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Sector: Traditional Public Schools

New Jersey State Guide

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Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

If you live in New Jersey, you have access to more K-12 education options than you might realize. Navigating these options can help you find a school where your child thrives, but it can also feel overwhelming at first. This post will breakdown the main types of schools available to you in New Jersey, as well as provide additional education resources to help you find the best learning environment for your child.

There are a variety of school choices available to New Jersey families. You can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in New Jersey at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

New Jersey Traditional Public Schools

Most New Jersey families (81.6% of all K-12 students) choose traditional public schools, which are operated by school districts, free to attend, open to all students, and funded by federal, state, and local government. Did you know that New Jersey spends an average of $22,160 per public school student each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

In New Jersey, the state allows each district decides to set its own open enrollment policies. Open enrollment refers to whether parents can send their children to any public school, regardless of where it is located. New Jersey parents wanting to transfer their child to a different public school than the one they are assigned should contact their local school district or search choice districts at the New Jersey Department of Education. For the 2023-2024 school year, there are more than 120 participating choice districts! Each district has a unique choice application that families should submit directly to that district.

For students living farther than 2 or 2.5 miles from their public school of choice but closer than 20 miles, the sending district is responsible for transporting the child to their new school.

Open enrollment is an important public school choice, widening parents’ options and ensuring that their zip code isn’t the sole determiner of their education. Find out more about public schools in your state at the New Jersey Department of Education. You can also learn more about open enrollment at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50-State Ranking.”

New Jersey Charter Schools

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that have extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. In New Jersey, 3.9% of all K-12 students attend a public charter school. Charter schools can collaborate with traditional classrooms to share the fruits of their innovation. According to the New Jersey Department of Education, the state has about 90 charter schools in operation serving approximately 57,000 students. Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves, whether that be providing a Chinese immersion program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum.

We interviewed administration at Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School, New Jersey’s first school with a specific focus on green, renewable energy. “Every school has a theme, every school has its own philosophy, and every parent should be given the chance to pick how they want to raise their child and what school they want the child to go to,” said school leader Oguz Yildiz. “School choice is one important way parents can play an active role in receiving the best education possible for their children.”

If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance. Many New Jersey charter schools have had waitlists in the past. In January 2023, the New Jersey Department of Education approved 11 charter school expansions, which will open an additional 2,299 charter school seats for students across nine cities and towns.

Free transportation is available to all students who attend charter schools in New Jersey and live within the district, but more than two miles from where their charter school is located. Students with special needs who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are eligible to receive transportation assistance.

Check out more about your state’s charter schools at the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association. Families in Newark may also wish to explore charter schools using My Schools Newark.

New Jersey Magnet Schools

You can also choose magnets! Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to focus on specific themes, like STEM, health sciences, or the performing arts. An AgriScience program at Middlesex County Magnet Schools, for example, emphasizes food science and plant cultivation. If there’s a magnet school near you with a theme your child is interested in, this could be an exciting option to consider. 

New Jersey has several magnet schools throughout the state. For instance, you can read about Montclair Public Schools’ approach to magnet schools, Union County Vocational-Technical Schools’ offerings, Middlesex County Vocational and Technical schools, Monmouth County Vocational School District’s options, and Newark Public Schools’ magnet schools. New Jersey Family posted this piece with some additional information on New Jersey’s magnet schools. 

New Jersey Private Schools

Of course, private schools are another choice for New Jersey families. Private schools are nonpublic schools that charge tuition. There are more than 1,300 private schools across the state of New Jersey. 11.7% of all K-12 students in New Jersey attend a private school. You can find a complete list at the New Jersey Department of Education. The average tuition for private schools in the state is $14,234 for elementary schools and $18,871 for high schools.

These schools come in all shapes and sizes. For instance, we recently talked to Dr. Robert Beebe, Principal at New Hope School, a private K-8 school in Clifton, New Jersey. He told us about the private school’s character development program and partnership with parents, describing how the school was founded by a couple of moms who were looking for a values-based education for their children. “[Our approach to education] begins with what we call cultivation of the heart,” said Beebe. “This begins in the home before even coming to school. We should first of all be concerned about developing children’s hearts, which is the basis of their character.” 

Unfortunately, there are no state-run scholarship options in New Jersey, though private scholarships may be available, such as through the Tri-County Scholarship Fund, the Student Partner Alliance, and The Wight Foundation. You can find additional tips for financing private school at New Jersey Family. Also, the federal government allows parents to save for K-12 private school tuition using tax-preferred 529 savings accounts.

Learn more at Catholic Partnership Schools, the Tri-County Scholarship Fund, and Private School Review: New Jersey.

