North Charleston mom Amy Hill originally chose Saint John Catholic School for its religious affiliation and convenience to her home and work. Now that her second-grader, Grace, and fourth-grader, Riley, have been in the school for a few years, she has a much longer list of why she loves this school.

“[The school] has an old schoolhouse mentality. The grades are interactive depending on what your kid needs,” Hill says.

This year, Grace’s second-grade class combined with the third-grade class for a total of about eight students, and now Grace does third-grade work. Last year, her son Riley changed classes and went to the grade above him for a few different subjects. Since Saint John Catholic School has only about 55 students, it’s much easier for teachers to communicate and allow students to move to different classes if needed.

Hill says that the school is a supporter of diversity, and you don’t have to be a practicing Catholic to attend. Many students have family members, such as grandparents, that attended the school when they were young.

“Not everyone is an active Catholic, but they like the values that are taught,” Hill says.

One of these values consists of a peace pledge the students recite every day along with their morning prayer. In addition, the classes do community service together, such as helping out at a local food bank or visiting a nursing home.

While Hill loves the school she chose for her children, not all parents have such an easy decision. With participation in online schools on the rise, in addition to the traditional schooling, determining the best school for your child can be a tough decision.

Private Schools

While Hill chose a religious private school, not all private schools have religious affiliations. One of the biggest appeals of a private school education is the small class size. Most private schools are about half the size of their public school counterparts and also have a lower student-to-teacher ratio, providing more individual attention for each student.

Because private schools don’t receive government funding, they don’t have as many state or federal regulations to follow. They are exempted from having to offer special education classes. However, private educational institutions do have the flexibility to offer specialized programs and classes if the school desires.

Private schools rely on funding from tuition, grants and donations. Tuition costs can be very expensive, but many schools will offer financial aid or scholarships.

To attend a private school, you must apply and your child will often have to take an entrance exam. Admission to a private school is not guaranteed.

Public Schools

Public schools accept all children, regardless of background or special needs. As regulated by state and federal law, public schools must provide special education programs to meet the individual needs of each student.

Because public schools are funded by the federal and state governments, there are many regulations they are required to follow. The classes offered in a public school follow a more general program, as opposed to the more specialized classes offered at a private school.

While public schools are usually much larger than private schools, the teachers at public schools are required to have a state certification to teach. Each state has its own policies and guidelines for teacher certification.

Elliot Smalley, deputy of Strategic Planning and Communications for the Charleston County School District, says Charleston public schools strive to serve a diverse student population.

“Led by outstanding teachers and schools and principals, our high-tech schools offer students, parents and families world-class learning environments that challenge and prepare all students to thrive in the 21st century.”

Montessori Schools

Montessori schools offer a non-traditional method to learning based on Maria Montessori’s research and theories of learning. She believed the child’s environment and a basic routine are key roles in a child’s education. In Montessori classrooms, the teachers give lessons and then the children are free to choose any of the activities that go along with the lessons.

“Children should be given choices,” says Charles Towne Montessori Head of School Edward Jackson. “From choices and through their work they become independent and self-sufficient.”

Montessori schools typically have larger classes of about 25 to 30 students with only one teacher and a teacher’s assistant. The classes have mixed-aged students, usually with about a three-year age difference between the youngest and oldest child.

In the Montessori method, the primary age is about 2–4, which is traditionally considered preschool. This is the best time for a child to start at a Montessori schools so they become accustomed to the method and can continue until around 12 years old.

Most Montessori schools require an application process, but many will take all different types of students. Montessori schools can be public or private and each will take a different path in following the Montessori method.

Online

Online charter schools are brand new to South Carolina. They started here last year and enrollment has grown to more than 7,000 students in the state.

At an online charter school, students have the flexibility to learn at their own pace, while still working with teachers and other classmates. And, like any other public school, students attend in-person events and can participate in clubs and other activities.

Individualized learning plans are designed for each child to ensure a customized program that fits each student’s unique strengths, needs, learning styles and aptitudes, says Karen Ghidotti, vice president of School Services for the South Carolina Virtual Charter School. Online charter schools often appeal to students with particular needs or to students who need the flexible hours to participate in extracurricular activities.

Parents may choose online charter schools because of the school their child is zoned to attend. If they are zoned to an underachieving school, an online charter school gives them another public school option.

“Families also opt for an online education because a medical condition prohibits their child from physically attending a traditional school,” Ghidotti says. “In addition, students with a learning disability can receive more one-on-one attention and an individualized learning pace that they otherwise could not always receive in a traditional classroom.”

Debra Sewell of North Charleston felt the online option would be best for her son Malachi, 7, because his 17 food allergies would overwhelming for a teacher to handle. She says he’s flourishing.

“It’s pretty amazing to see him learn and change and grow and excel at things he wouldn’t be able to in public school.”

In addition to online charter schools, the S.C. Department of Education offers a virtual school program, in which students may take supplementary classes online. Students may take classes that will earn credits toward their high school diplomas. Visit www.sceducationchoice.com/public_school_choice_structures/virtual_school for more information.

How to Choose

While there are many different routes to an education, principals from each different school stress that parents should research the school’s curriculum and online report card (or school rating) and then schedule a tour.

“Parents should ask about the learning environment, the expectations for students and staff,” says Patricia Williams, principal of Apple Charter School. “They should also understand the policies, structure and courses of the school.”

Having gone through this process before, Hill recommends setting up a day for your child to go to what would be his or her classroom and talking to other parents. The most important thing is to keep in mind the type of environment in which your child 
can excel.

“Talk to the parents at the school and get their perspective outside of the administration,” Hill says.