Comparing different types of schools may be a new and confusing option for many Baton Rouge families. Here are a few of the characteristics to help you understand the various types of schools in our area.
Almost every type of school can be sorted into the public or private category based on its funding. Public schools receive their funding from the government and private schools receive funding anywhere else. While most schools can fall into these two categories, there are additional characteristics that may help parents understand what to expect from a school environment.
Charter schools are governed by independent boards and are authorized by the local school district or state.
Charter schools are independent public schools that are free to be more innovative and are held accountable for improved student achievement. Charters may be authorized by a local school system or the state board of education. Charter schools are public, non-profit schools funded through state and federal dollars. They are required to participate in the state’s accountability program, including standardized testing. Charter schools are granted autonomy from many regulations, including personnel management and finance, in exchange for greater standards of accountability than traditional public schools.
Neighborhood schools are governed by the elected school board and serve students based on attendance zones.
Families may elect to attend the public school in their neighborhood or area of the city. These are the schools assigned according to the attendance zone maps developed and approved by the school district. Some of the benefits of attending a neighborhood public school include shorter bus rides, making it easier to get to school.
Magnet schools are governed by the elected school board provide specialized or themed programming and are often selective admissions schools where students must apply and meet eligibility criteria.
Magnet schools are operated by the local public school district, but draw students from across the parish. According to the Magnet Schools of America, the unique quality of a magnet school is that they typically provide a special curricular focus. Common themes include STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), the arts, and vocational or career paths. In East Baton Rouge Parish, magnet schools require an application during the enrollment period and often have selective admissions criteria.
Also known as distance learning, virtual schools provide students their education using a computer-based model.
As an alternative to taking classes in a traditional school building, students can receive their education using a computer to attend a virtual school. Virtual schools have an organized curriculum. Depending on the state and district, students can take the full curriculum or individual classes. Some schools and districts use virtual programs to offer classes to help students learn at their own pace. This type of studying is also called “distance learning.”
Non-public schools without a religious identity or affiliation. These schools are not governed by an elected school board and are privately funded.
There are many non-public schools without a religious identity or affiliation. Some of these private schools are preparatory schools designed to prepare students for college. Other schools are based on a particular educational philosophy or approach to learning— such as Montessori or Waldorf schools— or have a special education focus.
Private schools that are affiliated with a faith or particular church, often provide religious education as a part of the curriculum. These schools are not governed by an elected school board and are privately funded.
A number of nonpublic schools are religious. Many are affiliated with a denomination, local church, or religious faith such as Catholic, Protestant, Christian, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other.
The search for the best school for your child can seem a daunting process, but the U.S. Department of Education and other parent advocacy experts have tips to get you started.