 

New Jersey Online Learning

Don’t overlook online learning! It offers a uniquely flexible learning environment that meets a variety of family needs. Whether your child wants to accelerate his or her learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try. 

Unfortunately, New Jersey does not have a free, full-time online school option. However, New Jersey Virtual School offers full-time and credit-recovery enrollment to students in grades 6-12 for a fee. Also, starting in 2023, New Jersey Virtual School is partnering with Brookdale Community College to allow high school students to take college-level credits online. Enrollment at the virtual school typically begins in April and courses begin in September, but if students are interested in enrolling mid-year, they may be able to do so. Students attending New Jersey Virtual School must have access to technology and wifi.

Besides New Jersey Virtual School, students can also consider other paid online school options, like George Washington University Online High School, The Keystone School, Excel High School, Massachusetts Mayflower Academy, and K12 Private Academy.

Another part-time course option some New Jersey families may access through their local school is VHS Learning. You can ask your school if supplementary online courses are available to you.

To read more about online learning in New Jersey, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

New Jersey Homeschooling

Parents in all 50 states can also consider homeschooling, the process of educating students at home. Homeschooling offers opportunities for highly customized, personal learning. In New Jersey, there are more than 5,000 (2.8%) students homeschooling.

In New Jersey, it is not required that you provide notice of your intent to homeschool; however, it is recommended that you formally withdraw from your public school so your student is not marked truant. In the case that you decide to return to public school, your student’s placement may be based on standardized testing assessment.

The state requires homeschooling parents to give children an education that is academically “equivalent” to what he or she would receive at school, but does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers. Keep in mind that, while homeschool students in New Jersey are not legally prohibited from playing on public school sports teams, individual district policies often prevent them from participating. You can check with your local district about their policies, or look for other leagues and activities available to you!

You can also check out the New Jersey Department of Education and Home School Legal Defense Association – New Jersey.

 

New Jersey Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, many New Jersey families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in New Jersey: 

 

  • Tranquil Teachings Learning Center is a private membership association offering flexible learning opportunities, including half-day and full day options, in Monmouth County. 

 

  • The Village Electric is a flexible learning center in Mountainside that describes its offering as “colearning,” blending the benefits of homeschooling with the resources, staff, and community of a private school. 

 

  • Founded by parents, Metsada Learning Network provides legal, technological, and administrative support to brick-and-mortar alternative learning initiatives in New Jersey.

 

 

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

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Education Resources for
New Jersey Parents

For additional information about school choices in New Jersey, visit these resources:

New Jersey Department of Education

New Jersey School Choice

The New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association

JerseyCAN

The Academy NJ

Tranquil Teachings

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New Hampshire State Guide

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Your journey to the perfect education fit just got easier. Check out this page in action on our new site and navigate school choice with ease at MySchoolChoice.com.

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Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

Each spring, parents face one of the biggest decisions they can make for their child’s future: What school environment will their child spend about 1,000 hours in next year? Let’s dive in to School Choice in New Hampshire.

Making that decision with confidence starts with knowing what options you have; you may have more school choices than you realize! Understanding these options can help you find a school where your child grows and learns to the best of their ability. New Hampshire families can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in New Hampshire at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

New Hampshire Traditional Public Schools

Most New Hampshire families (84.1% of all K-12 students) choose traditional public schools. Districts operate these schools, which are free to attend, open to all students, and funded by taxpayers. New Hampshire spends, on average, $19,433 per public school student each year. You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

In New Hampshire, the state allows each district to set its own open enrollment policies. Open enrollment refers to whether parents can send their children to any public school, regardless of where it is located. New Hampshire parents wanting to transfer their child to a different public school than the one they are assigned should contact their local school district to see if this is an option. In 2021, the state made this process more defined for parents if their student is experiencing “manifest educational hardship.”

For a real-world example of the transfer process and timeline in New Hampshire, check out Kearsarge Regional School District’s guidelines for transfer requests. In general, if the public school of choice is within the same district, transportation is provided. If it is in a different school district, parents are responsible for transportation. Open enrollment is a valuable form of public school choice because it widens parents options, ensuring that their zip code isn’t the sole determiner of their education.

The largest public school district in the state is Manchester, which enrolled more than 12,000 students as of fall 2022. Find out more about public schools in your state at the New Hampshire Department of Education. You can also learn more at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50-State Ranking.”

New Hampshire Charter Schools

Families in New Hampshire have another tuition-free option in charter schools. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are public, free, and usually have no requirements for entry. What distinguishes charter schools is that they have extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. Public charter schools are accountable to authorizing entities, such as colleges or school districts, for results. 

