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Philosophy of Education: Public, Private, Charter, and Homeschooling

Dakota R. Hudson

EDU 34001-01: Education and American Culture LEC

Brittney Pearson

February 24, 2025

Philosophy of Education: Introduction

The schooling system is something that has been ever changing since the beginning of the

worlds educational journey. There have been many new discoveries and theories on learning

styles and the community surrounding students. This concept has led to many different learning

and teaching philosophies and styles. The schooling systems are a highly debated topic and

learning about the different type of schooling is beneficial to future teacher to decide where they

would like to pursue their career. Public, Private, Charter, and Homeschools all have their

positives and negatives and exploring those along with their history helps create better

understanding.

Philosophy of Education: Public Schools

Public schools have continued to play a pivotal role in shaping societies across the world.

The concept of public schooling dates back to ancient civilizations but has evolved significantly

over centuries. Public schools have so much history leading up to the current state, but the

successes also come with some downfalls. The basic idea of public schooling can be traced back

to ancient Greece and Rome. Education was seen as a means to prepares citizens for public

participation. However, the modern “concept of free public education did not begin to take hold

on a wider scale until the 1830s” (Kober, p. 2). In the United States, Horace Mann, who is often

referred to as the “Father of the Common School Movement,” advocated for free, universal, and

non-sectarian education. His efforts led to the establishment of public schools, which aimed to

provide education to all children regardless of their socio- economic status (Kober, p. 3). This

movement spread to other parts of the globe causing the creation of more public schools. Today,

public schools are a cornerstone of education in many countries. They are funded by the
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government and are specifically designed to be accessible by all children. One of the primary

advantages of the public school system Is that that is helps to provide equal educational

opportunities. This inclusivity helps to bridge the gap between different classes and helps to

promote social equity (Kober, p. 6). Public schools also offer a wide range of classes and

extracurricular activities. There are also many resources available for students, which can

enhance students’ overall development. Public schools additionally play a crucial role in

fostering a sense of community and civic responsibility among the youth. However, public

schools are not without their setbacks and challenges. One of the main criticisms is the disparity

in funding and resources between schools in affluent area and those in more underprivileged

neighborhoods (Kober, p.6). This can commonly lead to significant differences in the quality of

education. Another thing that can lead to poor education in public schools is the concept of

overcrowding. This can hinder effective teaching and learning due to the number of students the

school is responsible for. Furthermore, public schools often must adhere to strict curriculum and

standardized testing. This can limit teachers’ flexibility to tailor to the needs of their students.

Overall, public schools have a rich history and continue to play a vital role in modern society.

They offer numerous benefits; however, they also face significant challenges. Addressing these

issues is crucial to ensure that public schools can fulfill their mission of providing quality

education to all children.

Philosophy of Education: Private Schools

Private schools have long been a significant part of the educational landscape, offering an

alternative to public schooling. The history of private schools is rich and varied, reflecting the

diverse needs and values of different societies over a span of time. The origins of private

education can be traced again back to ancient civilizations, where education was often the
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privilege of the elite. In ancient Greece and Rome, for example, wealthy families hired private

tutors for their children. Years later during the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church played a

dominant role in education. These institutions were often exclusive and catered to upper religious

classes. There are also traces back to the pilgrims utilizing the concept of private schooling

around 1606 (History of Private Schools). Today, private schools continue to be an important

part of the education system in many countries. They are typically funded through tuition fees

and private donations, rather than government funding like the public schools. One of the

primary benefits of private schooling is the ability to offer specialized curriculum and programs

that are tailored to the needs and interests of the students. This flexibility allows private schools

to provide a more individualized education. Additionally, private schools often have smaller class

sizes, which leads to more personalized education. This also allows for better student and teacher

relationships. They also tend to have more resources and facilities, which can enhance the overall

educational experience. However, private schools also face several criticisms. One of the main

concerns is the issue of accessibility and equity. The high cost of tuition can make private

education inaccessible to certain families “with issues of affordability” (History of Private

Schools), leading to a lack of diversity. Another criticism is that private schools may not be

subject to the same level of accountability and oversight as public schools, which can result in

varying standards of education. The environment of private schools can also often lead to some

forms of elitism, where some students feel inferior (History of Private Education). Overall

private schools have a long-varied history, evolving form ancient times to the present day. They

offer numerous benefits, but they also face significant challenges.

Philosophy of Education: Charter Schools

Charter schools represent a relatively recent innovation in the educational landscape,

providing an alternative to more traditional schooling. These schools are publicly funded but

operate independently of the established public school system. They often have greater flexibility

in criteria and teaching methods. The “concept of charter schools dates back to the early 1990s”

(The History of Charter Schools), in the United States. The idea was first proposed by Ray

Budde, an educator and researcher, who envisioned a new type of public school that would

operate with greater autonomy in exchange for increases accountability. The first charter school

law was passed in Minnesota in 1991, and the first school, City Academy, opened in St. Paul,

Minnesota, in 1992 (The History of Charter Schools). The movement quickly gained momentum,

and by the mid 1990s several states had enacted charter school legislation. Charter schools were

designed to poster innovation in education by allowing educators the freedom to experiment with

new teaching methods and curriculum (The History of Charter Schools). The goal was to create a

more dynamic and responsive educational environment that could better meet the needs of

diverse student populations. Over the past few decades, the number of charter schools has grown

significantly. Today, there are thousands of charter schools across the United States, serving

millions of students. The charter school model has also been adopted in other countries like

