Homeschooling used to be the go-to option for parents who wanted to take their child’s education into their own hands. But the truth is, homeschooling isn’t for everyone. It takes a lot of dedication, time, and resources to properly educate a child at home. And let’s face it: not all of us are cut out to be teachers.
That’s where charter schools come in. Charter schools are publicly funded schools that are operated by independent organizations. This means that they have the freedom to innovate and experiment with different teaching methods and curriculums, while still being held accountable for student achievement.
So why might charter schools be a better option for some families? Let’s take a look:
Charter schools provide a structured learning environment
Homeschooling can be great for kids who thrive in a flexible, self-paced learning environment. But for many kids, a structured learning environment is crucial for their success. Charter schools provide a daily schedule and a clear set of expectations, which can help kids stay focused and motivated.
In addition to a structured learning environment, charter schools are also often smaller than traditional public schools, which can create a more personalized learning experience for students. Additionally, because charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, they have the flexibility to experiment with different teaching methods and curriculum, which can be beneficial for students who learn best in a non-traditional way.
Charter schools offer a wide range of resources and extracurricular activities
Homeschool can be hard for kids who may not have access to the same resources and extracurricular activities as their peers in traditional schools. Charter schools often offer a wide range of resources that make kids feel like they fit in better with their traditionally educated friends. From science labs and art studios to sports teams and clubs, the charter route can help kids develop a well-rounded set of skills and social experiences without parents feeling like they’re having to hand their kids over to a system they don’t trust.
Charter schools can also provide opportunities that some kids may not have access to through homeschooling—especially if they don’t have siblings, or if they live in an area without many homeschool families. In a charter school, kids can interact with their peers on a daily basis, which can help them develop important social skills, such as communication and collaboration. This can also provide a sense of community for kids and their families, who may be isolated from others who share their educational goals and values. In addition, charter schools often have a diverse student body, which can provide kids with the opportunity to learn from and interact with peers from different backgrounds and cultures.
Charter schools provide a sense of community
Another potential downside of homeschooling is that it can sometimes prove a bit too isolating for both the child and the parent. Charter schools tend to provide a sense of community and connection with other students and families. This can be especially important for kids whose parents want an alternative, but don’t feel like their home setting is necessarily the best environment. Many charter schools even offer support and resources for parents, such as workshops and parent-teacher organizations.
Not all parents feel qualified to teach their kids, and some parents don’t have the ability to stay home with their kids. For those families, it’s comforting to know that charter schools are held accountable for student achievement and are required to meet certain standards, so parents can trust that their child is receiving a well-rounded education. In addition, charter schools often have a lower student-to-teacher ratio than traditional public schools, which can provide kids with more individualized attention and support. This can be especially beneficial for kids who may struggle in a traditional classroom setting.
The Tuttle Twins are great no matter how you educate
So while homeschooling can be a great option for many families, charter schools offer a number of benefits that make them a better choice for some parents. The good news is that the Tuttle Twins books and curriculum are a great fit for however you choose to educate your kids.
Whether a teacher incorporates our America’s History book and curriculum into their classroom, or a family takes advantage of the dinner conversation starters in our Free Market Rules! economics curriculum, our content is perfectly adaptable to the needs of everyone in your family—regardless of what your unique school setting looks like. We even have board books to introduce your toddlers to the ABC’s of Liberty, because it’s never too early to learn the principles of a free and prosperous society!