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The K-12 school scene has changed so much since we were kids. Understanding these changes can help moms and dads guide their children to greater learning, success, and happiness.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a parent, or have friends or neighbors who are. Baby Boomer, Gen X, or Millennial— the K-12 school scene has changed so much since we were kids. Understanding these changes can help moms and dads guide their children to greater learning, success, and happiness. (Editor's note: One way to do that is attend the Osceola District's Winter Choice Event Jan. 25.)
So here are the three biggest changes affecting education in Kissimmee and across the U.S. today, and what these changes mean for your family.
First, school choice opportunities have broadened over the last generation. That means parents have more options for where to send their children to school. For example: traditional public schools have adopted more flexible enrollment policies. Charter school laws have passed in 45 states, including Florida. More families are aware they can choose public magnet programs, where kids receive education with a special focus, like STEM or the arts. Today, Florida’s state-run scholarship programs extend to students in families with modest incomes, with an Individualized Education Plan, or victims of violence in public schools, in addition to a few other student groups. Plus, a growing number of Florida families are choosing homeschooling.
A second gamechanger since when we were kids is that there’s now more community support for making school choices. There are also more resources for parents to help them find schools and learning environments that meet their children’s needs. I’ve worked in K-12 education for more than 15 years; over that time, I’ve seen dozens of parent-focused organizations spring up to shine a spotlight on learning options in local communities. From helping parents find scholarships to private schools, to helping them figure out the process of transferring to public school outside of their zone, to offering bilingual application assistance, grassroots organizations are cutting the stress out of school searching.
Visit schoolchoiceweek. com/florida to find community organizations in Florida. Keep in mind that parents cite word-ofmouth as a key factor in what school they choose. This means you have the power to help others in Kissimmee by sharing your own school experiences.
Third, a plethora of online learning environments have developed since our school days. These online schooling options are more comprehensive and focused than the emergency remote learning that many families experienced during the pandemic. For example, Florida has the largest state virtual school in the nation: Florida Virtual School. Families can also select Florida Connections Academy, Coastal Connections Academy, Florida Cyber Charter Academy, and Digital Academy of Florida. Besides official online schooling, resources like schoolhouse.world offer free support to supplement in-person learning.
All of these changes to K-12 education are reasons for hope. With more options, Kissimmee parents have more opportunities to find a free or inexpensive education personalized to their unique children.
If you are considering a new or different environment for your daughter or son for the next school year, though, the time to start evaluating your options is now. Don’t wait! Begin the school search process during National School Choice Week (Jan. 23-29). You won’t regret it, and your children will thank you.
Andrew Campanella is president of National School Choice Week.
