For most of my life, my parents sent me to private schools. Mom and dad wanted to provide me with the best education available, even if it came with a hefty price tag. As my eighth grade graduation drew near, I had three choices: attend the private parochial school that my classmates were slated to attend, go to the biggest public school in the city, or enroll in a STEM-focused charter school.
My parents made the decision for me, and I was sent to a junior-senior high school called LISA Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Admittedly, I was reluctant at first. I had no idea what to expect, and as a subpar math and science student, I wasn’t jazzed to attend a school with a STEM emphasis. But by the end of my first week, my preconceived notions had been shattered. My charter high school provided a safe environment where I could flourish. My parents and I loved my charter school—here’s why.
Premium Education without the Premium Price
Every parent wants the best for their child. Unfortunately, access to quality education usually requires tuition. Although there are reputable public and magnet schools in the city, admittance is dictated by residence. What can you do if you want to send your child to a different school, but can’t afford to pay thousands in tuition fees?
Private schools and classroom rigor go hand in hand, but don’t let the old association keep you from trying a charter school. Charter schools are open to any student, no matter what school district they have been assigned. Although there is an application process, parents don’t need to pay an application fee; like all charter schools, LISA Academy is tuition-free. Many charter schools offer Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or gifted and talented classes to prepare students for higher education, but the challenging curriculum isn’t exclusive to advanced courses. My parents were able to send me to a college-prep school without paying college prices.
More Opportunities to Grow
Most charter schools pride themselves on smaller class sizes and an emphasis on student success. Even though LISA has grown far beyond the original 6th through 8th grade building, adding a grade every year since it first opened in 2004, the school has maintained its dedication to the students. As soon as my math teacher noticed how I was falling behind, I was given free after-school tutoring. Teacher involvement doesn’t stop after the bell rings—communication between parents and instructors was frequent and open. My counselor and vice principal were very involved during the college application process; they even made sure we submitted the FAFSA on time!
Charter schools offer extracurricular activities, just like you would find at any public or private school. Students can participate in athletic and academic programs, and can find immense support from the faculty. Even though some charter schools have enrollments in the thousands, they emphasize the importance of community. Every student is treated like a part of a family.
Diverse Student Body
As someone who was continuously the only person of color in the class at my private school, a little diversity at LISA was a huge personal plus for me and my family. The two private schools I attended before LISA were, for the most part, racially homogenous. Charter schools, however, as a whole tend to have a variety of students in attendance, and LISA was no exception. It wasn’t unusual for kids to speak a different language at home. Students with disabilities were welcomed, and unlike some prestigious private schools, there wasn’t a stark economic division; you wouldn’t feel left out if you didn’t have the hot new cell phone or didn’t wear the right clothes. We wore uniforms, after all.
The benefits of being in a diverse student body are tremendous and apply to any student, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Classroom discussions are made of a variety of voices and are deepened by cultural insight, and school programs and activities would reflect the diversity of the school’s population. Our annual “chili and chat cook-off” brought together hearty American and Indian food for a night of community. Our talent shows were cultural showcases. Kids from all backgrounds can learn about other cultures from their peers and celebrate with them. And former “outliers” like me don’t feel different.
