Despite the fact that 90% of the U.S. population aged 25 and older had a high school diploma as of 2017, that doesn’t mean that this achievement always comes easily. In fact, many students struggle in a traditional academic environment. Whether due to problems at home, learning difficulties, lack of discipline, or simple disinterest, many young people have a real need for public school alternatives.
For some, dropping out of school seems like the only option — perhaps with the intent of obtaining a GED later in life. But there are viable GED alternatives that will allow students to obtain their diploma on an accelerated timeline and go out into the world as a high school graduate. Charter schools can allow your student to soar where they otherwise might have stumbled in public school. Here are just a few reasons why.
- New Ideas: The original intent of charter schools was to provide an educational lab of sorts. These GED alternatives were meant to serve as a supplement to public schools, rather than as a replacement for them. The benefit to this is that charter schools often have the freedom to be more innovative with their educational curriculum. By including more experimental ideas and opportunities for creativity, charter schools can invigorate students and do their part to improve upon the existing educational system. Ultimately, this can allow student achievement and enrollment to rise.
- Individualized Learning: With traditional public schools and even some other GED alternatives, there’s only one path to learning. The reality, of course, is that every student has their own educational needs and strengths. Rather than trying to make every student fit a very restrictive system, charter schools recognize the need for personalized educational plans. Because everyone learns differently and has different goals for their own educational journey, charter school staff members put in the work to appeal to all students on a more individualized level. A student might not have succeeded in a traditional classroom due to the one-way approach of a teacher or overall curriculum, but that same student can thrive when coursework is presented in new and exciting ways.
- Accessible Materials: Although there is something to be said for traditional classroom learning, this scenario may not fit the requirements of every student. But appealing to students who latch onto technology can make learning far more accessible and fun. That’s why many GED alternatives, including our charter school, embrace a computer-based approach. Because the coursework can easily be accessed at home, at the library, or on any other internet-equipped computer, students can more easily make time for studying and reading. This can offer the opportunity for students to learn wherever, whenever (without having to carry heavy books around). In today’s digital world, it only makes sense to bring the lessons where students spend most of their time: online. When we appeal to students’ existing habits and make it easier for them to digest important material, learning feels a whole lot more natural.
If your student is struggling in a traditional high school environment, it may be time to consider other options that will allow them to succeed. For more information on our charter school, please contact us today.