25

Private schools versus Charter schools--

I didn't really know the difference. I thought that charter schools were private schools. I thought private schools were only those like you see on Dead Poet's Society. All in all, I thought that they were all just meant for the rich kids who had to wear funny uniforms made with plaid fabric. I thought that I didn't like charter or private schools and I know that I was definitely pro public schools. I wanted my children to have the same experience as I had, growing up in the public schooling system, being around a diverse demographic, and getting a chance to be on a big school sports team.
I had an uneducated bias opinion. After Thursday's class and debate, I learned quite a bit about the difference between private and charter schools. I had a chance to learn about the pros and cons of these schools versus the pros and cons of public schools. I must say now that I am totally against charter schools. I do want to look into these school system more closely for the sake of my children. Charter schools are in fact public schools; they just have their own charter. Because of this custom charter, or rule book, they don't have to abide by (except for a few) the state rules. Typically these schools are more accelerated in academics, versus the normal public schools, and can also be found to focus more strictly on a particular discipline. For example, the charter school in Spanish Fork, Utah is geared towards engineering.
Of course there is always the issue of money. Many people like the idea of charter and private schools, but cannot afford the tuition. They are then forced to send their children to the public schools where they feel that their children are not getting the better education. Other parents are not so excited about the charter schools because they do not supply a mode of transportation for their children, like school buses.
I think that I like the idea of charter schools. My bias opinion is slightly changing the more that I learn about them. I want my children to have the best education that I can help them receive, but do want them to be just like everyone else. I want them to get a public school experience with lots of weird students, big sports teams, dances, assemblies, detention, and fun.