When it comes time to enroll a child in primary school, many parents note that there is a great deal of choice in this area. Almost every municipality in the Netherlands has a public primary school. But in addition to the public primary school, many municipalities also have special primary schools such as schools with a Catholic or Protestant-Christian slant. They all receive money from the government, but the governance and identity differ. But what does schools make public now? What are the characteristics of these schools?
History – the school struggle
In addition to public schools, there are also special schools, such as schools with a Catholic or Protestant Christian basis. All these schools receive an equal amount from the government. This was not as obvious in the past as it is now. Before 1917, only public schools received funding from the government, the Catholic and Christian schools had to look after themselves. This has led to the school battle. After years of fighting for equality between public and special education, this equality was established in the constitution in 1917. After this, more special schools were established, which gave public education a blow. About 1 / 3rd of all schools are now public. Since the late 1980s, a new type of special school has been added, the Islamic school.
Characteristics of public education
Every form of education has its own identity. That identity is further explored per school. One public school is therefore certainly not the other. The neighborhood and thus the population of the school have a great influence on the identity of the school.
In general, there are three characteristics of public education:
1. The public school is run by the government
The municipality can take care of this itself, but also through a foundation or public legal entity that does this on behalf of the municipality.
2. Public education is actively multiform
This active pluralism ensures that children in public primary school receive education from all sides of our multicultural society. Public education is not committed to a religious conviction, but offers all aspects ‘neutrally’. In this way, the public school wants to teach the children a lot and let them think and act based on freedom, responsibility and solidarity, among other things.
3. Public education is generally accessible
This means that everyone is admitted to these schools. Regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation or political affiliation. There is also room for children with disabilities, facilities must be provided for this.
Education in spiritual schools or philosophical formation education
The public school is obliged to offer spiritual education or ideological formation education. However, students are not required to participate. These children receive other educational activities from the school. This education is often offered in groups 7 and / or 8.
Does a public school suit our family and our upbringing?
One public school is not the other public school. Whether the public school is in line with the norms and values within the family is something that must be considered per school. Schools are often a reflection of the neighborhood in which they are located, this often says a lot about the identity. You will get a better impression of the school during a tour and an informative conversation with the school manager. It is advisable to view multiple schools to make comparing easier.