In New Hampshire, there are about 30 public charter schools that parents can choose from across the state. These served 5,530 (3%) students in 2022-2023. Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves, whether that be providing a language immersion program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance.

The New Hampshire Department of Education is currently in the process of supporting an expansion of charter schools across the state. One of New Hampshire’s newest charter schools is Benjamin Franklin Academy, a middle-high school opening September 2023 with a history-centered, liberal arts curriculum.

Free transportation is available to most students who attend charter schools in New Hampshire and live within the district where their charter school is located. The state requires transportation to be provided by the district, upon a parent’s request. Students with special needs who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are eligible to receive transportation assistance. 

You can learn about these options at the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

New Hampshire Magnet Schools

Depending on where you live in New Hampshire, you may also be able to consider a magnet school. Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as engineering or the performing arts. At a magnet school, all the subjects are taught through the lenses of that specific track. 

Maple Street Magnet School is currently the only magnet school we are aware of in New Hampshire. This magnet school’s unique focus is on community and sustainability. Students accepted to the Maple Street Magnet School through its blind lottery can choose to attend the magnet school rather than their neighborhood school. 

New Hampshire Private Schools

Families in New Hampshire can also consider private schools, nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Private schools may offer a unique curriculum, smaller class sizes, or a faith-based tradition. New Hampshire’s more than 280 private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. 

Private school tuition can vary widely, but the state average is $11,601 for elementary schools and $28,426 for high schools. According to New Hampshire’s Town Tuitioning Program, if your town doesn’t have a district school at your grade level, your district will pay for your child to attend a public or private school in or outside of New Hampshire. As of 2021, this may include religious private schools.

In addition, students from a household where family income is less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level ($90,000 for a family of four in 2023) can apply to the state’s tax credit program. Recipients of the program receive scholarships to use for private school tuition, tutoring, or other educational expenses.

Since 2021, New Hampshire also offers an “Education Freedom Account” program. This flexible program allows low and middle-income students to receive education grants to customize their learning. The funds can be used to choose a private school, pay for tutoring or books, put toward educational therapy, and more. As of 2023, this program is open to students from a household where family income is less than 350 percent of the federal poverty level ($105,000 for a family of four in 2023.) More than 4,000 children currently participate in the program. About 3.2% of all K-12 students in New Hampshire participate in a private school choice program. 

Learn more at the Children’s Scholarship Fund-New Hampshire, Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Manchester, and Private School Review: New Hampshire.

 

New Hampshire Online Learning

Online learning is sometimes overlooked, but it offers a uniquely flexible learning environment that meets a variety of family needs. Whether your child wants to accelerate his or her learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try. 

New Hampshire elementary, middle, and high school students can take courses free of charge, full- or part-time, at Virtual Learning Academy Charter. If there will be a gap between attendance at a student’s previous school and their start at the virtual school, the student must file a notice of intent at their local public school. Homeschoolers can take up to six credits per year through the Virtual Learning Academy Charter.

One feature that makes the Virtual Learning Academy Charter unique is that it is mastery-based: students progress based on mastery of learning content, rather than a fixed schedule.

To read more about online learning in New Hampshire, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

New Hampshire Homeschooling

You can also choose homeschooling, the process of parents educating students at home. Homeschooling is permitted in all 50 states and allows for a highly personal and customizable learning experience.

In New Hampshire, 1.6% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. It is required that you provide notice of your intent to homeschool within 5 days of starting and/or if you move to a new school district. It is recommended that you formally withdraw so your student is not marked truant. If you decide to stop homeschooling, you must file a written notice of termination. In the case that you decide to return to public school, your student’s placement will be determined based on the documentation you provide.

The state requires homeschooling parents to teach specific subjects (including science, math, reading, and government) and also requires some level of assessment of homeschooled students. In New Hampshire, your homeschooled student might still be eligible to participate in sports or activities at the local public school – contact your district if you are interested in this option.

Homeschoolers may be eligible* to apply for New Hampshire’s “Education Freedom Account” program, which allows low and middle-income students to receive about $4,700 of funds to customize their education. The funds can be used for tutoring or books, educational therapy, and more. In 2023, eligibility for the program was expanded – now students from families earning up to 350% of the federal poverty line can apply.

*Families currently participating in home education must terminate their home education status before applying for the EFA. Participation in the EFA program requires participants to be enrolled in a non-public school that complies with state regulations. In practice, this can still include educating children at home, but comes with a different legal status and relationship with a scholarship organization, that true “homeschooling” does not. For more information, check out Children’s Scholarship Fund’s FAQ‘s. 

For more, check out a how-to about homeschooling in New Hampshire. 

