PTA and PTO are both parent group organizations that look into the affairs of children in relation to their education and their development in society. PTA is a type of national parent group organization that help local parent groups who choose to work with them by providing support in tackling issues that are affecting the children. Any local parent group that is willing to work with them must be ready to pay some dues to the state and national body of the organization.
The national PTA has been in operation for more than a century now, so people depend on them, coupled with the fact that they have a huge number of employees working for them. PTO, on the other hand, is an independent or private body. They are not affiliated with any other body, and that is why it is also known as non PTA group. It can exist at the school or district level
There are differences between PTA and PTO, even though they are not visible. PTA is known to protect the different members of the group so that it will be very exclusive. PTO is considered to be a more generic term. This is usually the term that is used to describe a group of people who have decided that they would like to become independent.
Take note that PTO means Parent-Teacher Organization while the PTA means Parent Teacher Association. The PTA usually have to pay dues because they have different projects that they would like to promote for the rest of the school year that will improve the activities that the students will do.