ADHD & ASD: Is public school right for your child?

Have you ever considered if public school was a “good fit” for your child? Our society has created a general avenue to learning, which is cohesive to the structure set up in the public school. This is based on the majority and what research has deemed as the most effective teaching methods and learning styles. If your child is currently in the school system and you have noticed that they struggle or have a difficult time with the structure, it may not be your child. It could be the structure of the environment or the learning style. Choosing a school for your child can be stressful. We know that there are a lot of factors to consider, such as whether they can accommodate your child’s needs or if it will be an environment where your child can be successful. You know your kiddo best. Considering your options is the best course of action when you are concerned about their current academic performance, emotional health, and social wellbeing. There are many different styles of schools available to send your child; i.e. public school, charter schools, private schools, Montessori schools, etc. Each type of school has their own advantages and disadvantages. There is NOT a wrong answer, just a possible best option for your kiddo to thrive or flourish in their academic environment. One common question we receive is whether public school is a good fit for your child? Below are some of the pros and cons to enrolling your child in public school:

Pros

  • Built in structure
  • Students may spend more time on core subjects
  • Sports and electives
      • Public schools can sponsor more activities
  • Student population is usually more diverse
  • Often a cheaper option
  • They cannot turn away students
  • There may be more options for social interactions
  • 504 / IEPs are available

Cons

  • Curriculum is often inflexible
  • Class sizes are large
      • Low student-teacher ratio
  • Underfunding in some schools
      • Reduction in other classes due to funding issues (art/music)
  • Achievement testing
  • Memorization and content based
  • Diverse environment
  • Variety in course of study (arts, stem, and language)
  • Variety of learning styles

This process may seem overwhelming, but the following questions can help you decide which school is better for your child and family.

  • First, think about the needs of your child and your family.
      • What are some of the needs of your child?
            • Academically, developmentally, socially
      • What are the needs of the family?
            • School location
            • Transportation to and from school
  • Second, gather specific information about the school.
      • What does the curriculum look like?
      • What is the school’s approach to learning?
      • What does their overall academic performance look like?
      • What is the behavioral policy at school?
      • What are some of the accommodations and services that they offer?
      • What are the admissions procedures?
      • What does the school safety look like?
  • Last, visit and observe the schools if possible.
      • What are the faculty and staff like?
      • What are the students like?
      • What is the school culture/reputation?
      • What is the parent and community involvement like?

For more information about what type of school environment your child would thrive in, contact us today!

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