Public school vs. Private school

Yesterday our group had the privilege of visiting Elefante Branco Public High School and Colegio Marista Private High School.  First will discuss with photos of the public school, then private school.

Elefante Branco, is known as one of the better high schools in Brasilia, was in the middle of what Americans might a "spirit week", so it was not a normal day.  The students we met were so energetic, positive, curious about the United States and seemed happy.  The students told us they wanted us to bring back to the US their love of life, happiness, openness and respect for nature. Students were preparing for a science fair, cultural fair, participating in an academic scavenger hunt, sports day, as well as blood drives, and food and clothes drives this week.  The classes are normally 50 minutes in length with 1,800 students.  The high school is grades 10-12, and students attend school in one of 3 sessions - morning, afternoon or evening.  About 600 students per session.  The students do not attend all classes each day, normally 2 or 3 times a week.  Their school day is about 4 hours long.  The school is 52 years old and has never had major renovations.  The schools just recently are being given some funds, and needs to decide what to renovate.  If the the funds are spent incorrectly then the principal will have to pay the money back.  The school has recently received a grant where all students will obtain tablets to take home.  Since the building is old there are problems for the wiring of technology.  The principal is also an elected position for three year terms, then can re-run to continue being principal.  If a teacher does not show, another teacher will take the class or the students may be put in this open area to just socialize and "hang out", and teachers will walk by to make sure all is well, but will not sit in the area and supervise students.  Teachers have 1 day a week that they do not teach, but have planning time, but several stated they see approximately 400 students a week!!!  There are no problems of fighting at school.   Amazingly, students will travel 20-30 km to attend this school, as it is better than their neighborhood school.

I observed in an art class, where very little art was on the walls, and no art supplies were visual.  Students sat in chairs with the desks attached.  

After students were asking us questions about the US, they did a short performance.

Students doing the "cup song".  Their Spanish teacher had them learn this as another way to learn a foreign language.

Classroom where they were also doing the cup song. 

The common area at the entrance to the school.

The board & teacher desk.  Did not see any projectors or technology.

More of the common area at entrance of school.  A little store/cantina where students can purchase snacks/lunch.  

Now onto the private school -

Marista is a private Catholic high school which has 1,400 students and 63 teachers with an average class size of 44. Besides for their academics, the school incorporates pastoral activities or extensive community service projects.  The students attend schools every day from 7:10-12:45, then 2 days they also attend from 2:30-6pm.  Classes are 50 minutes each, the students do not move classroom to classroom the teachers do. The other days students can take extra electives, play sports, etc. Tuition is about $750 USD per month with the extra electives costing additional.  70% of graduates attend a public university.  Public universities are considered better in Brazil than private and are very competitive.  School was not in session during our visit, so could not observe classes, but did speak with some teachers.  The teachers lounge had a coffee bar, couches, and computers.  The auditorium was large and clean, with a stage that appeared to be shiny hard wood floors.  The school looked as if it was a mini university.  The library had multiple computers, tables, and study rooms.

2nd floor view at Marista.  10th graders classes on 1st floor, 11th on 2nd floor & 12th on 3rd floor. 

Downstairs common area.  

Classroom at private school.  Desks much larger than at public school.  I did see doodling on desks as well as some possible math notes.

Library

Library

View from the inside common area.  This common area by the entrance to the school had several couches students were lounging on.  School was not in session for many.