Too Many School Options (Private, Public, Charter, Parochial, Home) How is a parent to choose what is right for a child?

Where does your child/ren attend school? Do you have any real options? How good is public school in your area? Can you afford to pay for your kids’ K through 12 years? I have three kids in public school, two in private school and one has attended local community college. As a teacher, I have taught in private, public and quasi-public schools plus currently substitute in a Christian school. What is a parent to do? Read about the basic pros and cons of school choice.

Private School

Pros

• Higher graduation rates
• Greater individualization
• Lower teacher to student ratio
• Possibility of dynamic programming

Cons

• Competitive entry
• Higher cost
• Travel or transportation may not be provide

Public School

Pros

• Low-to-no cost
• Transportation provided
• Possibility of dynamic programming

Cons

• Quality of education and programs is not consistent
• Less access to technology and programs
• Lower graduation rates
• Higher teacher to student ratio

Charter School

Pros

• Dynamic programs
• Alternative methods
• Lower student to teacher ratio

Cons

• Competitive or lottery entry
• Limited space
• Quality of education and programs is not consistent

Parochial School

Pros

• Relatively easy entry
• Religious base in faith is priceless
• Low student to teacher ratios
• Financial aid may be available

Cons

• Higher cost
• Limited programming
• Transportation may not be provided

Home School

Pros

• Low-to-no cost
• No transportation needed
• Flexible scheduling
• Highly individualized
• As dynamic as parent makes it

Cons

• Limited to parents’ resources, willingness, ability
• Quality of education and programs is not consistent
• Potentially limiting on many levels

I think it’s safe to say all parents want their kids to succeed. I am not so naive to think that one model of education fits all children. In fact, I believe each of these options might be perfect for a given child. What’s more important than available resources or teaching methods, according to Statistics Canada experts Marc Frenette and Ping Ching Winnie Chan, are socio-economic characteristics and peers (particularly those with university-educated parents). The American Psychological Association (APA) concurs in the belief that lower socio-economic status (SES) is correlated to lower academic achievement. Essentially, inequality in education, income and occupation has created a social snowball.

So what’s a parent to do? First, choose what is right for each child and for your family. Add to my list or make your own. Second, choose to be a lifelong learner by your actions and attitudes about school. Make success an expectation rather than a hope. Finally, choose to help your child succeed by reading at home, supervising and checking homework, being involved in the school community and supporting your child in every way.