At the moment, I aren’t a charter school with about 190 students in my class. I have the opportunity to apply and probably attend a private school. But I wanted to know if whether I attend a private or public school would matter in college admissions. Do college admissions find it impressive to move from a small charter school to a big private school? Just want to know how it would affect my chances of getting into a top college. Thank you 
A move like that will not change much. What you do at either place is what really matters.
It may or may not help. Research carefully what each has to offer. For example, the private school may have more and better guidance counselors, but the public school might offer more EC opportunities. Ask questions, read the course catalog and handbook. Many private schools offer a “shadow day” when you follow a host student around for a day. Take this opportunity if available. The more you know, the more informed decision you can make.
I agree shadow. But I would say go to whichever school you can get the best GPA at as well as take appropriate college prep. classes. It might be easier to stand out in the application process if you have high stats coming from a a charter school. Everyone at the private school will have high stats (most likely). But the guidance counselors may have better relationships with the college admissions officers and may be able to help you. I know a girl who got off the wait list at Fordham and honestly it was because her private school guidance counselor advocated for her. That never would have happened in public school.
I would consider the impact of college admissions much less than what your high school years will look like for you. Which place will give you what you need to be the best version of yourself? That “self” is who applies to college!
Look at the classes as well as how they are taught. Does one offer more that excites you? Will one offer more opportunities for classroom participation? Will you learn better that way? If you pursue activities outside school thst matter to you, are the policies at one more supportive of that? How about opportunities at school? Is one better? Do you feel like the social scene at both is equally welcoming to you? There is not a right answer in general but perhaps for you.
I agree with the posters above that in general, privates have better college counseling and are more likely to advocate for you when needed. This is likely a plus in the private column, but not the only consideration by a long shot!
College AOS know the high schools so can interpret grades based on them. I would not focus on that as much as how much you will learn snd how happy you will be doing it.
- Cost: can your parents afford it plus future college?
- Do you have a good social life at your HS now?
- What courses are offered? ;
- If you applied right now, would you get into any advanced classes? would they be full?
- Does the charter school have more individual support?
- What kind of private school? General? Religious?
I would firmly say that you shouldn’t choose a private school based on a perception that it will get you into better colleges. You should go because it’s where you want to be in high school. Is your charter school really good? Some are fantastic and will give you a wonderful support system for colleges.
There are pros to private high schools in terms of college admissions, but there are also cons. The pros of college counseling are wonderful, as are the connections between the counselors and the colleges. However, you will also have a lot more legacies to compete with for those coveted Ivy League spots if it’s a super selective private school. Your class ranking may drop as well in a more competitive environment.
I think that you are probably better off where you are. I certainly would not do this in the hope of impressing admissions at selective universities.
Yeah. I’ve come to the conclusion that I am better where I am. I have a better social life so I have more opportunities in having better relationships with students and teachers (I can also run for President and win since I actually know people). My school is okay in college admissions. It has a lot of support during the application process but it also has a very low amount of clubs and sport funding is very low. I see this as an opportunity to show how I can play a leader in my community. Thank you all for your advice :).