While a good high school education is the foundation for success, the traditional education system doesn’t always work for all students. Some students need a different approach, while others may be returning to complete their high school diplomas after spending some time in the workforce. Public school alternatives like charter schools help such students to achieve their academic and career goals. With innovative programs and teaching methods and supportive teachers, they are tailored to students and parents looking for an alternative to the high school system.
Getting a high school diploma makes a difference
A high school diploma is the basis for a successful career. And not having this qualification can have negative consequences, such as lower earnings across a lifetime. Research from DoSomething.org shows that someone who does not graduate from high school will earn $200,000 less in total income over their lifetime than someone who graduates from high school.
This is just one reason why the vast majority of Americans consider a high school diploma a basic asset. As of 2017, about 90% of the population over the age of 25 years had a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While the majority of students gain their high school diploma from a public high school, the system is not suitable for all students. In such cases, high school alternatives like charter schools may be the answer.
Why choose alternatives to public high school?
Public school alternatives like accredited tuition-free charter schools use innovative methods and a student-centered approach to help students gain their high school diplomas. Successful high school alternative programs help to ensure that each student gets the individualized attention he or she needs. Teachers and staff are committed to helping students meet their educational and careers goals, whether these involve going on to college, or vocational training, or joining the workforce.
These public school alternatives have a good track record of success, which is why their enrollment numbers are growing rapidly. According to figures from the National Center for Education Statistics at the U.S. Department of Education, the number of students enrolled in charter schools has risen from around 1.8 million students in the 2010-2011 school year to 3 million for the 2015-2016 school year.
What do public school alternatives offer?
Charter schools offer a very different environment from traditional public schools. All educational programs and curricula are individualized to help students meet their goals. Some students may prefer an accelerated curriculum while others will benefit from being able to catch up on classes from a computer.
Some students may be falling behind in their schoolwork in public high school setting. In that case, the individualized attention they can get from teachers and staff at an alternative high school can help them succeed. A variety of teaching and delivery methods are used to help students progress at their own pace.
A high school diploma is a basic foundation for a student’s career and life. However, many students struggle in a traditional public high school setting. Others may be returning to complete their diplomas later in life. Public school alternatives like tuition-free charter school programs can help all such students to reach for their goals with a firm footing.
