04-04-2008, 05:45 PM
I am currently a teacher in Boston at a charter school and am moving to the big island this summer. I have looked into both the public and charter schools and here is my honest take.
Changing the kids schools always robs them of at least 3 months of real education. Even if they are getting all their work in they are most focused on learning a new environment then they are learning math and science. I would say if your kids are self motivated learners they are going to get a good education no matter where they are. Especially if they have dedicated parents like yourself.
Charter schools are great schools, but they are designed to get at the more difficult learners. Many of them sacrifice academic proficiency in reading and writing or basic math skills to spend more time on inspiring the students. I love teaching at a charter. We have a lot of students who would not have been successful in any other environment, but I do look at some of my more advanced students and wish we spent more time with academic skills so they will be better prepared for college.
If you still are not sure I would say wait and see. If a spot becomes available take some time and visit the school (don't take the kids) they are going to try and show you all the great ways they include the students in all aspects of education, which is all great, but ask to see some student work, Ask to watch a class, look at the state test scores (although the tests are evil schools that push skills will always score higher) like anything the perfect school is one that is perfect for your kids.
Good Luck
Changing the kids schools always robs them of at least 3 months of real education. Even if they are getting all their work in they are most focused on learning a new environment then they are learning math and science. I would say if your kids are self motivated learners they are going to get a good education no matter where they are. Especially if they have dedicated parents like yourself.
Charter schools are great schools, but they are designed to get at the more difficult learners. Many of them sacrifice academic proficiency in reading and writing or basic math skills to spend more time on inspiring the students. I love teaching at a charter. We have a lot of students who would not have been successful in any other environment, but I do look at some of my more advanced students and wish we spent more time with academic skills so they will be better prepared for college.
If you still are not sure I would say wait and see. If a spot becomes available take some time and visit the school (don't take the kids) they are going to try and show you all the great ways they include the students in all aspects of education, which is all great, but ask to see some student work, Ask to watch a class, look at the state test scores (although the tests are evil schools that push skills will always score higher) like anything the perfect school is one that is perfect for your kids.
Good Luck