The Different Kinds of Schools

New Times, New Schools

When I was growing up there were basically three option for school: public, private, or home school.  Twenty years ago most private schools cost a small fortune, home schooling meant sitting at the dinner table with textbooks and worksheets all day, and public school was often simply adequate.  Times have changed and there are many options for parents to pick what is best for their child.

Public School-  from self-contained gifted classes that are often have students working multiple grade levels ahead of their peers, to bilingual programs, and more. Public school is recognizing the need to keep up with other educational institutions.  My niece is at a school that has am equestrian program allowing the children to take part in horseback riding during the school day.  Another school in the same district offers a bilingual track for students whose families enter a lottery.  Arizona allows you to send your child to any district you want.  If your school has cut the arts, you can send them to a different district.  Take advantage of these opportunities.

Private School- month to month payment programs, scholarships, and tax credit programs that allow others to donate their state taxes owed to an individual child's tuition instead of the state are making the private school dream a reality for families who might not otherwise be able to afford. Many parents are drawn to private schools for smaller class sizes and stricter discipline policies.  In addition, aspects like spiritual guidance or specialized curriculum are to good to ignore for families willing to make the financial commitment.

Charter School- the common description of a private public school can be confusing to some parents.  What this means is a private school style education using public funds.  The idea behind charter schools was if an academic need demanded in a community was not being met, individuals could open up a charter school to fill that need.  Charter schools offered in the Phoenix Metro offer specialized curriculum in the arts, technology, accelerated academics, equestrian studies, all girl's school, foreign language/bilingual, Montessori, and more.

Virtual School- some parents call this home schooling but it is very different.  Virtual schools like K12 offer teacher support, free materials, field trips, and are still considered part of the public school system.  This program is appealing for families whose students are competitive in athletics, pursuing careers in the arts, travel, or like learning on their own schedule.

Home School Co-op- want to home school but have concerns about your abilities or the time commitment? Consider a co-op, multiple parents working together to home school children.  Some home school support groups teach weekly classes in special area subject matter such as art, music, p.e., foreign language, ect.  There are also stores that specialize in home school curriculum that teach academic subjects such as 7th Grade Science or Geometry.  Form your own co-op or find one already established.  Alternate weeks at different parents houses teaching from an agreed upon curriculum that meets all the students needs.  Think old-timey-one-room-school-house style.

Home School (Single Family)- this is a family that chooses or creates their own curriculum entirely up to their own discretion.  There are many curriculum materials available to home school parents these days in a variety of media besides the more traditional textbooks and workbooks.  Through state associations and home school support groups students can take band, go to prom, have graduation ceremonies, and more.  In the Phoenix Metro there are many programs such as Science Fairs and academic classes through  the Arizona Science Center, earth science through Desert Botanical Gardens, classes at the Phoenix Zoo, and more for home schooled student.  Home schooled student are also allowed to participate in specials at public school.

What is important to know when selecting a school?

1) Private schools and charter schools are privately run by individuals who may or may not have a background in education.  They do not have restrictions like the public school for hiring certified teachers.  Make sure your private or charter school runs criminal background checks on all employees and teachers.  Confirm that state standards are being met at each grade level.

2) Charter schools that are highly desirable may have waiting lists or use draw names randomly.  The school may give preference to siblings.

3) Some public schools are classified as Excelling while other are Failing.  Know where your school stands.  What does it take for a student to get expelled in your district?  How far will they let bullying go.  At what point will they hire a new teacher if their is a sudden influx of students?  Will they allow 30, 35, 40?

4)  If you participate in a virtual school program you may not attend specials at your local school in many districts in Arizona.  Some programs such as K12 may provide your student with a computer if they do not have one.   Virtual schools may be ahead or behind the public school curriculum. K12 Virtual School curriculum is about a semester ahead of the Arizona state standards.

5) If you home school or home school co-op you need to file a declaration to home school with the state or risk facing truancy issues.  Home schooling students can attend competitions such as spelling bees and geography bees at their local school.  Home schooling student may also participate in extra curricular activities and specials at their local public school.

6) For all schools, consider what is offered for specials, language, technology, arts, clubs or extracurricular activities, and of course, academics.

7) In junior high and high school students can earn college credits through co-enrollment.  Co-enrollment means the student actually attends a college level class either at high school or through the college directly. Parents should know if a student earns college credit in high school at the institution they plan to attend after graduating, the grades from classes taken during high school will be factored in to their college GPA.  Advanced placement classes prepare students to take a test that waives the requirement for the student at college, but does not award them credits for the class.