Parents should be able to invest in their child’s future by sending them to a school that best fits their educational needs. School choice is a term that has its roots in allowing parents to choose which school to send their children within their district. It has expanded to become a broader term that now includes other alternative options. With the Florida Scholarship program in effect, it opens the opportunity for private tuition-based schools to be a choice as well.
Along with the public schools, for which families are zoned, there are magnets, charters, parochial, and private independent schools, as well as the choice to home school. Following COVID-19’s impact on school choice, we now have the additional choice of virtual learning.
In the independent private school sector, there are an abundance of choices. Research studies have shown that having options in education creates a better school system and the competitive factor leads to outcomes of improved academics.
Selecting a school also requires parents to make more decisions. Not all public schools go through an accreditation process and not all private schools do. Accreditation agencies vary, and this requires a higher level of scrutiny for parents. It is important to always ask if the school is accredited and by whom.
Accrediting organizations promote professional, ethical, and educational excellence while assuring that their member schools maintain high standards and independence. For a private independent school, independence allows a school to set its curriculum and standards apart from financial and administrative governmental restraints.
Choosing the best avenue to direct your investments can be daunting. Investing in your child’s future by choosing the best school for their individual needs is now possible and can be your priority.
Christina Miller Owner/Head of School Millhopper Montessori School, LLC