Public vs Private Schools: Differences in Management Strategies and Educational Policies

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present the key diff erences in management strategies and educational policies between public and non-public, using findings from qualitative research. The analysis combines a review of the relevant literature, current educational legislation, and empirical data collected through in-depth interviews conducted with director and teachers from both types of schools. The theoretical section discusses the organisational foundations of public and non-public institutions, with particular attention to the scope of principal autonomy, funding models, and pedagogical supervision. The qualitative fi ndings show that public schools operate under conditions of high regulatory control and limited managerial flexibility, whereas non-public schools are characterised by greater decision-making freedom, faster implementation of innovations, and more individualised educational policies. The data also reveal diff ering strategies for cooperation with parents and variations in organizational culture between the two sectors. The conclusions highlight the need to strengthen the autonomy of public-school principles and the potential for adapting the selected practices used in non-public institutions to enhance the quality of education.