How is academic stress different in public and private schools? 

           “I am so ready to write this 7-page research paper and I am ready to take two tests today!” is a quote that no student has ever said. Academic stress is a real problem that all students face, but does the intensity vary in different environments? Every high school student faces overbearing pressures, but the contributions to the stressors are different. For example, an average high school student with an average workload still needs to manage their extracurriculars and sports, friends and relationships, homework and studying, sleep and family, etc. Athletics and arts tend to take hours out of a student's day, hours that could be spent working on the piles of homework that students are given. Comparing the stress and workload of private schools and public schools, it is evident that students are pressured to be perfect and meet societal and school expectations. Although it is true that academic stress is influenced highly by workload, extracurricular activities and social commitments can really take a toll on students as well.

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Rigorous private schools have set a high academic standard for their students, who are urged to meet them while maintaining an extracurricular presence. The social concept of private school is one that gives a sense of superiority and excellence, and although this may be true in some cases, it also brings a sense of pressure and standard. Trying to fulfill high standards from both parents and teachers, as well as juggling the societal standards as a private school student, students can begin to see school as a burden and something to fear. According to this article “This freedom allows private schools to adopt a curriculum and standards that expand beyond the limitations placed upon public schools” (“Six Differences”). This quote explains how private schools don’t have specific guidelines they must follow, so the expectations they can set have no limits. Their expectations tend to be much higher than those that are set in public schools, which causes private students to feel a much heavier weight on their shoulders than many public school students when it comes to meeting expectations. Some private schools are even selective in the admission process for the students that get accepted. For example, They have an application process that can “include a tour, application, academic assessment, and interview. Admissions can be selective with certain criteria based on educational philosophy, student conduct, or academic appetite” (“Six Differences”). The tough application system that private schools often have, is a contributor to the heavy expectations set. Teachers often think that if a student is good enough to get into the school, they must be good enough to work at a different and higher level than other students.

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Private schools set higher expectations for students since it has been labeled to be “higher quality” education. Even though public school students may experience similar amounts of chronic stress, private school pressure is under-looked. The demanding environment can make it harder for students to maintain grades, affecting their overall mental health. Leonard states “Private schools educate a small, predominantly well-off proportion of the nation’s students, offering a high-quality educational experience characterized by academic rigor, high standards, small class sizes, high-caliber teachers, and a wide variety of advanced courses and extracurricular activities” (Leonard et al.). The greater list of tight enforcements that private schools tend to have, makes it harder for students, especially those that are already struggling. Another factor to the competitive aspect of private schools is their class sizes. Since private schools have significantly smaller class sizes, students feel a larger sense of competition between their classmates. The article “The Unintended” states, “A little competition is good for people. It keeps us alert and in pursuit of progress. Too much, however, negatively impacts students’ emotions; the stress of this competition turns sour and they stop performing at a peak level. An anxious student is not clear in their memory and logic. The pressure has an adverse effect” (“The Unintended”). Private schools invite too much competition between their students, which can often overwhelm and confuse students, leading to either burnout or insecurity. Since private schools have significantly smaller class sizes, students feel a larger sense of competition between their classmates. 

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 Public schools are funded by the government, meaning they must follow a tight curriculum that restricts opportunities for students to focus on areas that they are interested in. A significant factor in this is standardized tests. Since most private schools create their own curriculums, most opt-out of standardized testing. However, public schools tend to focus a great amount on these tests, which can cause an overload of work and stress for students. Since standardized tests are the same for all students, grades become a bigger issue because students like to share or brag about their scores. This can cause some students with particularly low numbers to be insecure and create a toxic environment as well. According to a blog by Signet Education, “Standardized tests act as a singular scale on which to judge the academic abilities of all students. Since the test is the same everywhere, students are all held against one standard”.  Students are being judged based on a number regardless of their effort, which is unfair considering each student performs uniquely in the educational setting. The expectations of getting perfect scores in selective schools are very high and can cause conflict between students and parents (“The problem”). Students are expected to be above and beyond regardless of the difficulties they may face in or out of school. These extremities can lead to children having a burnout, and loss of interest in education which can lead to a decline in scores across the board.  

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Public schools have larger classes due to the significant number of students. This can limit one-on-one experiences students could benefit from such as in private schools. Since private schools have drastically smaller class sizes, classes become more seminar-like, with much discussion, questions, debates, etc. However, that is difficult to do with a class of 30+ students. These classes become more lecture-based, making it hard for students to retain information. This can also cause students to detract from their learning environment and feel discouraged to participate. Large classrooms can be quite beneficial, as each student can also learn differently, and “It appears that very large class-size reductions, on the order of magnitude of 7-10 fewer students per class, can have significant long-term effects on student achievement and other meaningful outcomes” (Chingos et.al). Larger classrooms allow for students to acknowledge and interact with their peers. These bigger classrooms also make room for numerous activities and engagements to take place as well.  

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Public schools give more access to resources that are essential to students. This includes students that suffer from learning disabilities or mental health issues. Public schools can afford to be flexible and have options for students or students who have learning disabilities that struggle. There currently are resources that have been made available in order for children to strive in their school setting. These resources include; special education-focused classes, specified counselors for students, programs, afterschool help, home tutoring, etc. Being funded by the government allows public schools more access to resources to be at use for their students. However, in certain conditions, some public schools don't have the resources and it could be hard for students.

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Undoubtedly every student has their stressors at school. Comparing the stress and workload of private schools and public schools, it is evident that students are pressured to be perfect and meet societal expectations and school expectations in a stressful environment. Each of these aspects is significant, but the stress that can be caused in a highly competitive environment plays the most prominent role in getting a deeper understanding of academics. Although there isn't a clear definitive answer and there are many opinions about this topic it is important to take into consideration both sides.