 

New Hampshire Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, some New Hampshire families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in New Hampshire: 

Latitude Learning Resources offers enrichment programs — from Lego clubs to language classes — for homeschoolers in Derry. 

New Hampshire’s Learn Everywhere initiative aims to allow high school students to gain high school credits outside of schools, through community activities and extracurriculars. 

nLighten Learning provides small learning pods for both homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools, focusing on individualized, mastery-based education in a nurturing environment.

In New Hampshire, some school districts have partnered with Prenda to offer district-run Learning Support Groups. These groups served about 100 students in the 2021-2022 school year.

For homeschool students and virtual school students in New Hampshire, KaiPod Learning offers free Learning Support Groups. Students attending “KaiPods” receive opportunities to socialize, collaborate, and receive educational support while completing their chosen curriculum. 

The Harkness House caps classes at 12 students and offers a student-led curriculum that aims to foster discovery and life-long learning.

New Hampshire’s state commissioner of education has said that learning pods are permitted by New Hampshire law and families may have family members or friends supervise children in the parent’s absence. 

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

Download the School Choice Snapshot for New Hampshire

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What is School Choice

How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

Read More

Choosing the Right School

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

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Learning Pods

How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

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7 Step Guide

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

View Guide

Education Resources for
New Hampshire Parents

For additional information about school choices in New Hampshire, visit these resources:

New Hampshire Department of Education

Granite State Home Educators

New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools

Children’s Scholarship Fund – New Hampshire

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Nevada State Guide

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Your journey to the perfect education fit just got easier. Check out this page in action on our new site and navigate school choice with ease at MySchoolChoice.com.

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Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

No pressure, but education is a big decision! After all, it has a huge impact on your child’s future. Fortunately, Nevada families have access to several K-12 options. Navigating these school choice options can help you find a school where your child thrives. This post will breakdown the main types of schools and provide some extra education resources. 

In Nevada, families can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Nevada at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

Traditional Public Schools

First off, you can choose traditional public schools, the most common school choice. In fact, 63.6% of all of K-12 students in Nevada attend a traditional public school. These schools are operated by school districts, free to attend, open to all students, and funded by federal, state, and local government. Did you know that Nevada spends an average of $10,450 per public school student each year? 

Each state has its own open enrollment policies. Open enrollment refers to whether parents can send their children to any public school, regardless of where it is located. In Nevada, each district creates its own open enrollment policies; so, you should check with your local district if you would like to transfer your child. If your assigned school participates in open enrollment, it may cover transportation costs.

For an example of the transfer process and timeline in Nevada, check out Clark County School District’s change of school assignment application. Open enrollment is an important form of public school choice, widening parents’ options and ensuring that their zip code isn’t the sole determiner of their education.

Find out more about public schools in your state at the Nevada Department of Education. You can also learn more about Nevada open enrollment at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50-State Ranking.”

Nevada Charter Schools

Families in Nevada can also choose public charter schools. In Nevada, 13.1% of all K-12 students attend a public charter school. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are public, free, and usually have no requirements for entry. What distinguishes charter schools is they have extra freedom to innovate with learning methods and are accountable to authorizing bodies for results. 

Nevada has about 90 charter schools families can choose from. Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves. That could be providing a STEAM program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system (like drawing random names out of a hat!)  is often used to determine admittance. In Nevada, public charter schools don’t currently receive state transportation funding, so in many cases families must transport their charter students.

Free transportation may be available to some students in Nevada. If transportation is not provided, schools must collaborate with parents to find a solution. Students with special needs who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are eligible to receive transportation assistance.

A great resource for learning more about charter schools is the Charter School Association of Nevada.

Nevada Magnet Schools

You can also choose magnet schools! In Nevada, 13% of all K-12 students attend a public magnet school. Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to focus on specific themes, like STEM, health sciences, or the arts. A Las Vegas Sun article once described magnet schools as “schools within schools.” In other words, they offer specialty tracks within the public school system. So, these can be a valuable option for children who learn best when diving deeply into a particular course of study.

Nevada has several magnet schools throughout the state; for instance, there are more than 35 magnet schools or programs in the Clark County School District. One of these, Southeast Career Technical Academy, was voted the best magnet school in America in 2022! The district is opening an additional career-focused magnet school in 2023: Northeast Career and Technical Academy. Besides career tech, the district’s magnet schools have focuses that range from the performing arts to STEM to hospitality and tourism. Another large district with magnet schools is the Washoe County School District.

Nevada Private Schools

Nevada’s private schools take many forms, from Catholic parish schools to non-sectarian Montessori schools. All private schools are nonpublic schools that charge tuition. 

