Long gone are the days where students’ only option was to attend their assigned district school. The world of education has progressed from having only one or two models to now having countless school types and learning styles available. Along with new options, school choice has also progressed, making it easier for families to choose the school that best suits their child. But what does this mean for schools? Here are 5 reasons why school choice is a game-changer for students and schools.
#1: Improves Student Success
When a student is at a school that isn’t suitable, learning becomes an uphill battle. If a kinesthetic learner is not in a hands-on educational setting, retaining knowledge is unlikely. The ability for students to choose a school that best meets their needs and interests makes a huge difference in their overall achievement. The variety of school types allows students to learn at a more individualized level, pace, and style, therefore building happier and more successful students. The foundation for a successful school is successful students.
#2: Increases Student Retention
The benefits of student success don’t stop with the students! When students (and even more so parents) are satisfied with the education they are receiving, they continue to enroll. Every school leader knows that student churn is not only a financial burden but also negatively impacts students. School choice allows students to find the right learning environment so they are less likely to transfer.
#3: Creates a Cohesive and Supportive Community
Schools are not just centers for education; they are communities! School choice allows families to select schools based on mission, vision, and values. Additionally, with the variety of school options, educators have more opportunities to teach at schools that align with their expertise and personal values. When school leaders, teachers, students, and parents all align well with the school vision, it creates a more cohesive and supportive community. Moreover, when families take action to select a school for their child, it increases the likelihood that they will also take an active role as a member of the school community.
#4: Improves the Quality of Education
While school choice admittedly creates competition between schools, this competitive nature is surprisingly beneficial. Having a variety of school types and giving families enrollment choices improves the overall quality of education for all schools. It entices schools to take action and differentiate themselves to meet their students’ needs. When the goal is to attract and retain students, schools have a greater incentive to foster a positive learning environment and improve education quality. And better education means brighter futures for students!
#5: More Accessibility for Low-Income Families
Quality students are not confined to a zip code. Having a variety of schools to choose from and giving parents the power to choose makes quality education more accessible to families of all backgrounds. The availability of school options such as charter schools can be a game-changer. While there is still a long way to go, school variety and choice are a step towards closing the disparity between income earned and education available.
One of the problems with school choice is that parents are often unaware of the options available to them. When schools don’t optimize their recruitment efforts to attract students that best suit their school, schools can’t fully reap all the benefits of school choice.
Schola offers a solution. Schola helps schools attract their target students, boost enrollment, and increase retention. In addition, Schola helps families discover, connect, and enroll in their ideal educational setting. Schola makes it easy for your school to find families, and families to find your school. When you claim your free school profile, your school can connect with interested families and gain access to professional marketing tools so you can optimize enrollment and retention. And more importantly, you can better serve your students. Together, we can improve outcomes for all!