No school fits every child's needs
As any parent can attest, all children are not created equal, even within families. They have different potentials, personalities, challenges and different styles of learning. What works well with one often won't with another. Slowly but surely, society is catching up with educational experts and adapting by making educational choice accessible to everyone; not just to those who can afford private school tuition.
This is National School Choice Week.
Now before I go on, a caveat: A "school of choice" is a technical educational term. Some of those I will list below, such as Project/Bridge, are not officially "schools of choice." However, they are public, alternative educational opportunities which have been saving graces for some families, so I will include them here. Also, there are state-approved, all-online public charter schools available for all grades as well, which I'm not including in this column. The state department of education has a list of them.
In general, alternative and choice schools eliminate attendance boundaries within the district, so while busing wouldn't be available, one needn't live nearby to attend. They are all free. Some choice public schools including Charter, Lakes, Ramsey, and Sorensen require uniforms which parents must purchase; others don't have uniforms.
The proliferation of public school alternatives has added students to the districts' attendance rolls, including some previously home-schooled or attending private schools. It's important to mention that "regular," non-alternative high schools including CHS, LCHS, Lakeland, Timberlake and PFHS generally offer alternative classes, such as Advanced Placement courses which prepare for nationally accredited exams and college credit. They also may have more choices among electives, such as Japanese, weight training, or lacrosse. Several traditional schools previously offered International Baccalaureate courses, recently eliminated by Coeur d'Alene's school board.
Among alternatives in Coeur d'Alene:
Project CDA/Bridge Academy: Now integrated, the two serve high school students for whom traditional methods have failed (e.g., dropout prevention, health issues, etc.). Project offers a more hands-on approach to help struggling students, and combines this with online classes and preparation for the job market. Bridge is now the online component. (208) 667-7460.
*Note: This is distinct from Kootenai Bridge Academy - a state-licensed, virtual public charter school for students who have not succeeded in traditional programs; not associated with the school district. Kootenai Bridge is open to students age 16 to 20 and offers compressed courses in three-hour blocks per school day; students progress at an individualized pace. (208) 930-4515.
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (grades 6-12): A college-preparatory charter school (i.e., governed by its own charter and independent board) with high national rankings (first in Idaho), open to anyone in District 271 "willing to accept the challenge" of hard work. (208) 676-1667.
Lakes Magnet Middle School - For the sciences, health, and arts; home to Coeur d'Alene's annual Multicultural Faire. (208) 667-4544.
At the elementary level, there are Ramsey Magnet School of Science, (208) 765-2010; and Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities, (208) 664-2822. Magnet schools are governed by the district, but focus on certain subjects.
In Post Falls:
New Vision (9-12) A small school for students who don't fit the usual mold; described by parents as a more "mentoring" environment. (208) 773-3541.
In the Lakeland District/Rathdrum:
Mountain View Alternative (9-12) Similar to New Vision in purpose and size, in Rathdrum. (208) 687-0025.
North Idaho STEM Charter School - An award-winning K-8 school partnering with MIT, museums, and the U.S. Navy. Offers "inquiry-based learning with a radical shakeup of the K-8 class schedule." Students spend afternoons tackling science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) projects. (208) 687-8002.
Finally, KTEC - Kootenai Technical Education Campus, also in Rathdrum - needs special mention. Reminiscent of approaches long present in Europe, KTEC is a hybrid partnership among business leaders, school districts, and local manufacturers. This high school offers dual enrollment credits, industrial certifications and a first job boost via applied skills training. Core classes taught at district high schools; technical training at KTEC. Choices include auto tech, computer repair/networking, construction, diesel, engineering design, health professions, welding and metal fabrication, and hospitality/tourism. (208) 712-4733.
If you're interested in learning more about the status of American education, Charter Academy is hosting a public viewing of two documentary films: "A Tale of Two Missions" and the Sundance Award-winning "Waiting For Superman" at 6 p.m on Wednesday. The event is free but includes pizza, so they need an advance head count. (208) 676-1667.
"Educate the child according to his way; even when he grows old he will not abandon it." Proverbs 22:6
Sholeh Patrick, J.D. is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network.