There are more than 170 private schools across the state of Nevada. The average tuition for private schools in the state is $10,544 for elementary schools and $11,407 for high schools. Private schools in Nevada provide the same number of days of instruction and private school teachers must hold a teacher’s license or meet another requirement. 

In 2015, Nevada launched a school choice program that enables families at or below 300% of the federal poverty line ($83,250 for a family of four in 2022-2023) to apply for scholarships for private education. Currently, 0.3% of all K-12 students participate in this program. If you think a private school could be the best fit for your child, you can also reach out to the school about whether any privately funded scholarships are available. 

Learn more at Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Reno and Private School Review: Nevada.

 

Nevada Online Learning

Don’t overlook online learning. It offers a uniquely flexible learning environment that meets a variety of family needs. Whether your child wants to accelerate his or her learning or needs a quieter, stress-free environment in which to focus, you may wish to try virtual school. 

Nevada offers several free, full-time online learning options, some of the largest of which are Nevada Connections Academy, Nevada Learning Academy, Leadership Academy of Nevada, and Nevada Virtual Academy. The Nevada Department of Education provides a complete list of distance learning options, some of which are district-specific and some of which are open to students across districts. Some of the full-time options operated by specific districts include North Star Online School in Washoe County, Pioneer Academy in Carson City, and Northeastern Nevada Virtual Academy in Elko County.

Odyssey Charter School is a hybrid option for K-12 students that may benefit from face-to-face sessions once a week.

To read more about online learning in Nevada, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Nevada Homeschooling

Homeschooling is another school option for Nevada families. This choice is especially suited to those looking for a hands-on, highly customizable learning experience. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home and is permitted in all 50 states.

In Nevada, 5.7% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. The state requires a notice of intent to homeschool before you start and no later than 10 days after withdrawing from a school (it is required that you formally withdraw from your public school). In the case that you decide to return to public school, your student’s placement may be subject to testing and review of their work.

If you choose homeschooling, you’re required to teach specific subjects (including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health), but specific standardized tests are not required. Your homeschooled student might still be eligible to participate in sports or activities at the local public school. Plus, homeschoolers with special needs are eligible to receive special education services from local school districts.

You may also want to check out the Nevada Department of Education – Homeschooling, Home School Legal Defense Association – Nevada, Nevada Homeschool Network, Nevada Moms, and RISE Education Resource Center.

Nevada Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, many Nevada families are blending school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:  

 

 

  • Hope Academy is a microschool and homeschool co-op based in Carson City that offers à la carte courses.

 

 

  • The Rainbow Room is a part-time, full-day drop-off program for homeschoolers in Las Vegas.

 

 

  • Desert Peach Montessori, an affiliate of Wildflower Schools, offers Montessori education to preschool and kindergarten students in Reno.

 

  • Bloom Academy is the first and only self-directed microschool learning center in Las Vegas.

 

 

 

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

Download the School Choice Snapshot for Nevada

Download Snapshot

What is School Choice

How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

Read More

Choosing the Right School

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

Get Tips

[nscw_school_finder]

Learning Pods

How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

Read More

7 Step Guide

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

View Guide

Education Resources for
Nevada Parents

For additional information about school choices in
Nevada, visit these resources:

Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada School Choice Coalition

Charter School Association of Nevada

Nevada Homeschool Network

Every state is different when it comes to school choice options.

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Nebraska State Guide

This Content Has a New Home!

Your journey to the perfect education fit just got easier. Check out this page in action on our new site and navigate school choice with ease at MySchoolChoice.com.

View on Navigate
Navigate School Choice Logo

Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

Each spring, parents face one of the biggest decisions they can make for their child’s future: What school environment will their child spend about 1,000 hours in next year? 

Making that decision with confidence starts with knowing what options you have; you may have more school choices than you realize! Understanding these options can help you find a school where your child grows and learns to the best of their ability. Nebraska families can choose from traditional public schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

What’s new in 2024?

The Opportunity Scholarship program is expanding, providing education funding directly to eligible families and benefiting more students. Stay tuned for more details! For now, the Opportunity Scholarship application is now open for the 2024-2025 school year! Families can contact a participating school to apply. Learn more about eligibility.

Nebraska Traditional Public Schools

Most children (86.8% of all K-12 students) in Nebraska attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. Each year, Nebraska spends an average of $13,826 per public school student. You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

Nebraska has flexible open enrollment for public schools. What this means is that you are likely able to send your child to any public district in Nebraska, regardless of where you live or where the school is located. For a real-world example, see how Grand Island Public Schools accepts students outside of the city’s limits. You can take advantage of this option by visiting multiple public schools and discovering which is the best fit for your family. You can also read the Nebraska Department of Education’s answers to frequently asked questions about switching school districts in your state.

