Sometimes choices make life more complicated. Take school for example. Do you choose the seemingly easier route and send the kids to the local public school? Or is a charter school a better option? What about private school? Are the benefits worth the cost and does it even make sense in your budget?

The beauty of this decision is that I don’t believe there is necessarily a right or wrong answer when it comes to school choice. It all comes down to preference.

Although I don’t have any kids of my own and haven’t been faced with these questions myself, I believe I have a bit of insight on this seemingly difficult topic.

See, my educational route was a bit unconventional.

From the start of my schooling years through seventh grade, I was home-schooled. Home-schooling is, I believe, by far the most individualized type of education. It’s definitely not a fit for every family, but I loved it.

We got to take field trips whenever my mom felt like getting out of the house, I was best friends with my siblings and we were able to focus on subjects that we were passionate about. After seventh grade, I skipped eighth grade (proof that home schooling worked wonderfully) and went straight into public high school. It was a bit of a rough transition, but once I settled in I began to see the benefits of public schooling as well.

I was exposed to many different ideas, opinions and perspectives and it broadened my worldview by simply having discussions in a public school classroom. Public school also gave me the opportunity to be involved in many different extracurricular activities — from band to the school newspaper to even trying my hand at art club freshman year, there were seemingly endless opportunities.

Then college came around and I decided to go the private Christian school route. I wanted a school that offered a tight-knit community and lasting friendships and to be surrounded by people who shared in and supported what I believed.

Every educational option offers different advantages and disadvantages. A small school can mean personal attention in the classroom and an educational plan that perfectly fits your student’s needs. Small could also mean a lack of extracurricular options and a sheltered atmosphere.

That’s why I say there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to your schooling choices for your family. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not an important decision to make.

Summer may be just around the corner, but the next school year will be here before you know it. So check out our special pull-out school guide and find a school that you think is an A+ fit for your kids.