Making Sure My Kids Are On Track

Understanding The Four Main Types Of Schools

10 September 2020

Jackson Henry

These days, you have many options when it comes to what school to send your child to. Besides public and private, there are magnet schools and charter schools. While all of these choices might be great for making sure children get the type of education they need, it can be confusing for parents. Whether you have a young child enrolling in kindergarten this year or a child who is unhappy or unsuccessful at their current school, keep reading to understand the four main types of schools in most American cities. 

Public 

General public schools are funded by the state and federal government. They are run by local school districts with elected board members and must follow all state and federal education laws. These schools do not require an application and must provide accommodations for students with disabilities. Public schools require standardized testing and often follow a public curriculum. 

Public Magnet

Public magnet schools are similar to general public schools except they have a specialized focus to their curriculum. For example, music magnets have robust music programs while sports magnets may have more developed sport facilities. Students may need to fill out an application to attend. 

Public Charter 

Public charter schools are funded by a mix of government funding and private donations. They are governed by a private governing board, and if there is a school board, they are generally appointed rather than elected. Charter schools are similar to magnet schools because they often target children with certain interests or learning styles. While charter schools have to participate in standardized testing to fulfill funding requirements, they have much more freedom regarding their education style and curriculum. For example, charter schools may have a mixed in-person and virtual learning method, or they may have more field trips than general public schools. Look for a k-8 public charter school for more information.

Private

Private schools are funded by private donations and tuition fees from students. Because they do not accept public funding, they have the most flexibility in education style and may not require standardized testing. Private schools can reject student applications for a variety of reasons and are not required to make as many accommodations for students with disabilities. 

If you have a child in school, it is important you check out the various options available to you. You may find that a public magnet or public charter school can accommodate you and your child better than a traditional public or private option.  

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