Let’s be real, one of the most daunting decisions a lot of us mothers face is having to choose the right type of schooling for our child. Whether you’re a new mother or a seasoned mother, with your 1st or 6th child, it doesn’t matter. Education is still a priority for most of us and for good reason. No one wants to see their child fail. No, ma’am. Not now, not ever!
Some mothers may choose to enroll their child in the nearest school or in a school that all of their friends’ children go to, while other mothers may choose to weigh out all of their options first. The truth is there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every family is unique; what may work for your family may not work for mine and vice versa. It’s not really about how we choose our child’s school, it’s just about being intentional with choosing the school that best fits our child’s unique needs and interests.
Consider the schools’ curriculum, class size, quality of teachers, financial resources, extra-curricular activities and programs, and cost. Not all schools are created equally. So, use this ultimate guide as a resource to refer back to. There is A LOT of valuable information below. But Girl, this is not your end-all-be-all, there is always more to learn.
Homeschools
– Curriculum: Homeschools have a curriculum and lesson plan that is specifically tailored to each child’s individual needs and interests. There is also a wide variety of learning material, such as educational videos, workbooks, and textbooks. Homeschools also allow for flexibility in scheduling and location. The advantage of having full control over your child’s education is infinite, but it can equally be a disadvantage for some, who lack structure and accountability.
– Class Size: Homeschools provide one-on-one or small group instruction. The class size depends on the ages and amount of school-aged children in the home. If a child is being homeschooled full-time, they may have limited social interaction and collaboration with peers. However, some parents do choose to enroll their child in a “dual enrollment” or “part-time” enrollment program, which allows access to certain classes and resources, as well as opportunities for socialization and interactions with peers. This varies by state and school district.
– Teacher Quality: Homeschooling parents’ credentials differ in terms of whether or not they have a teacher certification or degree. This does leave room for the possibility of gaps in a student’s education if the teacher lacks the expertise to cover all necessary subjects or experience to provide a curriculum that is comprehensive enough.
– Financial Resources: Homeschooling parents have to rely heavily upon their own research and financial capabilities, so their access to resources varies from one family to another. However, some families do have access to grants and scholarships, educational discounts, and resources shared amongst homeschooling co-ops or groups.
– Extracurricular Activities & Programs: Homeschooling families have the flexibility to choose extracurricular activities and programs that align with their child’s interest as well as their wallet.
– Cost: Homeschools can be very costly when considering the expenses for learning materials as well as the potential income the family is forfeiting when one parent chooses to stay at home to teach the child.
Private Schools
– Curriculum: Private schools have a more structured curriculum that varies greatly from school to school. It has a lack of freedom in scheduling and curriculum as well as an added pressure to maintain high academic performance. Due to its high academic standards though, it may help prepare students for college and future careers, as well as offer Advanced Placement courses (AP) with a potential for college credit.
– Class Size: Private schools have a smaller class size and are able to provide a more intimate and supportive learning environment. The diversity of the student population varies widely by location and is generally based on admission factors. They are typically more selective in their admission process.
– Teacher Quality: Private schools are more likely to have higher standards for the teachers they hire, so the teachers may be more skillful there overall. But, this is not always the case.
– Financial Resources: Private schools have limited access to public funding or scholarships. But, they do typically receive funds from tuition, donations, grants, endowments, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and more. The resources for private schools can be negatively impacted by financial challenges in the area, increasing competition from other schools, and economic downturns or fluctuations in the housing market, impacting enrollment and tuition revenue.
– Extracurricular Activities & Programs: Private schools may offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and programs, such as clubs and organizations, community service opportunities, STEM programs, music and drama programs, sports, and more. They also may offer college counseling and career development services.
– Cost: Private schools are typically expensive, which can make private education inaccessible for a lot of families. However, some private schools do offer financial aid options, in order to make it more affordable and accessible.
Public Schools
– Curriculum: Public schools have a state-mandated curriculum that is less flexible. It can also have the added pressure of standardized testing, which sometimes incorporates a “teach to test” mentality, instead of a “teach to learn.” Public schools are subject to government regulation and oversight as well as political pressure.
– Class Size: Public schools have larger class sizes, which may make it more difficult for teachers to provide individualized attention. However, some of them do offer additional instruction for students, who are struggling in certain subjects. Public schools also typically have a more diverse student body, depending on location and school district.
– Teacher Quality: Public schools have certified teachers, who have completed a bachelor’s degree in education and a state-approved teacher preparation program. Some states even require teachers to participate in ongoing professional development and continuing education, in order to remain certified. But, the quality of teachers does differ. Some teachers may be highly qualified and amazing at their jobs. In contrast, other teachers may struggle due to a lack of experience, large class sizes, limited resources, lack of community and district support for education, a student body with diverse needs, or all of the above.
– Financial Resources: Public schools may receive a number of resources from the state and local government, federal grants, and donations from local businesses and community organizations. The number of resources and funding will vary, depending on the state, district, socioeconomic status of the student population, the amount of local taxpayer support, and local and state funding priorities. In some school districts, there may be inadequate resources, outdated technology and equipment, and limited staffing.
– Extracurricular Activities & Programs: Public schools may offer a variety of extracurricular activities and programs as well, including sports, STEM programs, music and drama programs, clubs and organizations, community service opportunities, and more. They also provide programs and services for English language learners and students with disabilities.
– Cost: Public schools are the most affordable option. They’re typically known as the “free” option since they are generally funded by the government. But as the saying goes, “nothing in life is free,” and this isn’t any different. There may be out-of-pocket expenses for certain extracurricular activities, school supplies, and field trips.
Okay! What A LOT to process…
Look at it this way, I gave you a lot to think about. It’s not so much about what you decide, it’s more about the reason why you decided it. Pick a school for your child where they will feel seen, heard, and valued, where they can grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially, and where people will support them every step of the way.
None of this is easy. I mean, barely anything about motherhood is. But, ALL of this is necessary. You got this, Mama!
