Every parent wants the best education possible for his or her child. Public charter school choices increase across the country every day, allowing parents and students the opportunity to find a program that will fulfill the academic needs of their family.

When selecting a charter school research is the key. Visit school websites to learn about the mission and focus, talk to current students and their parents, set up a school visit during school hours and interview the principal and teachers. Consider the following questions and objectives during your search:

1. What educational need does a particular charter school meet that the others don’t?

2. What is the class size?  

3. What is the particular type of curriculum and learning format?

4. What is the level of teacher interaction?  

5. Most importantly, during your search eliminate any schools that do not meet your child’s academic needs.

Remember, brochures and test scores do not tell the whole story of any school.

“Personally I find the benefits of a public charter school education are priceless,” said K12 parent Anita Walls. “The online campus of the charter school balances the importance of academic rigor with a child’s desire to explore additional outside activities during school hours. Each day the educational goals of the child are presented through the online school (OLS) and the parents, along with the teachers, oversee the mastery of the topics for each subject. The K12 curriculum is a rich, challenging program that allows the child to be motivated and engaged. Home education with accountability has been an academic reality for seven years, allowing children to flourish intellectually.”  

Because of the flexibility of schedule, the student can participate in an afternoon pottery/ceramics class in which he/she explores creative passions. Through scheduled school events, students can attend local museums and theater performances on field trips with other students.

Through K12, students also have participated in online clubs, online summer camps, the Winterland Competition (gingerbread house building) and the Advanced Learner Program (ALP) in which students have participated in gardening, cooking and book club, connecting with other online learners across the country.

“It is great for parents to have the option of a virtual charter school because all children learn differently and thrive in different environments,” Walls said. “Being able to create that environment at home, and know that K12 has the ability to customize a program according to a student’s needs, frees parents to educate their children in a one-on-one situation. Weekly class connect sessions (online class with teachers) and conferences with teachers (who monitor the individual student’s needs) means there is someone to help troubleshoot any problems that may arise.”

For information and to learn more call (501) 664-4225 or visit ARVA.K12.com.