This contribution deals with the perceptions of the quality of education of school principals in poor neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile. Through a comparative, qualitative study, using semidirected interviews in private subsidized schools and municipal schools in peripheral communes. The principals place living and environmental conditions as the main factor that determines the quality of education, distinguishing themselves from the rest of the schools. The results show that the quality of education is a concept that is adapted and molded to the realities of these neighborhoods, beyond the achievement of school results.

Quality of education, Suburbs, Private education, Public education.