I think all schools are different and more important than private or public is in my opinion how is the school ? how is the staff ? are they open ? does the school fit your children’s interest ? is the school supportive of your children’s needs ? what’s the school’s policy on bullying ? how is your feel ?

Apart from the cost to parents, I don’t see much difference between public and private. If a child wants to learn, they will, regardless of the school

There is absolutely nothing wrong with public schooling. If a child wants to learn they will learn.

I have changed a child from private to public, it was her choice as she got older! I think both are as good as one another so if its a financial decision I would just go public.

Like most other answers, I think its important to review the school options that are being considered. They can vary wildly. However, I will also throw out there to take into consideration your children as well. My daughter went from public primary to a private school which is very arts focused and it has been perfect for her. My son is going to high school next year and we are carefully looking at both the private and a local public high school as he has very different interests. I think it comes down to what is best for the individual child as well.

This is very dependant on the individual schools. Have a tour of all of the available schools and make your decision based on that. Make sure you ask about their specific policies on things that are important to your family ie; bullying, special needs, music programs etc.

I think this could vary so wildly depending on te individual schools.

I know a lot of people who have gone from private elementary school to public high school and their children have integrated very well and enjoy their school life. It really does, however, depend on the school, as not all public schools are the same.

Also – discuss with the children – they will let you know how they are feeling and what they like too.

We have done this after discussion and meeting with the executive staff and teachers at the school. It was the best decisions for our children and family. I suggest getting lots and lots of information and asking lots and lots of questions! Good luck!

We have done both! My daughter went to 3 public schools prep – year 4, then went to a private school for years 5 and 6. This year she is back at a public high school. The move to a private school was really good for her – it was a lot smaller than her previous schools, where she tended to get a bit lost. She really shone at a smaller private school and took full advantage of a lot of the opportunities she wouldn’t have had otherwise. This year she started at a huge public high school, but within a small extension cohort. She is loving school and her friends and doing really well, but I think that it is good that she is in a smaller group (2 classes) within the bigger one (13 classes).

Visit the local school you are looking into – get a feel for the place if you’re not sure. It can help a lot as to finding out about the school before you enrol a child.

I knew one girl in my daughter’s public primary school. She moved from a private school (where she had a terrible time and was constantly bullied) to the public school. And she loved it. She made a lot of good friends and she was happy again.

School is school, I think private is over rated. I think the biggest issue would be possible teasing from the other kids, keep an eye out for that