Canada, the UK, and Australia. One of the primary advantages of charter schools is their ability

to offer specialized programs that may not be available elsewhere (The History of Charter

Schools). This allows charter schools to cater to unique needs and interests of their students. This

could include a focus on STEM learning, the arts, or even bilingual education. Charter schools

also often have greater freedom in hiring teachers and staff, which creates diversity. This

schooling system focuses on accountability. Charter schools must meet specific performance

goals to continued operation, which creates higher academic standards (The History of Charter
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Schools). However with all of these benefits the charter school system still has its setbacks. One

of the main concerns, like private schools, is the issue of equity and access (The History of

Charter Schools). Critics argue that charter schools can contribute to the segregation of students

by race, economic status, and ability level. This is because charted schools may have selective

admission processes or may not provide the same level of support for students with special

needs. Another criticism is that charter schools can divert funding and resources away from

traditional public schools, potentially undermining the broader public education system (The

History of Charter Schools). Overall charter schools have emerged as a significant and

innovative force in education over the past few decades. They offer numerous benefits but also

face significant challenges.

Philosophy of Education: Homeschooling

Homeschooling, the practice of educating children at home rather that in a traditional

classroom, has a very rich history. This educational approach has evolved significantly over the

centuries, adapting to cultural, social, and technological changes. Historically, homeschooling

was the norm before the establishment of formal educational institutions. In ancient and

medieval times, most children were educated at home by their parents or tutors. This practice

continued into the modern period, with notable figures such as Thomas Jefferson receiving his

education at home. The rise of compulsory schooling laws in the 19th and early 20th centuries led

to a decline in homeschooling, as children were required to attend public or private schools

(Bouchrika, 2025). The modern homeschooling movement began in the 1960s and 1970s, driven

by a diverse group of educational reformers. One of the key figures in this movement was John

Holt, an educator and author who advocated for “unschooling,” a child-led approach to learning

(Farenga, 2023). Holt and others argued that traditional schools were too rigid and stifled
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children’s curiosity and creativity. At the same time, religious groups, particularly Christian

families, began to embrace homeschooling as a way to provide their children with faith-based

learning. By the 1980s, homeschooling had gained legal recognition in many states, and the

movement continued to spread. Today, homeschooling is a widely accepted educational option in

many countries. The reasons families choose homeschooling range from dissatisfaction with

traditional schooling to the desire for a customized education that meets their child’s unique

needs. Advances in technology have also made homeschooling more accessible, with a wealth of

online resources, classes, and support networks available for those who need them. One of the

primary advantages to homeschooling is the ability to tailor the educational experience to the

individual needs and interests of each child (Bouchrika, 2025). Parents can create a flexible and

personalized schedule and curriculum that allows students to learn at their own pace and explore

subject that they find interest in. Homeschooling also provides a safe and nurturing learning

environment, free form the social pressures and bullying that can occur in traditional schools.

This type of learning can create better family bonds as well. Parents are able to spend more time

with their children, which creates in most cases healthy family relationships. However,

homeschooling does have its drawbacks. One of the main problems is the potential for social

isolation, as homeschooled children may have fewer interactions with peers, and this could slow

the development of social skills (Bouchrika, 2025). Critics also argue that homeschooling can

lack the structure and rigor of tradition schools. This could potentially lead to gaps in a child’s

education. Homeschooling requires a significant time and financial commitment from parents,

who must often forego full time employment in order to educate their children. There are also

concerns about the quality and consistency of homeschooling, as not all parents may have the

knowledge or resources to provide a comprehensive education. Overall, homeschooling has a

rich history and continues to be viable educational option for many families today. It offers many

benefits but like all types of education it presents its own challenges.

Philosophy of Education: Conclusion

In conclusion the four teaching styles discussed all have their own benefits and issues but

the one that seems to make the most logical and benefits is that of the public education system.

Due to its ability of “Educating children of the poor and middle classes” and to “prepare them to

obtain good jobs, proponents argued, and thereby strengthen the nation’s economic position”

(Kober 1), The public school system seems to educate all children and give equal opportunity to

those who may be in a lower social class. The topics covered in these schools remain consistent

with state curriculum and therefore make well educated and diverse members of society. This

paper will help future teachers decide their place of work and educate then on the different styles

of schooling available.
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References

Benefits and Disadvantages of Homeschooling: A Guide for Parents in 2024 | Research.Com,

2025, https://research.com/education/benefits-and-disadvantages-of-homeschooling.

Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

“History of Charter Schools: Mbli Explains the Origins and Growth of Charter Education.”

MECCA Business Learning Institute Maryland (MBLI MD), www.mbli-md.org/history-

of-charter-schools. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

“History of Private Schools.” Parents Defending Education, 28 Feb. 2022,

https://defendinged.org/resources/history-of-private-schools/. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Jacob. “The Foundations of Unschooling.” John Holt GWS, John Holt GWS, 15 Aug. 2023,

www.johnholtgws.com/writing-by-patrick/the-foundations-of-unschooling. Accessed 22

Feb. 2025.

Kober, Nancy. “History and Evolution of Public Education in the US.” Center on Education

Policy, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED606970.pdf. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.