Courtesy of Lady Bug BKT
by Alexis Cala, PIC Current Assistant Producer
As a parent, you worry about hundreds of things! Wondering if you’re sending your children to the right school shouldn’t have to be one of them. You may be surprised to find out the local public school is not your only option. Whether you have a first time kindergartner or a freshman in high school, there are many different public and private schools available . Are you ready to start looking?
Where do I start?
- Discuss what you and your child want in a school
- Types of classes, such as advanced math, drama, etc.
- Sports, clubs, arts, music, chess and more
- Before and after care
- Location and transportation
- Decide which type of school you want
- Public, private, home schooling
- Consider any special needs
- Talented and gifted classes
- Special education
- Gather all the information you can
- Visit the schools!
What are my options?
Public Schools
- Are free! Funded by state, local, and federal governments
- Large class sizes, which can mean less individual attention
- Variety of sports and after-school activities are usually available
- A study program based on core subjects (math, English, science)
- Required to make special learning programs available
- All public schools offer the national school lunch program, which helps students from low-income homes get free or reduced price lunches
Magnet Schools
- Part of public school system
- Offer specialized programs such as a focus on arts, science, job training or math
- To get in you must complete an application
- A lottery system is used for admission in many school districts
- Some schools require an entrance examination, interview, or audition
- Sometimes they have smaller class sizes and more interaction between parent, teacher, student
Charter Schools
- Public K-12 schools, free from most state regulations
- Established by non-profit organizations, teachers, parents, and the community
- High academic standards
- Teachers can use alternative learning methods
- Small class size and more involvement
- Admissions are open, lottery system is used if too many apply
- Ten things to know and other FAQ’s
Private Schools
- Offer specialized programs and alternative curriculum
- Funded through student tuition; different types of tuition assistance are available
- Parents often have to provide transportation
- Competitive admissions
- On average, the class sizes are smaller
- Limited special needs programs, after-school activities, and clubs
- Lower dropout rate and disciplinary measures
Homeschooling
- Anyone can homeschool, but both you and your child must be willing to do the work
- You get to work at your child’s pace
- Just you and your child means less socialization (so you need to find clubs and activities for your kid to meet friends)
- Funding is all up to you, with average curriculum and materials costs of $300-$2,000
- Taking advantage of used curriculum and course packages that can help you save!
- Understand your state’s homeschooling laws before you begin
- If you have questions or just need help you can contact local support groups
- Education standards vary by state, know what your child needs to keep up and be successful
Where do I go to find the right school?
Check with your local school district to see what options you have in the public system. Find out about your neighborhood school and any magnet schools your child could transfer to.
Visit Ziproad.org to find educational programs near you, including public and private programs as well as tutoring help and after school care.
You can also use these sites to locate specific types of schools:
Greatschools.net compares different schools in your area
[...] PIC Current offers parents a guide to finding the right school. [...]