“Should I send my child to a private school or a government school?”

Hey there!

If you’re a parent in India, chances are you’ve asked this question at some point:

“Should I send my child to a private school or a government school?”

It’s not an easy decision.
There’s fees, facilities, teachers, safety, peer group — so much to consider.

So today, let’s break this down.
No jargon. No fluff. Just honest talk about what really matters.

Let’s start with the obvious: the cost

Private schools usually charge a lot more. And by “a lot,” I mean:

• ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000+ per year in big cities
• That’s just tuition. Add books, uniform, transport — it adds up fast.

Government schools?
Most of them are free or charge a very nominal fee. Especially state board schools.

So if you’re tight on budget or saving for higher education, government schools ease the load.

I’ve seen families who use the money saved on school fees to invest in tuitions, online courses, or even child education plans.

What about quality of education?

Here’s where things get interesting.

People often assume private schools are “better.”
But is that always true?

Private schools do have an edge in:

• Smaller class sizes
• English-medium instruction
• Better infrastructure (labs, playgrounds, etc.)
• Exposure to extracurriculars

But not all private schools deliver top quality.
Some are just profit-driven businesses with flashy marketing.

Government schools, on the other hand, are getting better.

• Many Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya schools produce top-performing studentsin board exams.
• State governments are investing in teacher training and digital learning.
• And yes — they follow the same NCERT curriculumas many private schools.

Don’t believe me?
Check out this helpful guide on government schools in India — it clears up a lot of myths.

Language and peer environment

Here’s something parents often forget to consider.

What language will your child be most comfortable learning in?

Private schools mostly teach in English.
That’s good for global exposure — no doubt.
But for some kids, especially from rural or semi-urban backgrounds, it can feel overwhelming.

Government schools often teach in regional languages — which makes learning easier and less stressful.

And peer group?

Well, it’s not about rich vs poor.
It’s about confidence, social exposure, and how inclusive the environment feels for your child.

Facilities and infrastructure

Let’s be real — most private schools win here.

They usually offer:

• Smart classrooms
• Sports coaches
• Libraries and labs
• Clean toilets (yep, that matters a lot)

But hold on — not all private schools have all this.
Especially in smaller towns, some private schools may not be that different from government ones in terms of facilities.

On the flip side, some central government schools like KV and Navodaya have fantastic campuses and hostels — often better than private schools charging lakhs.

Teacher quality: private isn’t always better

This one might surprise you.

Private school teachers are often underpaid and overworked.
They may not even have B.Ed or formal training.

Government school teachers?
They clear competitive exams. Many have years of experience. And the job security means they stick around.

Of course, you’ll find great and not-so-great teachers on both sides. But don’t assume private means better.

A quick side-by-side comparison

FeaturePrivate SchoolsGovernment SchoolsFeesHighLow or freeLanguageEnglish (mostly)Regional (mostly)CurriculumCBSE/ICSE/IBCBSE/State boardFacilitiesOften betterVaries widelyTeacher TrainingNot always certifiedOften certified via govt examsClass SizeSmallerOften largerAccess to extracurricularsHighDepends on the schoolInclusivityMay be elitistMore socio-economically diverse

So… which school is “better”?

That depends on your priorities.

Here’s how you can think about it:

Choose a private school if:

• You can comfortably afford the fees
• You want English-medium education with a global curriculum
• Facilities like robotics, drama, or sports matter to you
• Your child thrives in a structured, competitive setup

Consider a government school if:

• You’re looking for quality education without financial stress
• You value teachers with formal training and experience
• You plan to support your child’s learning at home or via coaching
• You want your child to learn in their regional language or stay connected to local culture

A personal note

One of my cousins studied in a small government school in Rajasthan. No air-conditioned classrooms. No fancy labs.

But his science teacher was a gem.
He made every lesson feel like a story. That kid topped his class every year, got into an IIT, and now works at a top tech company.

Meanwhile, I’ve seen private school kids who had everything — but no motivation, no curiosity.

So here’s the truth: it’s not just about the school.
It’s also about the child, the home environment, and the support they get along the way.

Final thoughts

Private or government — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Visit the schools.
Talk to the teachers.
Watch how your child reacts during a campus tour.
Trust your gut.

And if you’re seriously considering a government school, don’t go by old stereotypes.
This guide on government schools in India gives you a clear picture — worth a read before you decide.

At the end of the day, the best school is the one where your child feels seen, heard, and inspired to grow.

That’s it.

Let me know what you chose — and why. I’d love to hear your story.