The FAA regulates flight schools in two different sections of the FAR/AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations / Aeronautical Information Manual). Part 141 covers one type of school and part 61 covers another. You'll often hear of flight schools being refered to in this manner.
If you've not planning making aviation a career and just want to fly for the enjoyment of it, you'll most likely be attending a part 61 school. These schools will teach you everything you need to know to be a safe pilot and make sure you successfully pass your practical examination. It's called a part 61 school because it's operating under the guidelines of part 61 of the FAR/AIM.
At this type of school, they're a little more flexible about how you learn the skills you need to have to pass your checkride or practical examination. Part 61 is devoted to what you need to know and be able to perform as a pilot, rather than how these items need to be taught to you. There is no reduction in the standards you have to meet, how a flexibility in how you learn.
Under part 141 if the FAR/AIM, you'll find some very clear direction given to flight schools about how they must operate. You'll still have to meet all of the same performance standards, but you'll have a course directed by the FAA in very specific ways.
So, what's all this mean to you? The FAA believes, with the strict controls they put on a 141 school, you'll learn faster and be fully trained in less time. At a 141 school you only need to put in 35 hours of flight time while at a 161 school you'll need a minimum of 40 hours. That could save you a bit of money, but probably won't since most students take just over 50 hours regardless of what type of school they attend.
When you really get down to it, there are a lot of things you're going to want to look at before deciding on a aviation school. It's not just about money or time needed before taking your checkride. Whether you go with a 141 or 61 school, find an instructor you get along with. You're going to be spending a lot of time with them, both in the air and on the ground.
Personally, I believe one of the most important factors in your success or failure is your desire to fly. Great schools have put out bad pilots and bad schools have put out great pilots. You'll get out what you put in

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