If you're a parent who has decided that the charter school route is ideal for your child, one of your first and most important choices is finding the ideal program to enroll them in. There are several key qualities you should be looking for here to ensure that your child is getting a great charter school experience.
At Summit Academy, we're happy to detail any of the tenets of our quality public charter school programs, from our enrollment policies to our curriculum, parental approaches and much more. What are some of the qualities that effective charter school programs tend to possess, and which you should be looking for as you find the ideal program for your child or children? Here are some tips.
A Clear, Defined Mission
One of the most important aspects to look for in a quality charter school is that it has a clear and defined mission. A good mission statement will be concise yet reflect the core values of the school. It should also present an overall viewpoint on education and how the school wants to approach it.
This mission will be reflected all the way from the governing board of the school to the teachers and staff. It's important that any charter school you look at has a clearly defined mission, as this will help ensure your child is getting the most out of their educational experience.
Accreditation & Licensure
Make sure to check for accreditation and licensure when it comes to any charter school you’re considering. Accreditation and licensure will typically be granted by a regional or national board of education, and the school should proudly display their credentials.
This is an important component to look for as it ensures that the school meets certain educational standards and provides your child with access to quality instruction, curriculum and resources.
Student-Focused Educating
A major part of the reason many parents choose charter schools is that they provide an opportunity for personalized instruction and education plans. This is why it's important to make sure that the charter school in question has a student-focused approach to teaching.
This means looking for schools that offer individualized lesson plans, small class sizes and plenty of opportunities to engage with the material. You should also ensure that the school has a rigorous academic program that is designed to help your child reach their full potential.
Parent Engagement in Multiple Ways
Another vital quality to look for in a charter school is its approach to parent engagement. A quality charter school should offer multiple ways for you, the parent, to get involved with your child's education. This can include opportunities such as attending parent-teacher conferences and workshops, being part of the PTA or similar organizations, and participating in various extracurricular activities.
By engaging with the school, you can ensure that your child is getting the best education possible and all their needs are being met.
Recruitment and Hiring Tactics
You should also be asking about the recruitment and hiring tactics used by the charter school. Quality schools should take a very thorough approach to recruit teachers, administrators and other staff members, ensuring they are well-trained in their field of expertise.
The school should also be able to provide you with evidence of their strict background checking procedures as well as how they assess and monitor employee performance. All of this is vital in ensuring your child's safety and well-being while they’re attending the school.
Flexibility for Changes
While it's important to make sure your child is getting a quality education, it's just as important to make sure they're having fun. That’s why one of the final things you should look for in a charter school is their approach to flexibility when it comes to changes and additions to the curriculum.
This could include offering additional classes or activities for students who may require more or different learning opportunities, as well as allowing the school to make adjustments to the curriculum when needed. This can give your child a chance to explore new interests and find out what really drives them in their academic pursuits.
Finding the perfect charter school for your child doesn't have to be an overwhelming process. With the right set of qualities in mind, you can be sure to find the ideal program for your child's needs and interests. From checking for accreditation and licensure to recruiting quality teaching staff, there are many important considerations that you should be mindful of when selecting a charter school for your child. With these tips in mind, you’ll have a much better chance of finding the ideal charter school for your child.
For more here, or to learn about any of our charter school programs, staff or other qualities, speak to our team at Summit Academy today.