Choosing the right schooling method for your child is a big decision. Whether you are looking into schooling options for your preschooler, are dissatisfied with the current educational system that your child is enrolled in and want to make a switch, or just want to know what else is out there, it is good to know that Christian parents have some options to consider. This article will take a look at a few of those options, weigh some pros and cons to each method, and hopefully help you better decide which option is right for your family.
Public Schools
Pros:
- Teachers are well-educated in their expertise
- Transportation is provided for you
- Materials are provided by tax dollars
- Offers a good range of extracurricular activities
Cons:
- You may not be as involved in your child's education as you would like to be
- Early morning hours might not suit your family situation
- For the most part, children are treated equally, so there may not be enough challenge or too much challenge for the over or under achiever
- School violence is worrisome
- The student to teacher ratio is quite high
Private Schools
Pros:
- You can pick the school that your child attends based on your criteria
- The student to teacher ratio is usually less than that of a public school
- You may have a say in what teacher you would like your child to have
- May offer some extracurricular activities
- Do not tolerate violence
Cons:
- Private schools can be limited by demographics such as distance, religious bias, or curriculum taught
- Parents provide the transportation in most cases
- Can be an expensive way to educate your child
- Early morning hours might not suit your family situation
Charter Schools
Pros:
- Provide more flexibility than public schools in what is taught
- Children are placed by their level of skill and not necessarily by age
- Often started by teachers and offers heavy parent involvement
- The student to teacher ratio is less than that of public schools
- Do not tolerate violence
Cons:
- Must pay for their own facilities through fundraising and donations
- Early morning hours might not suit your family situation
- Parents provide the transportation
Homeschool
Pros:
- You have total control over what your child is learning
- Scheduling school hours can fit into a routine right for your family
- You can teach in a way that your child is better suited to learn (visual/hands-on)
- The student to teacher ratio is much lower than public and private school
- No transportation worries involved
- The cost of homeschooling can fit into your budget
- Most areas have support groups that work together for field trips and co-op learning
- Homeschooled students tend to score higher on standardized tests than most public school students
Cons:
- If not careful, you can overspend on materials that are not needed
- There are not as many extracurricular activities provided for you, so you will have to spend money for extracurricular lessons/activities
- Parents may not be as well-educated in certain areas, but likely can find help
- Requires motivation to teach school regularly and not fall behind
The type of education you choose for your child is a very personal decision that affects your entire family. No group of people are going to agree on the best educational system out there, and it is good to be informed of your options to make your decision. This article is just an overview, of course, and not intended to sway anyone one way or another.
