School options, what are they and why are they important?

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As families we may not know exactly what are the school options you have for your students. The first question to ask yourself is what are your goals and what does education look like to you. There are many opinions on what education should be and traditionally in the United States that means going to a school building four or five times a week and receiving your education from a staff of educators. However, there are many different ways to learn and families can choose to send their children to school, or they may elect to take an online education program. Some schools have a hybrid program where students do both in person and online learning. Additionally, families can choose to homeschool their children. When families homeschool they are choosing more than the child’s schedule and location, they are also choosing the content and it’s implementation.

A families educational journey will be unique and should be personal. Start by thinking about what is going to be the best for your whole family and each individual child. If you homeschool for example, you will need to create a schedule. Ask yourself which adults in my family will be present to assist and care for your children while they are younger and unable to do so independently in a homeschool setting? If you send your children to a more traditional school setting you may need to provide transportation or have accommodations for them when they return home.

Lastly, each state has specific requirements for when students need to be in school and if they are going to be homeschooled what they need to be taught. For example, in my state, students can be “unschooled “ as part of a homeschooling program. Unschooling literally means that you as a family can choose to not teach your child anything “formally“ and let them learn naturally. As a certified teacher and former homeschool parent, I personally would not choose unschooling, but if it works for your family then only you would be able to make that decision. Part of homeschooling is the freedom to be able to make critical decisions about your children's education. My advice is to ensure that your wishes for your child will not hinder them in their adulthood.

I have taught my children in an actual classroom, and as a homeschool teacher and both are excellent options. Each of those educational environments were an acceptable option for my children when I needed them. If you are just starting your educational journey and would like to consult with me please complete my contact form! When I find tools or just fun things that can help you out I will also post about them here. Please be aware that I don’t recommend anything that I don’t or wouldn’t use and if I have any affiliation with the product or company I will notify you so that you can be aware. Otherwise please enjoy my blog and be blessed.