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parents, community leaders, and businesspersons. Charter schools do not adhere to the same rules and regulations of a typical public school. These schools receive funding from the sending public school, state and federal grants, and private fundraising. Private A student must pay tuition and submit an application to attend a private school. A private school is funded by student tuition payments, endowments, grants, and donations. Some private schools are affiliated with a religion. Homeschool A homeschool is when a student is educated at their home by a parent, a tutor, or an online program. States regulate and have requirements for homeschools. Factors to Consider When Making a Decision Cost: If you are unable to afford the private school tuition, which
averages $10,000 per year nationally, you may be limited to the public school options. However, depending on the state in which you live, you could use vouchers or the taxcredit scholarships to help fund the tuition, although the cost of transportation to the alternative school should be considered. School Size: The class size may be an important factor if your child is easily distracted or requires assistance to learn. Even though public schools can make accommodations for students with special needs, sometimes a smaller class is more helpful to the child. A private school usually offers small class sizes. How Your Teen Learns: If your teen is more of a hands-on learner, then he or she may benefit from attending a vocational school, charter school, or other similar, less traditional public schools, whereas if your child thrives from competition, they might benefit
from attending a magnet school. Friendships: Friends are a key component for teens in developing their identity. Through their friend relationships, they can learn about trust, respect, and acceptance. If you are considering other schools, you should have your teen visit for the day to see how they interact with the other students. Also find out about the social clubs, sports, and other activities offered. School Reputation: There are many different resources for comparing a school’s reputation, including the school’s graduation rate, spending per pupil, and college readiness. Some websites that review these factors are U.S. News and World Reports, GreatSchools. org, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). What Will We Decide? After my twins receive their grades this year, we will then
determine if their educational needs are being best served at their current school. We will discuss with them the decision factors, such as class size and ways they feel they learn best. Then we will visit other schools in the surrounding area to compare those options to their current public school. We will also ask our twins which type of school they would prefer to attend, since they are the ones who will be going there. Since we are actively involved in their education, hopefully any school they attend will help prepare them for college or the workforce. • Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings, and Twins Magazine. You can find her on Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.
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~ June 2019 | BUSINESSWoman