Omaha, NE - The Platte Institute for Economic Research Released "Comparing Public and Private Schools in Omaha," by Dr. Vicki E. Alger in Omaha today, presenting information that warrants a discussion about charter schools, tax credits and vouchers.
"Nebraska has a tradition of parent controlled education and the survey results reflected in this policy study reflect the reality that Omaha parents support school choice," said Jim Vokal, Executive Director of the Platte Institute. "Now is the time to have a discussion about how Nebraska will support more of the educational choice options that are afforded to families in other states."
"This study demonstrates not only the affordable nature of private schools, but the cost savings achieved to education each student," said Vokal. The research shows Omaha public schools spend per pupil per years to be $11,000, while private schools are able to educate students for an estimated $6,600.
The comparative analysis focuses on the 135 public and 38 private Omaha schools, examining the communities where schools are located as well as various school and student characteristics based on available information collected by the U.S. Department of Education and other sources.
- Nearly 13,200 students are enrolled in Omaha private schools.
- 92 percent of private schools have a religious orientation - 79 percent are Roman Catholic, and those schools enroll 87 percent of Omaha private school students.
- A higher proportion of public schools are located in the Omaha suburbs than private schools, 13 percent compared to 8 percent.
- Omaha private schools communities have higher percentages of Blacks and Hispanics than public school communities.
- Omaha private school communities have a lower median household income than public school communities, $48,000 compared to $56,000.
- Overall, the average Omaha private school has a 14 to one student/teacher ratio, compared to a 15 to one ratio in Omaha public schools, increasing to 16 to one in Omaha public high schools.
- The teacher/other staff ratio across Omaha public schools is 51 percent, compared to 58 percent across private schools.
- Average total funding for Omaha public-school students is $4,500 higher than the estimated average tuition at Omaha private schools, $11,100 compared to $6,600.
- An estimated 95 percent of Omaha private schools offer tuition discounts.
Click Here to read the full report
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Posted by: Patrick Lincoln Gerhart
