A brief description of current private school development in China

Reform and the open policy and the establishment of a socialist market economy have brought about a renaissance in the development of private schools in China. Their reappearance, as a cultural phenomenon, comes at a time when the reforms are deepening and the open policy is expanding, when the entire social structure is changing from a monolithic to a pluralistic one. Their reappearance is the inevitable result of market economic development. They are a useful supplement to public schools and help break down the government's monopoly over schools and promote the reform of China's school system. They help bring out the enthusiasm of individuals and organizations for opening schools and infuse new vitality into socialist education. They benefit the country and the people. Private schools have an edge over public schools in competition, but they also have problems. Appropriate measures should be taken to ensure their sound development and enable them to play a fuller role and demonstrate their advantages. In this time of reform and opening, private schools have been restored and have developed. They have aroused concern and attention from broad sections of society. People differ in their views, some praising and some censuring them. Some people are prejudiced against private schools, advocating restriction or prohibition. Some praise them and schools, advocating restriction or prohibition. Some praise them and advocate encouragement and nurturing. This author is of the opinion that private schools should be a part of China's socialist educational system and should indeed be further developed.