In 2023, Nebraska improved transparency about open enrollment, signing a bill requiring school districts to post their open enrollment policies on their websites.

When a student uses open enrollment in Nebraska, transportation is typically the responsibility of the parents or provided by the receiving district for a fee, unless the student is eligible for free or reduced price lunch, part of a diversity focus program, or a student with learning disabilities, in which case transportation is typically free.

Find out more about public schools in your state at the Nebraska Department of Education. You can also read more about Nebraska open enrollment at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50-State Ranking.”

Nebraska Charter Schools

Nebraska currently does not have any public charter schools, but charters may be in Nebraska’s future! Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that are allowed extra freedom to innovate while being held accountable for student achievement. Nebraska is one of only four states that have not passed laws allowing for the creation of public charter schools. 

Nebraska Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as engineering or the performing arts. At a magnet school, all the subjects are taught through the lenses of that specific track. Nebraska has a handful of magnet schools scattered throughout the state, and these might be a good option if your child learns best by focusing in on a subject they are passionate about. For instance, Omaha Public Schools has both elementary school magnet programs (like Conestoga Elementary School) and high school magnet programs (like Benson Magnet High School).  

Nebraska Private Schools

Families in Nebraska can also consider private schools, nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Private schools may offer a unique curriculum, smaller class sizes, or a faith-based tradition. Nebraska’s more than 220 private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs.  In Nebraska, 10% of all K-12 students attend a private school.

The average tuition for private schools in the state is $3,610 for elementary schools and $7,880 for high schools.

Under a new model, eligible families may be eligible for a private school voucher under the Opportunity Scholarship Act, which can be used for private school expenses, including tuition and transportation. Low-income families will receive priority (families that earn up to 300% of the federal poverty level), students with a parent in the armed forces, and students already receiving an education scholarship under the Opportunity Scholarship Act may be eligible for a voucher amounting up to $5,000. Read more in our full explainer!

Additionally, the federal government does allow parents in all 50 states to save for K-12 private school tuition using tax-preferred 529 savings accounts.

Learn more at Children’s Scholarship Fund-Omaha and Private School Review: Nebraska.

Nebraska Online Learning

Whether your child wants to accelerate his or her learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try. 

While the majority of states have free, public online programs available to families statewide, Nebraska does not currently have that option. But, families can choose a paid option: University of Nebraska High School Online. Other paid options, like George Washington University Online High School, The Keystone School, Excel High School, and K12 Private Academy, are also available to Nebraska families but are not state-specific. Families interested in enrolling at University of Nebraska High School Online can do so at any point during the year; there is no deadline for enrollment. 

Additionally, some districts are developing their own online programs for students. For example, Lincoln Consolidated Schools students can choose the fully online LCS Virtual Academy. Omaha Public Schools offers local students Omaha Virtual School, a blended learning program that incorporates both in-person sessions and at-home online classes. 

To read more about online learning in Nebraska, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Nebraska Homeschooling

Nebraska families can also choose to homeschool their children, which allows for a highly customizable and personalized learning experience. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home and is permitted in all 50 states.

In Nebraska, 3.2% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. The state of Nebraska requires notice of your intent to homeschool by July 15 or promptly upon choosing to homeschool. The state also requires an annual information survey and parent representative form. It is recommended that you formally withdraw from your public school so your student is not marked truant.

If you choose homeschooling, you’re required to teach specific subjects (including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health), but specific standardized tests are not required. If you choose to enroll your child part-time at the local public school, your child may be eligible to participate in sports and other activities.

In the case that you decide to return to public school during the school year, you must notify the Nebraska Department of Education in writing.

To learn more, check out a roundup of homeschooling resources specific to Nebraska. 

Nebraska Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, many Nebraska families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in Nebraska:

 

  • Trinity Academy, a Lutheran microschool in the classical liberal arts educational tradition, is launching in fall 2023 on the campus of Nebraska’s Concordia University in Seward.  

 

  • Masterpiece Academy in Omaha is a microschool founded by a former public school teacher to help small groups of learners discover their passions and overcome challenges. Full-time and part-time educational support is available. 

 

 

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

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Education Resources for
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For additional information about school choices in
Nebraska, visit these resources:

Nebraska Department of Education

School Choice Nebraska

Nebraska Homeschool

Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association

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Montana State Guide

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Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

Moms and dads of Montana, choosing where your child goes to school is one of the biggest decisions you face. Whether you’re deciding about kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, or high school, it can feel confusing to sort through your options. Making the best decision for your child’s education starts with knowing all your options. In Montana, families can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Stay informed on the latest school choice updates in Montana with our deep dive blog!

