From the time we decide to try to conceive or to adopt, parenthood is about choices. We agonize over the right name, spend hours researching car seat safety, and ask everyone we know to recommend the best pediatrician. So why, then, do so many of us approach our children’s education as if there are no choices? I think maybe some of us don’t realize how many options there are. And some of us, perhaps, have just never thought about education as a choice. We attended our local public school, so we assume that’s what our children will do, too. But times have changed, and so has education. Now there are choices, ranging from the public schools to a wide variety of private schools to homeschooling our own children. As parents, we need to take the time to research the options and decide which option is best for our child. But where do we begin? As we choose, we need to look at three areas. First, we need to know our children. Then we need to determine our goals for our children. Finally, we need to research the educational options available to us. When we are armed with all this information, we can make an informed decision about how best to educate our children.

Knowing Our Children
First and foremost, who is your child? Make a list of words that describe your child. Think about her strengths. What are her weaknesses? What is his favorite thing to do? How brave is he? Does she like to play alone, or is she outgoing? How well does he separate from you? Is she high energy or low energy? What are his fears? What kind of job can you see her doing in the future?

Determining Our Goals for Our Children
Stop and think about your dreams for this child. What are your immediate goals for him? Which of those weaknesses do you most want to see her overcome, and which ones will no longer be weaknesses when she grows up? What are your long-term goals for him? Is your primary objective to teach her your values and religious beliefs? Do you most want to see him succeed in a career and become wealthy? What do you see your child doing in high school? Are athletics important to you? Do you want her to be the homecoming queen? Do you want your child to be able to carry on conversations in a second language, or to be able to discuss politics at length? Is using a computer an important skill? Write down your hopes and dreams for your child.

Researching the Educational Options
Next, it’s time for some research. What types of schools are available to you? In most areas, the choices include public schools, private schools, and home schooling. Some areas also offer charter schools and magnet schools, as well as cyber schools, today’s version of a correspondence course. Here are some questions to help you evaluate each option.

Is your local public school a safe place? What is its reputation academically? Does it offer special programs that will meet your child’s needs? How happy with the school are other parents in your community? Are there any bad reports about it? Would it detract from sharing your values with your child?

Are there charter schools or magnet schools available to you? If so, is there a waiting list? What does your child have to do to get in? Does the program seem like a good fit for your child?

Are there private schools in your area? Do you share their religious beliefs, if they are religious schools? Would your child qualify if they are academically discriminating schools? What opportunities does the school offer? Does it have an athletic program or other programs that are important to you? How much do they cost? Are there scholarships available? How much time are parents required to volunteer at the school? Try to talk to parents who send their children to any schools you may consider and find out what they like or don’t like.

Are you interested in a cyber school? In some states, these are offered as a charter school. Is that the case in your state? How much does it cost? Who provides the computer equipment and pays for the internet connection? Is the entire program online, or are there text books or workbooks as well? How many hours a day will your child spend on the computer? How much contact is there with a teacher? How often is a tech person available for any computer glitches that may occur?

What about home schooling? Are you interested in teaching your own children? Is there a support group in your area? What are the laws about home education in your state? (http://www.hslda.org is a good source for this information.) Which parent would do the majority of the teaching? What types of curriculum are you interested in? How much will curriculum and any extra lessons or memberships cost?


Making Your Choice
Now that you've done your homework, all that's left is to put this information together. In many cases, as you are doing the research, one option will just seem to "fit" with your child and your family. Sometimes, though, there will be two options that seem equally appealing. In that case, your best bet is to talk, talk, and talk some more to parents who have chosen each of these options. The forums here at Womens-Place are a great place to start. One thing to remember as you make your decision: although this is a very important choice, it is not irrevocable. You can always change your mind at a later date, as you and your child learn even more about the options. And as you choose the best possible education for your children, join us at the Womens-Place forum for advice and friendship with other parents who are making the best choices for their children!


~Written by our very own Host Dini, Homeschooler and mother of 4.