FREEDOM TO CHOOSE YOUR EDUCATION

Traditional public schools are run by local school districts, which are usually overseen by elected school boards. All public schools must follow education laws in the state. Traditional public schools don’t charge tuition or entrance fees. The costs for public schools are paid by taxpayers in the form of local, state, and federal taxes.

Private schools are rooted in the belief that families should be able to choose their child’s learning environment and that they should have options that match their family’s worldview, religious values, or education philosophy. Private schools generate their own funding through tuition, private grants and fundraising. In Alabama, other financial assistance families can apply for include AAA scholarships or the CHOOSE Act. 

Charter schools are public schools that are created by school districts, colleges, nonprofit organizations, or other entities. These schools are allowed to determine many of their own policies and practices; the goal is to innovate within the public school system. Charter schools are always public schools and they are not allowed to charge tuition.

Homeschooling is the process of parents educating children in the home. Many families choose to collaborate via tutorials, co-operatives, and extracurricular leagues to enhance the home education experience. In Alabama, homeschooling families are eligible to qpply for CHOOSE Act funding to help pay for related homeschooling expenses.

Online schools are tuition-free public schools created by states, school districts, or established as public charter schools, and they existed long before COVID-19. Students enrolled in full-time online schooling will find qualified teachers who are specifically trained to deliver instruction using new technology. Curriculum and lessons align to state education standards, and full-time, online public schools must meet all state education laws. They must also develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for children with exceptional learning needs.

These schools often combine flexible schedules so that students are not sitting in front of computers for eight hours a day with regular, one-on-one student-teacher communication and opportunities for students to collaborate with each other on projects.