If you’re preparing to send your child off to school for the first time—or perhaps preparing for a change in schools—you may have stumbled across charter schools during your research. You may wonder about the differences between public, private, and charter schools. Charter schools Orange County offer unique learning opportunities for your children by cultivating their individual talents. If you and your child are envisioning a unique college or career path in your child’s future, then public school may not provide adequate learning and growth opportunities. While private schools can be more specialized, they are costly and do not always offer remote learning options for families and students who are on-the-go.
In terms of funding, most charter schools are publicly funded and are at no cost to students and parents. While these schools are typically organized by non-profit or for-profit companies, they cannot charge tuition since they are technically public schools. There is typically no application process for charter school students; instead, students are admitted through a lottery process so that all interested families have equal access to these schools.
It’s clear that charter schools still have some similarities to public and private schools, but what makes them a favorable alternative? Read on to find out more.
Specialized Programs
If your student has a special interest in STEM or the arts, there are charter schools Orange County that offer programs specialized to meet your child’s needs. Some programs focus on performing or fine arts while others focus on foreign languages, work-based experiences and internships, or research-based programs.
High Academic Standards
If you want your child to be a competitive applicant at Ivy League and other high-achieving colleges, or your child seems to outperform (or underperform) their classmates in public school, a charter school could be the perfect place for them to hone their talents and academic skill. When a non-profit or for-profit organization petitions to start a charter school, they must provide a set of rigorous academic goals to be met or exceeded by students on a consistent basis.
As publicly funded schools, charter schools are also required to serve students with disabilities. If your student is struggling with academics or needs extra support in the classroom, you can seek out a charter school with an educational program that suits your student’s needs. Just as charter schools will work with families and a school board to create individualized programs for students interested in the arts and sciences, charter schools will also work to create individualized programs for students with disabilities.
Qualified Teachers
While programs at charter schools may be flexible in order to meet your student’s unique needs, standards for teachers are never compromised. Teachers at charter schools Orange County are expected to hold a teaching credential or certificate just like public school teachers. This means that teachers of core academic subjects must have a bachelor’s degree, teaching credential, and must demonstrate their knowledge of the subject to be taught.
Remote Learning and Homeschool Options
If you are looking for charter schools Orange County that will allow your student to pursue opportunities outside of the classroom—whether that’s acting, athletics, or more quality time spent with family—charter schools offer remote learning and homeschool programs. You might choose a completely virtual learning option or a hybrid learning option that allows students to attend in-person workshops a few times a week. Charter schools also offer Montessori-style classrooms in which students exercise their creativity in hands-on learning and play. Charter schools offer you a choice in the method and structure of your student’s education.
Access to Education Specialists
Students attending charter schools Orange County have the opportunity to work with an education specialist in order to develop an individualized curriculum. While students at public schools do work with deans and guidance counselors to choose their classes, they do not have the freedom to choose a curriculum. Guidance counselors and deans at public schools may generalize their curriculum choices based on the needs of the entire school, but education specialists choose classes based on the goals of students and their families.
College and Career Prep Classes
While some public schools help students create a five-year plan and goals for the future, it’s not obligatory. However, if you and your student know that planning for college or a career is a priority, you might choose to enroll your high school-age student in a college and career prep class at charter schools Orange County. These individualized courses focus on goal setting and independent work with just enough guidance from teachers and administrators. Springs Charter Schools, for example, offers the KEYS program which allows students to work anywhere they choose as long as they have internet access and even enables students to graduate high school early if they so choose.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking more flexibility and individualization in your student’s education, then charter schools are worth a look. Whether your child is struggling with academics or outperforming all of their classmates, charter schools offer unique programs
