A charter school is a great option for families who are looking to offer their child a well-rounded education and stronger focus on academics. Charter schools are an important part of the public education community. These schools serve 3.7 million learners – nearly 70% of color – and the teaching staff reflects this diversity. Since the pandemic, public charter school enrollment has increased while traditional public school enrollment has decreased. There are several reasons why charter schools are preferred over traditional public schools. 

At Paradigm Schools our scholars can expect an emphasis in the arts and a more flexible curriculum that gives teachers the freedom to go above and beyond your child’s education. As a scholar-centered curriculum, our charter school serves the needs of our communities in a way that traditional public schools cannot. Learn more about why some parents choose charter schools and why it might be the best choice for your child’s future.

What Is the Purpose of a Charter School

Choosing the right school for your child can be a difficult decision and make a huge impact on their life. Due to the fact that the curriculum is flexible, charter schools are known for improving student learning and encouraging scholars to think for themselves. This type of curriculum also gives scholars the opportunity to choose their programs and become leaders in their own learning. 

Here are some things to know about charter schools:

• Considered public schools and are under the same laws and regulations as other schools in that state.
• They are tuition-free.
• Cannot have a religious affiliation
• Required to be accredited under an accrediting body similar to Cognia. 
• Are under a board and have certain guidelines. An example would be the Utah State Charter School Board. 

What Is the Difference Between a Charter School and a Traditional Public School

If you are in the process of choosing the right education for your child, it is best to consider the main differences between a charter school and a public school. One main difference is that a traditional public school is controlled by the government, while a charter school is run by a board of directors who are independent of a district. This is why charter schools are able to have more parent involvement and management.

Public schools don’t have as much flexibility with how they can teach scholars due to the fact that they must follow regulations and track student performance in a very specific way. The curriculum, class sizes, and application process are the main differences to consider between the two. 

The Benefits of Choosing a Charter School 

Charter schools are always public, always free, and always open to all students! A charter school is a great choice for a parent who wants their child to excel and gain more from their education. Here are some benefits of a charter school and why it might be a better option for your scholar: 

Different Approach to Learning

The main goal of Paradigm Schools is to teach scholars how to think, not what to think. We allow our students to dive deeper into subjects that they have a passion for and are more interested in. Our approach to education is very different from public schools and it is important to parents that our scholars have room for growth.

Some parents firmly believe that a charter school can provide their child with a higher quality education due to more individualized attention and innovative programs. Not to mention, most charter schools have a specific focus on particular subjects, such as liberal arts, technology, science, languages, engineering, math, and more!

Smaller Class Sizes

The purpose of smaller class sizes is to give scholars one-on-one time, that way the curriculum is specific to your child’s learning needs. Charter schools will often limit the number of scholars who can enroll in the school. At Paradigm Schools we have an annual lottery for putting future scholars on a waiting list. 

Parents Are More Involved

Some parents love the idea of being involved in their child’s learning. If this is the case for you and you want to be more aware of what is going on in your child’s curriculum, then there are a lot of volunteer opportunities to look into. 

Wide Range of Extracurricular Activities 

At Paradigm schools, we emphasize on the importance of liberal arts and fine arts. We strive to give our scholars more opportunities in their education where they can develop talents and work as a team. 

Here are a few programs that we have to offer:

• Dance
• Art
• Theater
• Choir
• Orchestra
• Band
• Athletics
• Debate

Another thing that makes us unique is that we encourage students to create their own clubs in a subject that they have interest in.

Higher Level Learning

A lot of charter schools strive to prepare students for college and higher-level education. Paradigm schools invites local professionals and university coaches to work with our scholars in discovering their passion and field of choice. It is a great approach to preparing scholars for their future careers and creating an environment where they can become independent thinkers. 

Enroll Your Child in a Charter School

If you are interested in enrolling your child in a Utah Charter School, contact Paradigm Schools today and get connected with our register. You can also visit our school in South Jordan and we can answer any questions you may have. There are many rewarding benefits to choosing an education with us!