You have a choice.
The days of being stuck with the traditional public school down the street, whether it’s a good situation for your teen or not, are over.
Parents of middle and high school students are considering alternative education options for their teens now more than ever.
At House of Hope, we have seen the impact of a personalized approach to education with our resident teens. Those struggling quickly come up to or exceed state standards, and those who once struggled with insecurity become confident students.
For those of us raised in public schools, the idea of being able to choose where we send our kids to school can seem foreign. And once kids hit the teen years, it seems locked in, no matter what.
Here’s the truth.
Nothing is locked in; you do have a choice, and even more, if things aren’t going well where they are, your teen may desperately need you to consider the options they don’t even know they have.
If your teen has been getting into trouble, fallen into depression, or is struggling academically, changing their academic setting may be a big part of the solution.
You can find a school where your teen’s personality, gifts, and academic strengths flourish. Here’s how.
Why Consider Other Schooling Options for Your Teen?
So many parents lament about their teens being bullied, being without a solid group of friends, or struggling academically. Yet, they never consider the possibility of seeking out a better option.
All children are created uniquely by God. Not every schooling option fits every teen, especially as they move into these challenging years. Here are a few questions to ask as you consider whether a change is right for your teen:
- Does your teen’s current school provide a positive peer group? Are they hanging out with the right crowd or getting into more trouble than they used to?
- Is your teen being bullied?
- Is your teen struggling academically?
- Are there extra-curricular options for your teen that fit their interests?
If the answer to any one of these questions is not as it should be, it may be time to consider a change.
What Are the Options?
Most people grew up knowing that the school down the street was the school they attended. Things have changed!
In addition to your nearest traditional public school, other options include:
1. Public Charter School
A charter school is a tuition-free public school that is allowed extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. These schools often function much like a private school.
2. Public Magnet School
Magnet schools are free public schools that allow students to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as engineering, the performing arts, or STEM-focused. At a magnet school, all subjects are taught through that specific track’s lens.
3. Private School
A private school is not subject to government requirements and is self-governing. It can be religious or not. Private schools are tuition-based. Not all private schools are created equal, so you’ll want to tour any potential campuses and interview the staff to determine if the needs that aren’t currently being met will be offered in this new setting.
Learn more about school choice options in your state HERE.
4. Homeschool
You may not feel qualified to homeschool, but you are! With its popularity at an all-time high, there’s no better time to dive into the world of homeschooling with abundant resources and access to support. And it’s never too late to start. Many parents pull their middle school or high school students to homeschool for the first time due to challenges with peers that have caused anxiety, depression, or poor behavior in their teens.
An added benefit is the government-funded dual enrollment programs many community colleges offer. This allows teens to take courses for college credit that also satisfy high school graduation requirements, opening the opportunity to graduate high school with two years of college already completed!
Working parents and single parents alike have tapped into this option for their teens because there are so many online and co-op resources for older students.
If you choose to bring your teen home to work toward their high school graduation, you don’t have to be concerned about social interaction. Homeschooling has become so popular that there are many options available today for sports, clubs, youth groups, and other extracurricular activities.
We encourage you to do your own research to find which option will best fit you and your teen, but some options to consider include:
To learn the laws in your state regarding homeschooling, check out The Homeschool Legal Defense Association’s map with homeschool laws by state HERE.
How to Make the Switch Positive
The decision to change schools is not one to take lightly. Discuss the options with your teen and pray about the matter together. After consideration, you may decide your teen is best off staying put.
But if you discover a better option, be sure to come alongside your teen and ease any apprehensions they might have. Facilitate a smooth transition, and if peer groups aren’t the issue, reassure them that you can work to maintain those friendships.
Be confident in your decision. Your confidence will give your teen more security.
Once you’ve decided, don’t lose sleep over it or question it. Protecting your teen and providing them with the best environment to learn and thrive is one of the most loving things you’ll do as a parent.
For a list of charter, magnet, and private schools near you, check out this search tool.
