The public educational system is intended to provide every American child with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful. However, many parents know all too well that a particular district, school, or even a teacher can fail in their duties. Subsequently, there are countless young students who get left behind or who fall through the cracks. And because admission to private schools or other alternatives to public high schools can be competitive and expensive, that leaves many Americans without the means to further their education in a way that works for them.
Enter: the charter school. Charter schools are growing in popularity, as the percentage of public school students who attended public charters increased from 1% to 6% from 2000 to 2015. But how much do you really know about how these programs can benefit your child? If you’re exploring the available alternatives to public high school, here are three reasons to consider a charter school.
- Specialized Learning Opportunities: When your child attends a public school, there are only so many opportunities they’ll have to get personal attention or become involved in more immersive learning experiences. That’s because a public school is subject to federal and state regulations and generally needs to highlight what’s best for the majority. If your teenager’s needs don’t align with those of the majority, they won’t be in the best position to succeed. But many public school alternatives are focused on more personalized learning. Charter schools typically offer smaller class sizes and more variety in terms of class offerings and learning environments. That means your child will receive more attention from teachers, can be involved in an accelerated learning environment, and will be less likely to fall behind overall. Charter schools are also more prone to having a specialized focus, which means that your teen’s interests will be nurtured and their skills will have clear value in real world applications.
- Tuition-Free Education: Although we would all love to believe that the American educational system allows all children to succeed, you only need to read the recent headlines to understand that the scales are often tipped in favor of those who come from certain backgrounds or who have access to substantial financial resources. Therefore, many families simply cannot enroll their child in the more elite alternatives to public high school, merely based on costs. But charter schools are tuition-free, which means they’re accessible for all families, regardless of socioeconomic background. In addition, it’s important to note that charter school eligibility is not based on location. Because zoning laws have no effect on enrollment, your child can attend the right charter to fit their needs, rather than the school to which they’re assigned based on their home’s address. In the end, this creates a more accessible and less discriminatory system that can allow all children to thrive.
- Bright Futures: You might not be aware of this, but charter schools are likely to have high graduation rates and high college acceptance rates. Given the smaller class sizes, emphasis on personalized learning, and increased opportunities to fit the needs of all students, it’s no surprise that charter school students are more motivated and more prepared than many of those who remain in the traditional public school system. Whether your teen has already dropped out of their public high school or they’re struggling to envision themselves graduating and going on to have a successful career, charter alternatives to public high school can allow these students to attain what might have once felt like the impossible. A high percentage of charter school graduates continue their educational endeavors in college, while others obtain the workforce experience they need prior to graduation to get a head start on their professional paths.
In the end, there’s no one correct answer for every single child. But that’s exactly why charter schools play an important role in our nation’s educational system. To learn more about how our charter can help your teen turn things around, please contact us today.