The Benefits of School Choice

For many children school serves as more than a locale for intellectual development, it serves as a space for improving, building, and refining their behavioral and social abilities. For many children with disabilities, the traditional classroom may not be the best environment to nurture their skills.

When this is the case, School Choice programs offer alternatives to parents who do not want to send their child to the locally assigned public school. Through this program, public education funding is allocated to a student, and follows them to the school or service that best fits their needs.

School Choice Options

There are many educational choice options available for parents to choose from, including:

Public Schools

Public schools are learning facilities funded by local, state, and/or federal governments. They typically offer students general education opportunities, and the district’s curriculum is often developed to adhere to state and federal regulations.

Public schools are required, by law, to teach children with special needs, pay for many services and therapies, and provide appropriate support. However, public schools are often underfunded and may quickly be overwhelmed by the needs of students with disabilities. The public school environment may also increase the likelihood of bullying or marginalization.

Depending on the local public school, a parent may decide that it is best to seek education for their child elsewhere.

Public Charter Schools

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently of the public school system. They are run by nonprofit or for-profit organizations and are exempt from many of the requirements stated by local and state boards of education.

As public schools, charter schools are free to attend and cannot require students to meet special entrance requirements. Charter schools are also required to serve children’s needs, and they are typically smaller than most public schools, which may be a better fit for certain children.

Additionally, neurodiverse students may find their abilities better supported by charter schools because of the more hands-on, service-learning educational model they follow. This can help to support a child’s unique learning style and strengths.

Private Schools

Private schools are run by private organizations and typically require tuition. Additionally, since they do not operate under the government, they are not held to the government’s standards.

Private schools can pick the students they accept, which may mean that they can turn away your child if they feel your child requires more care than their general student.

However, there are private schools specifically intended for children with disabilities, which are staffed with employees who are able to work with disabled children. In addition, being surrounded by other children with special needs makes it more likely for your child to be socially accepted.

District-Supported Homeschooling Options

Homeschooling is always an option for those who discover that their children cannot handle the environment of school or are not properly supported by the schools nearby. Families of children with special needs often find that homeschooling gives greater control and flexibility in the curriculum and setting of the child’s education.

Additionally, the district can help with homeschooling by offering computer-based learning tools or supplying tutors.

Benefits of the School Choice Program

The School Choice program helps to improve educational outcomes by expanding the options available for parents of neurodiverse children, such as those with Autism or ADHD. In fact, many School Choice programs have been created specifically for children with special needs because they are otherwise left behind.

For parents looking for an alternative educational option that better fits their child’s needs and works for them, the School Choice programs allow for this flexibility.