Public vs Private School in the Philippines: Which Is Better?

The debate between public vs private school in the Philippines covers more than just tuition fees. It also involves considerations about the learning environment, values, and future opportunities.

As a mom of two, I know how crucial it is when choosing the right school for my children. Having navigated this decision personally, I understand the complexities involved. So if you’re a parent like me who wants to weigh in the pros and cons of each option to make an informed decision, this article is for you.

In this article, we’ll delve into the following:

Differences between public and private school Philippines
Public vs private school in the Philippines
Public or private school: Which is better?
Does this mean public school students are doomed?
Statistics of public and private schools in the Philippines
Tips on choosing a school in the Philippines

Differences Between Public and Private Schools in the Philippines

1. Cost and Accessibility to Facilities and Resources

Public schools are government-funded ones that offer free tuition for elementary and high school students. Expenses are typically limited to school supplies, uniforms, and occasional project materials. As a mommy friend once told me, bawal daw talaga ang paglikom ng pera ng mga teachers. Public schools, especially in rural or overcrowded areas may face challenges such as limited classrooms, outdated materials, and insufficient digital tools.
Private schools charge tuition fees that can range from a few thousand pesos to several hundred thousand pesos annually depending on the institution. These schools often invest in modern facilities including air-conditioned classrooms, computer labs, science equipment, and sports facilities.

Personal Experience: I spent my first year of high school in a public science high school then transferred to an exclusive all-girls private school for my second to fourth years. While it’s true that science high schools offer strong academic training, especially in math and science, I couldn’t help but notice that the one I attended had facilities that left much to be desired. Our classroom had only electric fans, the library was quite small and lacked up-to-date books, and the auditorium showed signs of wear and needed renovation. The restrooms badly needed upgrades and a thorough cleaning.

In contrast, the private school I transferred to had cleaner, more comfortable classrooms, better-maintained restrooms, and more well-equipped learning spaces.

My take: Private schools may offer better facilities and smaller class sizes, but that doesn’t automatically make them superior to public schools. In reality, both public and private schools in the Philippines follow the same K–12 curriculum set by DepEd. Many public schools, especially science high schools, produce top-performing students who excel despite limited resources. What truly determines a student’s success is not just the school’s name but the quality of teaching, the student’s motivation, and the support they receive from home and their environment.

2. Teacher-to-Student Ratio

Public schools often have larger class sizes with an average of 30 students per class but this number can increase to 40 or even 50 students
Private schools typically maintain smaller class sizes allowing for more individualized attention from teachers.

Personal experience: I enrolled my child in a class with only 11 students. While the small class size is a plus in terms of avoiding overcrowding and instilling one-on-one teaching, I’ve noticed that the teacher’s attention can still vary. In our case, since there are students with autism and ADHD, the teacher understandably gives them more focus due to their special needs. Of course, this isn’t to say all small schools are like this as I am simply sharing what I’ve observed in my son’s own classroom.

3. Curriculum and Programs

Public schools follow the DepEd’s standard K–12 curriculum, ensuring nationwide consistency.
Private schools may enhance the curriculum with international programs (e.g., IB or Cambridge), advanced STEM classes, or special emphasis on arts, religion, or leadership development.

4. Teacher Qualification and Pay

Teachers in public schools must pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) and are considered government employees, enjoying job security and benefits.
Private schools have more hiring flexibility; while some teachers are LET passers, others may not be. Salaries in private schools can vary and may be lower than in public schools.

Percentage of Public vs Private School in the Philippines

According to the DepEd, the majority of basic education students in the Philippines attend public schools.

Enrollment Statistics:

In the Philippines, around 85% of students are enrolled in public schools while the remaining 15% attend private schools. This just shows how public education is more accessible and affordable for most Filipino families which is why the majority of students across the country go to public schools.

In terms of the number of institutions as of the years 2021 to 2022, there is an estimated 47,000 public schools across the Philippines compared to approximately 14,000 private schools. I do think this holds true up until this this year since I have visited provinces many times and have consistently seen more public schools than private ones in those areas. This highlights the government’s presence in providing basic education especially in rural and underserved areas.

Statistics of Public vs Private School Philippines

Category	Public Schools	Private Schools
Average Class Size	30 and above students (max 65)	20–30 students
Annual Tuition	Free	₱10,000 – ₱300,000+
Student Population	Approximately 85% of total enrollment	Approximately 15% of total enrollment
Teacher Salaries	₱27,000–₱40,000 (entry level)	₱12,000–₱25,000 (varies widely)
Access to Technology	Limited	Moderate to High
Curriculum	K–12 Standard	K–12 + enhancements

Sources:

Public vs Private School in the Philippines: Which Is Better?