Montana Traditional Public Schools

Most children (89.2% of all K-12 students) in Montana attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. Did you know that Montana spends an average of $13,299 per public school student each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

In general in Montana, the state allows each district to set its own open enrollment policies; the state only requires districts to offer open enrollment if parents live too far from their child’s assigned school. Open enrollment refers to whether parents can choose to send their children to any public school, regardless of where it is located.

For an example of what the open enrollment process currently looks like, check out Missoula County Public Schools’ guidelines for attending a high school other than the one you are zoned for. In Montana, when an agreement between school districts is made allowing a student to participate in open enrollment, it includes transportation provisions. 

A bill passed in 2023 will make important changes to public school transfer options starting next school year. The new law standardizes open enrollment in public schools across the state, making it easier (and guaranteeing it’s free) for families to choose the best public school fit for their child. 

Montana parents should check with their local school district if they wish to participate in open enrollment. This is a valuable form of public school choice, widening parents options and ensuring that their zip code isn’t the sole determiner of their education. Find out more about public schools in your state at the Montana Office of Public Instruction. 

Montana Charter Schools

In 2023, Montana became the 46th state in the country to pass charter school laws. So far, Montana has just one charter school, the Bozeman Charter School, which currently offers remote learning and in-person field trips for students in grades 3-8.

Like traditional public schools, charter schools are public, free, and typically have no requirements for entry. What distinguishes charter schools is that they are allowed extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods and held accountable to authorizing bodies for results. 

Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves, whether that be providing a language immersion program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system (like drawing random names out of a hat!) is usually used to determine admittance.

Free transpiration may be available to some students who attend charter schools in Montana. Students with special needs who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are eligible to receive transportation assistance. 

Montana Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are permitted in Montana, though there may not be any active magnet schools at present. These free public schools allow kids to focus on one specific theme, like STEM or the performing arts. The idea is that, if your child is passionate about a subject, they may learn best in an environment full of students who share that passion and classes that teach through the lenses of that main theme. 

Montana Private Schools

You can also choose private school for your child! Montana families can choose from an array of private schools, nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Private schools may offer a unique curriculum, smaller class sizes, or a faith-based tradition. Montana’s private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. 

There are more than 120 private schools across the state of Montana. The average tuition for private schools in the state is $8,068 for elementary schools and $9,063 for high schools. Keep in mind that tuition costs can vary widely.

Montana’s first school choice program, a scholarship program funded by tax-credited donations, was launched in 2015. After the program’s legality was challenged by the Montana Supreme Court, the program was taken to the U.S. Supreme Court in a landmark case, which ruled it constitutional in 2020. All students between the ages of five and 18 in Montana are eligible to apply for this program, which expanded in 2023. The average scholarship size received is about $2,200. In Montana, 0.6% of all K-12 students are participating in this program.

Starting in 2024, students with special needs will be eligible for a new education savings account scholarship. Participating families will receive about $6,800 in an online account for their child. These funds can be flexibly used for private school tuition, textbooks, curriculum, tutoring, education therapies, transportation or other approved learning expenses. Learn more in our full explainer!

Learn more at ACE Montana and Private School Review: Montana.

 

Montana Online Learning

Whether your child wants to accelerate his or her learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try. 

While Montana does not currently have a free, full-time online learning option, Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) allows middle and high school students to take online classes on a part-time basis through their local school. In 2023, two bills passed expanding Montana Digital Academy’s mission and making it easier for schools offering online classes to offer those classes to out-of-district students. More than 4,000 Montana students took at least one online course through MTDA in 2020-2021.

Also, families in any state can choose from paid online learning providers for a full-time option. Paid online schools include George Washington University Online High School, The Keystone School, Excel High School, and K12 Private Academy.

In a few areas, families can also choose a district-run online school. For example, the Bozeman School District has a hybrid school for district students, and recently announced it will enroll out of district students for 2023-2024. Another district option (this one for grades 9-12) is Missoula Online Academy.

To read more about online learning in Montana, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Montana Homeschooling

Homeschooling is another important school option for Montana families. This choice allows for high levels of customized learning and flexibility. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home and all 50 states allow it. 

In Montana, 4.7% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. The state of Montana requires notice of your intent to homeschool annually by the start of the year. It is recommended that you formally withdraw from your public school so your student is not marked truant. In the case that you decide to return to public school, contact your local school to find out their placement guidelines.

If you choose homeschooling, then you are required to teach the basic subjects taught in public schools,  but you are not required to use specific standardized tests. Homeschooled students in Montana may be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. In fact, a bill passed in 2023 clarified that homeschool students can enroll part-time in public schools, making it easier for families to blend home and public options.

