private school
Also called: swasta
A school run by a foundation or private body, with varying costs.
What it means
A private school is a school run by a non-government party, such as a foundation or institution. Its funding comes mainly from fees paid by families and other lawful sources. In Indonesia, private schools have a wide range of quality, curricula, and cost levels. Some private schools receive assistance or run certain programs.
Why it matters for families
Private schools give families broader choices, including small classes and special programs. As a consequence, costs can be much higher and need careful planning. Wrongly comparing only the entrance fee without calculating annual costs can cause cash flow problems. Also check the stability of management and cost transparency.
Example
For example, a private school sets an entrance fee of Rp5 million and a monthly fee of Rp600 thousand. In one year, the family needs to prepare around Rp12 million including activities. This figure needs to be compared with the family's monthly saving capacity.
Common misunderstanding
Private schools are often assumed to be automatically higher in quality. Quality depends greatly on the school's management, not merely on public or private status.