The Ongoing School Debate: Public, Private, or Online School

1. Article The Ongoing School Debate: Public, Private, or Online School? The topic of school choice is part of never-ending educational discussions among families and cities across the country. Issues often arise in areas where the public school system, the typical default choice, isn’t performing well or providing the opportunities that parents want for their children. For students who want to attend a public school outside their assigned district, permission may be granted if there is adequate room and/or appropriate reasons are given. However, another public school might not be what a family is looking for once they start to consider all their options. Charter schools offer an alternative to public schools. They offer free education and are generally created independently by members of the community, parents, and teachers. These schools differ from public schools in that they are autonomously operated, and parents must submit an application for admission. Many charter schools are expected to meet a high level of performance and parents are strongly encouraged to take part in the experience. Quality and approach vary across charter schools. KIPP, one of the highest performing charter school networks, lists high expectations, a focus on character and highly effective teachers and leaders as key elements in its approach. Other charter schools may have different philosophies. Magnet schools are another option similar to charter schools, though they are usually focused on a particular area of study, such as the arts or sciences and may require that students meet certain academic standards for admission. Private schools are independently operated and tuition-based (many offer generous financial aid programs). They may be secular or religious; have a specific academic focus or be more generalized; and may beday schools or offer boarding. Families usually select a private school when its educational philosophy aligns with their own beliefs. Home school is another parental belief-based option. In the home school setting, parents typically serveas instructors, though they may draw from a variety of resources to help them design courses and learning experiences. Virtual or online schools hold classes online. Some virtual schools are part of the public school system, while others are private online schools and charge tuition. As with any type of school, online schools vary greatly. At the top of the market, a new class of selective, elite online schools has emerged and provides a well-rounded education on par with the best schools in the world. Dwight Global Online School, which focuses on personalization, academic rigor, and community, is a leader in this class. At Dwight Global, academic experiences are supplemented with online seminars from guests worldwide and opportunities to meet classmates and teachers at one of Dwight’s four campuses (New York, London, Seoul, Shanghai). Elite online schools like Dwight Global are an excellent choice for families without an ideal local schooling option, but who don’t want to consider boarding school. They are also an excellent choice for high school athletes or performers who need flexibility to pursue their sport or craft but don’t want to compromise the quality of their education. Choosing the right school can be a daunting

2. Article process for some families and their children. Understanding the different types of schools and educational experiences available can help families find the best fit for them. About Company Founded in 1872, with campuses in New York, London, Seoul, and Shanghai, Dwight provides an international independent school education dedicated to igniting the spark of genius in every child. Dwight Global Online School combines real-time seminars and Oxford-style tutorials to create the independent school in the cloud. A Dwight education knows no limits.