Private schools, serving approximately one-fifth of students from pre-primary to secondary education, maintain a consistent share since 2015. Their autonomy, coupled with fewer resource shortages, presents a stark comparison to the challenges faced by public schools. Notably, private institutions demonstrated a greater resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting questions about the underlying factors contributing to their perceived advantage.
Although private school students often outperform their public school counterparts in assessments like PISA 2022, this disparity is primarily attributed to the socio-economic backgrounds of enrolled students. Addressing the broader challenge of social diversity in both public and private schools emerges as a central concern in education policy discussions. Efforts to bridge this gap and foster a more inclusive educational environment have garnered attention and initiatives over the past decade.
In navigating the complexities of educational disparities, understanding the dynamics between public and private schooling systems offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders invested in enhancing educational equity and quality.