There is growing controversy in the Eastern Carolina's regarding education in our schools. In an area on the low end of the education scale, many parents face a difficult decision over how to educate their children.
http://www.scgovernor.com/interior.asp?SiteContentId=6&pressid=75&NavId=54&ParentId=0
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/
http://www.scpolicycouncil.com/index.asp?CONTENT=lateststudies
http://www.scsba.org/

More specifically, private schools vs. public schools and is one better than the other?

When you compare public and private schools there are a lot of factors to consider.

For most parents, academic performance is a major concern.

If you base your opinion on test scores alone, it may be hard to figure out which is the better, public or private.

The two do not necessarily use all the same standardized tests.

For example; there is no pact or exit exam requirement for students attending private schools.

Depending on the private institution, it may have a similar test, but it may grade those tests differently than public schools. Students at both schools take the SAT, and some reports argue that private school students do better.

But, critics say it's too hard to figure out if that's because of superb private practices or the fact that private schools can select their student's based on things like academic performance and family background.

Here are just a few other things you might want to consider if you're stuck over whether to pick a public or private school for your child.

If individual attention is a major issue private schools tend to be smaller than public schools, but there might be fewer freedoms. For example, many private institutions require uniforms.

If athletics are above everything else, public schools might be the better option.

Many private schools offer most major sports but public schools traditionally have more competitive athletics.

If your child's conduct record is not exactly spotless public school might be more comfortable. Traditionally, the rules are more strict in private schools.

Lastly, and probably one of the biggest concerns is cost.

Private school tuition can be expensive, costing thousands of dollars per year. Each school has its advantages and disadvantages.

The important thing is you that you thourghly study the options in your area and make an informed decision. And know that, that decision will be highly dependant on your child and his or her individual needs.

Private schools cost money and Governor Mark Sanford has a plan that would put money in the pockets of parents who choose to send their children to private schools.

In our next report we'll take a look at the pro's and con's of Governor Mark Sanford's "put parents in charge act" and why some say it will take money out of the hands of public education.