Public School vs Community School vs Private School

We want to make sure everyone is on the same page. Here are the definitions we are using to describe public, private, and community (or charter) education. 

Public School: 

Public schools are primary and secondary institutions offered to all students free of charge while being funded through taxation. All school-age children are entitled to attend the schools in their residence’s district. 

Community (Charter) School: 

Community schools (often called “charter schools” in other states) are tuition-free primary and secondary institutions funded through taxation; however, they are operated independently from local school districts and have more freedom to control curriculum. In Ohio, these non-traditional schools may be physical school buildings or online e-schools. 

Chartered Nonpublic School: 

Chartered Nonpublic schools are independent primary and secondary schools that follow the Operating Standards for Ohio Schools, which makes them eligible for official charter by the State Board of Education. This chartering process can be similar to the accreditation programs found in other states. 

Being privately funded, typically through tuition and donations, these private schools may choose to offer a religious-based curriculum. St. John Lutheran School proudly carries this classification.

Non-Chartered, Non-Tax School: 

These private schools choose not to be chartered by the State Board of Education. They are exempt from any curriculum regulation by the Ohio Department of Education. 

These schools’ students are ineligible for any kind of tuition assistance, transportation assistance, or auxiliary services from the state of Ohio. Credits and diplomas from these schools may or may not be recognized by other educational institutions. 

What Are the Differences?

In Ohio, traditional public schools and community (charter) schools are more similar than they are different. While community/charter institutions may have unique curricula, slightly smaller class sizes, and feature more individual attention for students, they are still limited in their opportunity to be truly distinct. Community schools, for instance, cannot emphasize religious education. 

In Defiance, public and community education is certainly high quality. We have excellent teachers throughout our area who have dedicated their lives and careers to giving children the best opportunities to become successful adults. However, you may be seeking an alternative to public schools for some of these reasons:

• You want your children to have a different academic experience
• You want smaller class sizes 
• You want your children educated from the perspective of a biblical worldview
• You see the Scriptures as something as valuable in education as history, science, and arithmetic

If you are searching for that education alternative, a charter school may be enticing for its price tag; however, it is not as much of a deviation from public education as you might hope. 

The Benefits of Chartered Nonpublic (Private) School

Since St. John Lutheran School is a Chartered Nonpublic School, we have the opportunity to offer a religious-based curriculum while offering some of the financial benefits of a public or charter school.  Because our school is chartered by the State Board of Education, students are eligible to apply for Ohio’s EdChoice Expansion program, which offers financial assistance (based on need) to help cover the cost of tuition. 

We are committed to helping children develop their full potential as God's creation as we:

• TEACH children to serve God and others.
• EQUIP children with knowledge and skills for living.
• ACKNOWLEDGE each child's uniqueness.
• CREATE an active, Christ-centered learning environment.
• HONOR GOD through active church participation.

Other benefits include:

• Small class sizes: No more than 18 students per class.
• Academics: Rigorous academics with state-certified teachers
• Social skills: Intentional development of social skills 
• Technology: Use of classroom technology
• Fine Arts: We have a high-quality music education program

That is, of course, a small sampling of the quality opportunities your child has at St. John Lutheran School. We are committed to ensuring each student experiences spiritual growth and discipleship in an academically rigorous environment. 

If you are convinced your child would benefit from quality private Christian education here in Defiance, or you need more information before you can be sure, contact us. We are here to help you find the answers that lead you to the right decision for you and your family.