The decision between public and private schooling depends on various factors such as your child’s needs, your financial situation, and your family’s values.

When Public School Might Be Better:

Budget Constraints: If tuition fees are a significant concern.
Resilient Learners: Children who are independent and motivated.
Proximity to Specialized Public Schools: Such as science high schools.

Personal experience: I actually liked the public school experience because it was more academically challenging which pushed me to study harder and be more disciplined. On top of that, my classmates and I received a quarterly allowance (₱600.00, if my memory serves me right) from the school which was a big help and made us feel supported and motivated to do well.

When Private School Might Be Better:

Smaller Class Sizes: For children who benefit from individualized attention.
Specific Educational Values: Such as religious instructions
Enhanced Facilities: Access to modern classrooms, laboratories, and extracurricular activities.
Under-resourced Local Public Schools: If the nearby public schools lack adequate resources.

Personal experience: The students at the all-girls private school I attended had a certain level of class and refinement that stood out. Honestly, being in that kind of environment really helped me grow. The air-conditioned classrooms were a nice perk and the clubs gave me the chance to try different things and figure out where I really excelled.

You’re Not Just Paying for Education—You’re Paying for Access and Social Capital

Here’s a food for thought: In expensive private schools, especially those that charge ₱150,000 to ₱300,000+ per year, you’re not just paying for smaller class sizes, air-conditioned classrooms, or international curricula. What you’re really buying is:

1. Social Environment and Peer Group

Your child will likely be surrounded by classmates from affluent, often influential families—children of CEOs, business owners, politicians, and celebrities. These peers:

Speak fluent English (often the social and business norm in elite circles)
Are exposed early to global ideas, travel, and cultural capital
Will likely go on to prestigious universities (local or abroad)

This environment shapes not only your child’s network but also their confidence, ambition, and worldview.

2. Future Connections That Can Open Doors

In many cases, the classmates you meet in elite private schools grow up to become future business partners, bosses, investors, mentors, or even political allies. These early relationships can open doors later in life, creating valuable networks that often play a big role in career and business opportunities.

For example, some graduates of elite schools like Ateneo de Manila, La Salle Green Hills, or International School Manila find job opportunities or business deals through former classmates or their families. In a country where “who you know” often matters as much as “what you know,” this is a valuable advantage.

3. Family Circles and Reputation

When your child is in an elite private school, your family is also indirectly networking—PTA meetings, school events, or class Viber groups become venues where you meet influential parents. This can lead to business opportunities, political connections, and access to exclusive circles.

A Personal Insight about Private schools

I had the privilege of interviewing a mompreneur who mentioned that she had enrolled her son in a well-known private school in Quezon City. She admitted, “Honestly, it’s not just for the academics. I want him to grow up surrounded by kids who think big, whose families already move in high circles. That kind of exposure and those connections will help him when he’s older, especially if he runs a business.”

While this may sound transactional, it reflects a broader truth: elite private education often provides cultural and social capital that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Does This Mean Public School Students Are Doomed?

Not at all. Public school graduates can and do succeed as many rise to the top through grit, intelligence, and sheer determination. But they often have to work harder to get in the room, build those networks from scratch, or prove themselves in more ways.

The point here isn’t to glorify exclusivity but to acknowledge that in the Philippines, private education can act as a shortcut to privilege—not just a better classroom.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Public and Private School

First, consider your family’s financial capacity like can you realistically sustain tuition and other fees year after year without compromising other priorities? Next, think about the learning environment that best suits your child. Some children thrive in highly structured settings, while others do better with more independence.

Location also matters. Aa school that’s too far from home can add unnecessary stress and costs. I’ve inquired several schools about their school bus services and the range would be from ₱20,000 to ₱30,000 per school year—typically the equivalent of one whole school year of tuition fee in a private school.

You should also reflect on your educational values—are you looking for a school with strong religious instruction, a Montessori approach, or a progressive teaching style? Lastly, consider how much involvement you can give as a parent. No matter the school, your support at home will play a huge role in your child’s success.

It’s Not About Public vs Private—It’s About the Child

Having experienced both public and private school myself, I’ve come to realize that the debate between public vs private school in the Philippines isn’t really about which one is better. Each type of school has its own strengths and challenges and at the end of the day, success isn’t defined by where you studied but by your drive, the support you get, and the opportunities you make as you mature.

I may not be the most successful person you’ll meet but I’m genuinely happy with where I am and how those experiences shaped me. How about you? Did you attend a public school or were you in a private one? I’d love to hear your story, so feel free to share it in the comments!