The Difference Between Private Schools and Public Schools: What You Should Know

Published: May 22, 2024

Miscellaneous

Swedish independent schools follow the same Education Act and curriculum as public schools; they are tax-funded and are not allowed to select which students attend the school. However, there are also a number of differences between independent schools and public schools; here we’ll go over the most important ones.

The difference between private schools and public schools. Children from the Tellus Group’s Svedia program

Various owners and principals

A key difference between independent schools and public schools is their ownership and governing body. While public schools are operated by Sweden’s municipalities, independent schools are owned and operated by private companies, foundations, or nonprofit organizations.

Learn more about independent schools

Greater variety in specializations

The school’s focus is also something that often distinguishes independent schools from public schools. Independent schools have greater opportunities to offer different areas of focus, such as economics, global issues, or internationalism. The focus may also be based on a specific educational approach, such as Waldorf or Montessori. Public schools, on the other hand, are more or less uniform.

More choices for students and parents

Another difference between independent schools and public schools is that independent schools give students and their guardians more options when it comes to choosing which school to attend. The students’ choices, in turn, affect the independent schools’ resources and state funding—the more students who attend the school, the more money and resources the school can invest in its students and programs.

Would you like to know more about the difference between independent schools and public schools?

More information is available on the National Association of Independent Schools' website.