Charter, home, public, private…What school is best for your child?

The world we live in now offers many choices to begin a child’s education. How do parents decide which choice is best for their child? Some say private school because it is more challenging. Others say public school because it allows children to be educated in a more realistic environment. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 73% of students, grades 1-12 were enrolled in public schools in 2007 and 16% were in public school by choice.

So, are we to gather that 73% of students’ parents did not care what type of school their child was enrolled in or were there simply very few other options? According to an article issued by the NCES this percentage was based on many factors including, ethnicity, economic status and educational background. The study showed that white and black students with educated and economically stable backgrounds were finding other educational options for their students, while Hispanics and economically unstable households remained in the private schools. The reasons and choices for deciding which school is best for your child are endless and sometimes difficult.

Charter schools have become another option for parents. It provides a more centralized focus or specialty and gives the administration a little more freedom as they are not subject to as many rules as public schools. Charter schools are funded by the public and therefore cannot charge tuition. This is often an option for parents because it does not burden them with cost. However, since charter schools are scattered around the state the waiting list is often very long and it is often difficult to get in.

In 2007 it was reported that about 2.9 percent of students were being homeschooled. The most common reason for homeschooling was to provide moral/religious instruction. Many parents are turning to this type of education to help filter what their children are learning. It allows them control. It is very time consuming but there are many resources available to parents interested in getting their children started with homeschooling.

The answer to which school is best will always be based on the child and the parent. It is important that parents understand they have choices and not to settle for what is handed to them. Education is one of the most valuable things a person will receive and making the right choice for your child will result in greater academic results.

Please click here for more information on homeschooling.