations compared to private schools, with pay scales that increase based on experience, education level and advanced certifications. Public school teachers typically receive strong benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans and the possibility of earning tenure for job security. Many teachers are also part of unions, which advocate for better pay and improved working conditions. While public school teaching positions tend to offer greater job stability due to government funding, the availability of positions may vary based on district budgets and enrollment trends.
School Environment
Public school classes often represent a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, languages and learning abilities. This can enrich the teaching experience but may also present challenges in addressing a wide array of student needs. Public school teachers often work with larger class sizes, which can require advanced classroom management skills and the ability to differentiate their instruction effectively to support all learners.
Access to Resources
Public schools benefit from government-funded resources, which can include textbooks, technology, equipment and professional development opportunities. However, disparities in funding between districts may result in limited access to materials or outdated facilities in lower-income areas. Teachers often rely on their unions to advocate for equitable funding and improved working conditions, which can help address these disparities over time.
Responsibilities and Job Expectations
Public school teachers are required by law to provide accommodations and services for students with disabilities, which often involves collaborating with special education staff and creating individualized education plans (IEPs). They are also responsible for aligning their lessons with state-mandated curricula and preparing students for standardized testing. These expectations ensure that public schools meet state and federal education standards but may place additional demands on teachers to balance compliance with creative, student-centered teaching practices.
Teaching at a Private School
While a private school teacher’s day-to-day responsibilities may be similar to those of a public school teacher, they are typically held to different standards when it comes to licensure, background, curriculum and instruction.
Certification
Private schools often have more flexible requirements for teacher certification compared to public schools. While some private schools prefer candidates with state teaching certifications or advanced degrees, many do not require formal certification, focusing instead on a teacher’s expertise, teaching experience or alignment with the school’s mission. This flexibility enables private schools to hire professionals with varied backgrounds, such as subject-matter experts or industry professionals.
Salary Expectations
Salaries for private school teachers are generally lower than those in public schools, though some prestigious private schools may offer competitive pay to attract top talent. Benefits packages vary widely, with some schools offering comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans, while others provide more limited options. Job stability can also be less certain in private schools, as their funding relies heavily on tuition payments and donations, making them more vulnerable to financial fluctuations.
School Environment
Private schools typically have smaller class sizes, which enable teachers to provide more individualized attention and adapt their instruction to meet specific student needs. The student populations in private schools tend to comprise children from more affluent families. As such, parents tend to be highly involved in their children’s education due to their financial investment in tuition, with high expectations of teachers.
Access to Resources
Many private schools — especially those with significant endowments or high tuition fees — have access to state-of-the-art facilities, modern technology and a wide array of teaching materials. However, professional development opportunities can vary, with some schools investing heavily in teacher training and others placing less emphasis on ongoing development. Resource availability can therefore influence the quality of teaching and the overall school environment.
Responsibilities and Job Expectations
Private school teachers enjoy greater freedom to design their lessons and curriculum, as they are not required to follow state-mandated standards or prepare students for standardized tests. This flexibility allows for innovative and customized teaching approaches. However, in religiously affiliated or mission-driven private schools, teachers may be expected to integrate specific religious or cultural values into their instruction and adapt their teaching style accordingly.
What Type of Degree Do I Need?
The primary difference between the educational requirements for public and private school teachers is in their preferred level of education. Practically all teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree, but advanced degree requirements vary quite a bit.
Public School Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement for public school teachers, preferably in education; however, some teachers can earn their bachelor’s degree in a field related to the subject they teach, such as literature, math or a foreign language. They must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and pass all required exams, including the Praxis or other state-specific tests. Education degree candidates must complete a supervised period of student teaching as part of their program and before they can earn their license. Many states require teachers to complete ongoing professional development or additional coursework to maintain their certification.
An increasing number of districts require public school teachers to have master’s degrees, or to be working toward their degree while they teach. Some states or districts even incentivize earning a master’s degree for salary increases or advanced certifications.
Private School Education Requirements
Private school teachers are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree, though it may not need to be in education. Many private schools prioritize subject matter expertise over formal education credentials, especially for advanced courses, so experience in a relevant academic field is preferred. While certification is not required by law, some private schools prefer or require their teachers to be licensed, especially if the school is prestigious or highly competitive. Likewise, while master’s degrees are not required across the board, they may be preferred for teaching advanced subjects or in elite institutions.
Teachers at religious private schools may need to complete specific training related to the school’s faith or mission, or provide some sort of attestation to their own faith to verify their suitability to teach the subject matter. Requirements for ongoing training or certification vary widely by school, since they are typically set by the school itself.
Whether you aspire to teach in a public school or a private institution, earning an advanced degree can significantly boost your chances of securing a position at your ideal school. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to professional growth, but it also equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills that all schools value in their educators.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your teaching career, explore the University of San Diego’s online Master of Education (MEd). Designed to prepare educators to lead in a wide spectrum of learning environments, this program provides the practical expertise you need to stand out in a competitive job market.
Visit the program page to learn more and pursue teaching excellence.
