This is a continuation of the post, Educational options:Public, private, magnet schools and more
Charter School
What is a Charter School – The first charter school in the United States opened in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1993. Charter schools are described as a cross between public and private schools. They are granted a “charter” or contract by the local school board to operate as if it were an independent school for a period of time (usually 3-5 years). During the contract period, charter schools are given a lot of freedom from regulations that other public schools have to follow. In return for this freedom, charter schools have to produce positive academic results during the charter period or the School Board may not renew their charter.
Girl reading in Home School
What is Home School – In general, the makeup of a home-schooling family is fairly traditional. In 1999, the most recent year for which NCES (Nationa Center for Educational Statistics) has figures, some 850,000 students between the ages of 5 and 17 were being schooled at home. Approximately 697,000 of these children are schooled completely in their homes; the remaining 153,000 are schooled primarily in their homes but also go part-time to a traditional school.
The most common reason parents give for home-schooling (a reason voiced by nearly all of them) is that they feel they can provide a better education for their children at home than the schools can. Home schooling is a lifestyle and a commitment. Local home schooling groups are usually the best source of precise information about how to fulfill the requirements of the home schooling laws in your state.
What is Distance Learning – Distance learning is the use of telecommunications technologies to broadcast classes from a central location to varied locations. Since the late 1980s, it has been used in elementary and high schools. Distance learning provides access to lessons not otherwise available. This arrangement is useful for students living in remote rural areas, but it also proves effective in urban locations. Many distance learning programs are interactive and thus engage children in a way designed to hold their attention.
Montessori School
What is a Montessori School – Their namesake is a turn-of-the-century educator who preached the virtues of holistic, child-centered learning. The Montessori approach usually means no grades and an individualized curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning. The practical application of the Montessori method is based on human tendencies— to explore, move, share with a group, to be independent and make decisions, create order, develop self-control, abstract ideas from experience, use the creative imagination, work hard, repeat, concentrate, and perfect one’s efforts. Though most are private elementary schools, a few public magnet schools specialize in the Montessori approach.
Maggie learning to read
What is Special Education – This is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students’ individual differences and needs. Common special education needs include challenges with learning, communication challenges, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disorders, and developmental disorders. In most developed countries, educators are modifying teaching methods and environments so that the maximum number of students are served in general education environments. Special education in developed countries is often regarded less as a “place” and more as “a range of services, available in every school.”
Students with special needs can be included full time in regular classes in public and private school. They are often mainstreamed meaning, they spend specified time during the day in regular classrooms and the rest in a resource room. Some special needs students are segregated in special classrooms or separate schools. Many special needs students are educated at home.
I am sure that I missed a few options but this list should be a help to those who are trying to decide what type of education is right for their child.
If you are educating your children at home or just want to have a “blast” with your children, you might want to check out how to make a volcano for school.
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