The Development and Prospect of Private Schools in China: A Preliminary Study.

This paper presents information on a new educational phenomenon in China--private schools. It reflects on the history of private education in China and its disappearance since 1949. Economic, social, and political conditions that prompted the reemergence of private schools since China's economic reform started in 1978 are examined. The article provides a preliminary overview of the rapid development of private schools by examining three major types of private schools, analyzing their characteristics, and pinpointing their potentials and problems. The three major types of private schools include: (1) urban elite primary and secondary; (2) ordinary private schools; and (3) private regular (degree-granting) universities and adult universities. The reappearance and rapid development of private schools in China raises questions concerning educational inequality, efficiency, and diversity. Private schools give parents more choices, may stimulate public schools to improve educational quality, and more closely link schools with society. They feature self-governance, self-support, self-defined curriculum, self-selected students and faculty, and small size. Their exemption from state mandate and self-defined mission give them greater latitude for development. However, their autonomy is influenced by the marketplace, social and legal support, and government regulations. Although the Chinese government has generally responded positively to private schools, it has not developed concrete policies or provided support for improvement. (Author/LMI)