There are more than one type of high school you can send your teen to in the US. Choosing the right school may not always be a choice for some parents. However, for those who want to increase their child’s ability to pursue their passions, alternate high schools may be the right fit. Here are some options parents should consider for their teens.
Private
Private schools include everything not considered public. You can take them to a traditional private school focusing on a particular religious denomination or other doctrine. Sending your child to sports boarding schools in USA gives them the benefit of a sports-focused program with rigorous academics. Students live at the boarding school while they attend classes. Montessori schools offer educational opportunities starting in early childhood throughout high school helping students focus on their own interests. Parochial schools are religiously funded usually by the church they are next to. Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools focus on particular styles of thinking. Language immersion programs allow a student to be fully immersed in a second language allowing them to become fluent. The federal government does not fund private schools, but many do have scholarships and grants they offer to students who qualify to make attending less taxing on families.
Public
Beyond the standard public high school commonly found in neighborhoods, students can attend other publicly-funded schools such as online schools, magnet schools and charter schools. Magnet schools often feature a specific focus such as girls’ leadership, STEM programs or even athletics. Charter schools have become increasingly popular in many urban areas as the public school system works to meet the needs of their increasingly diverse student populations. There are many respected charter school companies operating in a variety of urban areas. Many of the alternative public schools require a parent to fill out an application form to apply to attend. However, unlike private schools, these schools receive public funding and require no payments from the parents.
Choice
When choosing a school for your child to attend high school, it is important to look beyond the local high school. To meet the needs of your child, evaluate what they need to be successful, your family values and what is available locally. Private education is not out of reach for many families given that there is often money available to help those from lower incomes. Talk with the advisors and staff of any schools you are interested in your child attending prior to making a decision.