Why did the private elementary school boom begin?

The Shift in Preference Toward Private Elementary Schools

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was little difference in competition rates between private and public elementary schools. However, while public schools transitioned to online classes, private schools actively promoted in-person learning. Many elementary students struggled to focus during remote classes, especially when both parents were working. As a result, academic performance declined significantly, leading parents to favor private schools that could continue in-person education even during future pandemics. The surge in competition for private elementary school admissions—nearly sevenfold since COVID-19—demonstrates their increasing popularity.

---

High Tuition Fees, But Comparable Annual Costs

In 2022, the average annual cost per student at 38 private elementary schools in Seoul was approximately 9.8 million KRW, with some schools exceeding 20 million KRW. In contrast, the annual cost for public elementary schools averaged 850,000 KRW, making private school tuition more than ten times higher. However, when considering overall annual expenses, private schools may not always be significantly more expensive. Since private school students wear uniforms, clothing costs can be significantly reduced. Additionally, private schools invest heavily in after-school programs. Because elementary school classes end early, working parents often enroll their children in multiple academies to cover the gap until they return home. Private schools provide extensive after-school programs at a lower cost than private academies, offering both affordability and a safe learning environment. While private school tuition remains a topic of debate, considering the broader financial picture, they are not necessarily prohibitively expensive compared to public schools.

---

A Stepping Stone to Specialized and Gifted High Schools

Unlike public elementary schools, private schools have greater autonomy, allowing them to implement diverse and specialized learning programs. Korea’s competitive education system has long focused on gaining admission to prestigious universities, leading to fierce competition for specialized high schools, such as international and science-focused institutions. This pressure extended to middle schools, increasing demand for international middle schools, and has now trickled down to elementary education. Parents aspiring to send their children to competitive middle schools see private elementary schools as a strong foundation due to their enriched and high-quality education. As the perception grows that private schools offer an academic advantage, demand for them has intensified. The influence of competitive entrance exams now extends to elementary education, shaping parents’ school choices.

 

By examining the competition between private and public elementary schools, we can identify the factors driving the private school boom. Private schools serve as a strong foundation for academic success and offer a more flexible and enriched curriculum compared to public schools. Korea’s education system is increasingly resembling that of the United States and Europe,
where private elementary schools are widely preferred.

교육 정보 번역이 궁금하다면!

사립초등학교 열풍이 불기 시작한 이유는?