The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education sets the bold challenge of delivering free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education for all children across the globe. However, progress to achieve the goal has stagnated due to pressing challenges such as inadequate education access, poor quality public education in some areas and a lack of accountability. 

Simultaneously, there is a worldwide shift toward private schooling due to rising affluence in developed and emerging nations and a growing desire for better quality pedagogy. L.E.K.’s report, “Private Schools for Public Goods,” commissioned by the Jacobs Foundation, highlights how privately-run schools can address these challenges and contribute to society at large. Here are some key takeaways from the report: 

  • The number of out-of-school children globally dropped by just one million last year, to 262 million from 263 million
  • Privately-run schools serve one in four children globally, with provision growing at 3% year-on-year for the last three years 
  • Private actors can improve learning outcomes by creating an optimum curriculum, investing in training and assessment programs for teachers, setting best practices in school management and enhancing facilities and classroom technology
  • Global foundations, impact investors and donors — including private philanthropists, aid agencies, foundations and others — can play a role in supporting the development and dissemination of public goods by privately-run schools

Gather insights and expertise from over 40 international education experts, and learn from the assessments of eight schools that have participated as case study organizations. To receive the full report, please complete and submit the form.

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