Parent's Education Tips: A guide to Educational Alternatives

Compares and contrasts the differences between home school, private school and public school. Provides beginning resource for the searching parent.

Education always seems to be a hot topic ,it has been discussed in political circles, in the media and hopefully, in American homes. Schools are faced with slipping test scores, school violence and other problems and it seems obvious that there is a need to evaluate alternatives for educating America's children. There are many options but home school, private school and public school are three that are the most accessible and popular. There are pros and cons to all three but remember, a great education is waiting. The days where public school was appropriate for all children are gone. If child education matters, we may want to begin searching for different approaches to traditional education.



Currently, there are thousands of children whose parents are teaching them at home. Home school is a great option for parents who want to have complete control of what their child is learning educationally and morally. The parent is completely responsible for the cirriculum, assignments and activities, luckily there are many organizations that put out excellent material for the home school family. The materials can cover everything from mathematics to field trips. Most states have a reporting system to make sure that parents are doing a good job and to keep them accountable but in all other respects the home school parent is very free. Many home school students don't take as many hours a day for "school" as public school kids because of the amazing amount of one-on-one time they receive.

It may be easy to begin but there are many obstacles to overcome during the schooling process. To develop socially, a child needs contact with others. They need competition, group learning and discovering, even play!

More community groups are available for the home school family. There are groups that support home school kids with sports leagues and artistic organizations and events so they are not completely without social interaction. Many parents report spending more time with their child than any other person on the planet. A parent needs to be ready for that committment.

There are some things that are almost impossible for the parent/teacher in home school to provide, such as science experiments that involve expensive equipment and dangerous chemicals. Dissections and other anatomical exploration of animals is difficult to provide. If these learning experiences are important to a parent, home school might not be the best option.

It is easy to begin homeschooling a child. Contact the state government for direction. Home school is a wonderful option for the dedicated and patient non-working (outside the home) parent, who desires complete control over their child's learning and development. Home schooling is economical but very time consuming.

Porochial schools, private learning institutions, are another option worth evaluating. These schools usually produce higher test scores and have a better student-teacher ratio than any public school could provide. The roll is usually much smaller than traditional school and the teachers sometimes have better salaries and benefits. These schools are not funded primarily by tax dollars but by private funds. Because they are not run by the government, private schools have more freedom to teach specific topics such as religion and morality. Private schools can choose what teachers and what students make up their learning institution, this leads to better student teacher relationships and better staff relationships. Most private schools don't enjoy the resources that public schools do. Private schools struggle to provide a wide network for activities such as sports and arts. These activities are not non-existant but often not as extravagant as public school. Bus services are often too expensive for private school and they rely on parents to deliver children to classes. Private schools can provide an amazing environment for support and an excellent education, including a decreased rate of being involved in violence, but all these benefits come at an often collosal price!

Private schools can have price tags in the range of $1200.00 or more per MONTH! Other private learning instituions have more reasonalble rates and others are far more expensive. The more money a parent spends, the more extra curricular support the child will usually receive. Private education ranges from religious shools funded by churches to schools funded by rich organizations and individuals. One can simply check the local phone book for many private school listings. Private school is a great alternative for parents who desire a more controlled learning environment, a better student-teacher ratio, and unique social activity, but they must remember the price for the education waiting for their child.

Public education is what many are already familiar with. Public schools are funded by tax dollars and other governmental funding. The student-teacher ratio is often poor and students are exposed to almost all views and beliefs at a very young age. Violence is more prevalent in public schools and more school shootings occur in public schools. A parent has little or no control over what their child is being taught, except if they vote in local elections. Public school is free for children of the United States and most schools offer a wide and excellent range of other activities. Public funding provides many opportuinities such as science labs and field trips.

Regardless of the rules taught by parents, schools teach specific rules which may differ with the parents' rules. Public schools are losing funding as communities vote to use tax money elsewhere and materials once available to students are disapprearing. Public school is an option most parents choose but upon evaluation it may become a thing of the past if not reformed.

There are many, many successful public schools across the nation that produce some of the nation's brightest minds. One must evaluate the options for their children on a personal level.

There are many choices to make in a child's education. The choices one makes determine whether or not a great education waits for their child. Parents should explore and research all the option before making a decision on their child's future. No matter what school a child attends, the family and parents will play a vital role in the development of personality and intellect in a child.
Powered by Blogger