Private schools in Iran have increased their share in recent decades, facing a situation where economic pressure on Iranian households, especially the middle class, has intensified. In recent years, the cost of living has risen dramatically, leading to a growth in the share of students in private schools.
Increase in the Share of Students in Private Schools
Data shows that the share of students in private schools has risen from 11.4% in the 2016-2017 academic year to 14% in the 2022-2023 academic year, and currently stands at about 15%. Meanwhile, the costs of education in these schools have significantly increased, with the tuition ceiling for private schools reaching 91 million tomans for elementary, 95 million tomans for middle school, and 145 million tomans for high school in the 2024-2025 academic year.
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Economic Challenges and School Choices
The high costs of education in private schools, despite the economic pressures, have compelled some families to continue their children's education in these schools. Many families, despite financial concerns, still seek quality education and a different cultural environment. Choosing private schools for these families means access to smaller classes, more facilities, and alignment with their social values and expectations.
Research indicates that some parents choose private schools due to skepticism about public schools and concerns about overcrowded classrooms and the quality of education. This choice, especially for the urban middle class, signifies an effort to create a distance from the educational and ideological environment of public schools. However, private schools are also under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and follow the goals and official programs of this ministry.
History of Choosing Private Schools
Choosing schools based on family values is an old phenomenon in Iran. In the 20th century, private and foreign schools were popular in Iran, and many middle and affluent families preferred them over public schools. Despite the restrictions following the 1979 revolution, the law for establishing non-profit schools was passed in 1988, and private education returned to the educational system. This trend reflects families' desire to create a different cultural environment and better educational quality.
However, the growth of private schools cannot be attributed solely to families' desire for a different cultural environment. Concerns about the quality of education and class overcrowding in public schools play a significant role in families' decision-making. Some families, despite financial pressures, still consider private schools a safer option for their children's future.
Ultimately, an important question remains: if the share of private schools has increased under economic pressure, who still has the ability to remain in them, and what have they sacrificed for this? This issue requires further investigation into the economic status of families and the changing class composition of students.
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