Traditional high school may not be the best fit for every student. Some students score and learn better when in alternative settings. Nationally, there are many options that are increasing with time. Here is a few ideas to consider.
Photo by Geralt, CC0 1.0
- Vocational Schools
If your teenager is looking for different high school options, a vocational – or technical – high school may be a wonderful option. Students get to study a specific skill or trade along with the traditional academic core requirements of their state.
Vocational schools were once looked down upon, but they are experiencing a resurgence of interest. Students leave the school with enough skills to either get a job or begin an apprenticeship. It helps students who already know what their passion is and helps them pursue their dreams.
While this may not be the total norm in the United States, many other nations focus heavily on vocational school settings. There are so many programs available. Here are some of the popular options.
- Plumping
- Electrical engineering
- Automotive technology
- Cosmetology
- Dental assisting
- Engineering
- Early childhood education
- Graphic communications
- Masonry
- Culinary
- Online High School
There are plenty of online high school options. In fact, online schooling is one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States today. Students and parents alike love this option.
There are so many reasons why students enjoy online high school.
- Classes are 24/7 so students can pick the times that work for them.
- They can work at their own learning pace.
- Students can read teacher’s notes and feedback at any time.
- Teachers are very accessible and readily available to talk to students. They often talk on video, email, telephone and other ways.
- Online schooling uses a range of teaching materials; this helps students with different learning styles.
- Online school is global and can travel with the student.
- Charter Schools
If you like the idea of traditional school, charter schools may be a great option. They are growing in popularity because they are unique without crazy high tuition costs. Charter schools are known to provide great benefits to students.
The class sizes are smaller. This gives students more one on one time with the teachers; it is very important for the growth and learning of a student. Teachers are more likely to realize a student in struggling; slipping through the cracks isn’t easy in charter schools.
Charter schools often have the option for distance learning. This means they can complete al of their coursework at home rather than in a traditional classroom. This is a great for kids that do not flourish in classroom settings. Also, distance learning is a great benefit for those families that travel frequently.
Charter schools are known to offer more specialty options for students. For kids that are artistically talented, there are art charter schools. There are charter schools for computer minded students. They also are more likely to learn skills needed for after graduation.
- High School for the Arts
Is your children artistically gifted? There are charter schools that provide a full academic program as well as specializing in visual and performing arts. These students prepare for college and university studies.
Students usually have to submit a portfolio or audition in order to be selected. These schools are often boarding schools, and the students will be busy with extracurricular activities as well as their academic studying.
Many of these schools aren’t just high school based. Some of them extend from grades 6-12. While these schools are for the students who are gifted in these areas, artistic studies help students improve their academic abilities and cognitive skills. These students tend to score academically high.
There are so many other options for high school. Check the areas around you to see what there is. Online high school options are increasing yearly and may be one of the best options for those families that want flexibility.