Alternative Education Options
The traditional school setting isn’t for everyone. Sometimes students who aren’t succeeding in the traditional public school setting might need a change in scenery. This can look very different depending on each student. The important thing to do is pay attention to your child and find out their specific needs when it comes to their educational space. Luckily, public school isn’t the only option anymore. Any student who wishes to graduate with a high school diploma has a variety of choices. As a parent, there are a few things to keep an eye out for to ensure your child is not experiencing difficulties – but if they are, it’s important to understand the alternative education option available to help them.
Signs to look out for
- Your child comes home from school unhappy most days
- They confide in you about being bullied
- They are not getting the grades you know they’re capable of
- They are bored in school or not being challenged
- The local schools are not up to your liking
- Your child needs a less strict schedule/more flexibility
Every alternative education option is not the same, but there are some characteristics that are the same across the board among all options. These include:
- No more than 15 students in each class
- Minimum of 3 hours of class a day
- Small number of students
- Faculty that cares about their students
- High expectations for students
- Specific learning programs
- Flexible schedules
- Commitment to students
- Clear mission statement and code of conduct
These schools are formed for the purpose of helping those students that need a little extra help, which is why you will find that all your attention is on your child when sending them to one of these institutions.
Types of Institutions
1. Independent study programs
If you find that your child/children have a special interest in a particular area of study, then you might consider this route. These programs are designed for those who excel at one thing and want to dedicate more, or most of, their time to that particular topic. This could look a lot of different ways. For example, it could mean that the child does the independent study on their own and checks in with an adviser to talk about their progress every now and then.
2. Specialized schools
Similar to an independent study program, in a specialized school, the student will focus on something. For example, their focus could be in STEM, math, engineering, etc. or it could be an arts school with focus on theater, dance, painting, etc. These schools, however, are not as easy to find in your area
3. Private schools
Each school differs depending completely on what they offer their students. In some cases, private schools are devoted to a religion, like Catholicism. However, sometimes private schools are formed simply because they can offer more than the local schools.
4.Charter schools
These are publicly funded schools that have more freedom in their curriculum options, including the way teachers can instruct their classes. Additionally, parents have a say in the way the school runs (unlike the public school system).
5. Boarding schools
Boarding schools are like private schools where the students stay for the duration of the school year, with exceptions during (winter, spring, summer) breaks. They can be as close or as far from the students’ because they won’t be commuting every day
6. Vo-Tech Programs
Short for vocational-technical, these schools can be available anywhere (including the local high school). Their purpose is to allow students to focus on a trade, rather than a subject. Some examples include, carpentry, computer science, culinary arts, financial services, etc.
7. Home schools
This is the best option to optimize parent involvement in a child’s educational experience. If the parent is going to take on the role as the teacher, they must understand the commitment they are signing up for. If they don’t want to be the teacher, they can hire outside help as well.
No matter where you are, or what school your child ends up at, they might still need academic help. That’s where we come in. Miles Smart Tutoring nationwide online and in-person one-on-one tutoring services in over 50 subjects. If you’re interested in hearing more or would like to set up a free tutoring consultation, you can visit www.milessmarttutoring.com or give us a Call at (813) 238-3036.
