Public and Charter Schools - The Great Education Debate

These days, it seems as though every parent has their own definition of proper education. In recent years, Charter schools have been growing in popularity, popping up in areas throughout the country. While many parents are opting to send their children to these education facilities in hopes of furthering educational potential, others must debate the choice between a traditional or Charter schools, comparing the benefits and weighing the long term costs. In this article, we will offer a few tips to help you make an educated decision regarding your child’s schooling.

Step 1 – Find out what commonly defines and separates charter schools from public institutions. Tough most people are fairly familiar with traditional education, many parents find themselves in the dark when it comes to charter schooling. As an added consideration, it should be noted that not all charter schools are necessarily the same. As they are governed on a more independent basis, these educational institutions are afforded the ability to operate on a level not generally found in the public education system. This includes at home courses, flexible class schedules and intensive studies based in specific interests such as the arts or music.

Step 2 – Speak with your area school district in order to obtain information regarding local charter institutions. Here, you will be able to find information regarding how long schools have been in operation, the teacher to student ratio and general feedback from the community.

Step 3 – Once you have a solid list of schools, hop online to gather additional information and perspectives to provide you with a clearer idea of what your student might expect if they were to attend. Many school websites offer virtual tours of the facility, with staff bios, school history and other pertinent information.

Step 4 – After evaluating your options online, choose a couple of schools that interest both you and your child. Get in touch and see if you might be able to schedule a tour. Some schools even offer prospective students the ability to “shadow” other students as a way to provide them with a firsthand look into the daily life of their students. If your child has friends who attend the school that they are interested in, this can be a wonderful way to introduce them to the charter school way of life.

Step 5 – Discuss the available education options with your child in hopes of finding the best fit for them. Keep in mind that while a Charter school may offer opportunities and benefits not found in a traditional setting, that your child will ultimately be the one being educated. What may seem like an ideal educational setting for you, may ultimately prove less effective for your student.

Step 6 – Be certain that any Charter school that your child attends uses a certified teaching staff. Though this is rarely an issue, it’s always a good idea to check.

At the end of the day, every parent wants what’s best for his or her children. By taking the time to research and evaluate your options, you are doing your part to ensure that your child receives the best experience available.