Find more resources about homeschooling specific to Montana at the Home School Legal Defense Association and the Yellowstone Coalition of Home Educators.

Montana Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, many Montana families are blending school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in Montana: 

 

  • Great Beginnings is a nature-based Montessori school and summer camp in Bozeman. 

 

 

  • Opt Out is an intentionally small, “outside the box” learning program for Bozeman students in grades K-6. Opt Out combines project-based learning, outdoor education, Montessori, and Waldorf methods. 

 

 

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

Download the School Choice Snapshot for Montana

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Education Resources for
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For additional information about school choices in
Montana, visit these resources:

Montana Office of Public Instruction

Montana Family Foundation

Montana Coalition of Home Education

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Missouri State Guide

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Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

Each spring, parents face one of the biggest decisions they can make for their child’s future: What school environment will their child spend about 1,000 hours in next year? Let’s dive in to School Choice in Missouri.

Making that decision with confidence starts with knowing what options you have; you may have more school choices than you realize! Understanding these options can help you find a school where your child grows and learns to the best of their ability. Missouri families can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

What’s new in 2024?

Student eligibility for MOScholars Empowerment Scholarship Accounts is expanding and public charter school access is increasing benefitting more students!

Missouri Traditional Public Schools

The most common school choice in Missouri is traditional public school. In fact, 80.4% of all K-12 students attend a traditional public school in Missouri. Districts operate traditional public schools, which are free to attend, open to all students, and funded by taxpayers. Did you know that on average, Missouri spends $11,865 per public school student each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

One thing that makes Missouri public school districts unique is that many of them (about 160 districts) actually use a shortened week model. Many schools holding classes just four days a week are rural ones.

In Missouri, parents have restricted open enrollment. Open enrollment refers to whether you can send your child to a public school other than your assigned school. Some Missouri parents, such as those who live in school districts that have lost state accreditation, may be able to choose any traditional public school in another district for their child. In some cases, including when transferring from a public school that is unaccredited, the district provides transportation. 

Open enrollment is an important form of public school choice, widening parents’ options and ensuring that their zip code isn’t the sole determiner of their education. You can find out if you have access to open enrollment by contacting your local district. In general, Missouri districts can set their own guidelines for transfers within districts. So, dates and application procedures for transfers can vary. For an example of the transfer process and timeline, check out Springfield Public Schools’ guidelines.

Find out more about public schools in your state at the Missouri Department of Education & Secondary Education. You can also read more at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50-State Ranking.”

Missouri Charter Schools

Charter schools are another tuition-free public school option for families. Currently, Missouri only has charter schools in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas. There are more than 60 charter schools between the two cities. In 2024, a bill was passed to expand the areas where charter schools can be established, including Boone County. Keep an eye out for potential charter school opportunities in the near future! In Missouri, 2.5% of all K-12 students attend a public charter school. 

Like traditional public schools, charter schools are public, free, and usually have no requirements for entry. What distinguishes charter schools is that they are allowed extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods and held accountable to authorizing bodies for results. 

Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves, whether that be providing a language immersion program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system (like drawing random names out of a hat!) is usually used to determine admittance.

K-5 students who attend eligible charter schools may soon be eligible to receive mailed books at their reading level from an at-home reading program.

Free transportation is available to some students who attend charter schools in Missouri and live within the district where their charter school is located under certain circumstances. For example, if a student is enrolled in a charter school due to transportation difficulties, the school district is required to provide transportation for that student.

You can learn more about your state’s charter school options at the Missouri Charter Public School Association.

Missouri Magnet Schools

You can also choose magnet schools! In Missouri, 1.4% of all K-12 students attend a public magnet school. Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as engineering or the performing arts. At a magnet school, all the subjects are taught through the lenses of that specific track. 

Missouri has several magnet schools throughout the state. For more information, you can check out a sampling of the magnet elementary schools available in the St. Louis Public School district. Kansas City Public Schools and Springfield Public Schools also have magnet schools. In fact, Springfield Public Schools is opening a new magnet program in 2023-2024 called Fly SPS. Students will have the opportunity to study aviation and earn a private pilot’s license while also earning high school and college credit.

Another new magnet school in Springfield is AgAcademy, which opened last year. AgAcademy focuses on the importance of agriculture for Missouri’s economy and is located at Missouri State’s Darr Agricultural Center. 

Missouri Private Schools

Families in Missouri can also consider private schools, nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Private schools may offer a unique curriculum, smaller class sizes, or a faith-based tradition. Missouri’s private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. 

There are more than 660 private schools across the state of Missouri. The average tuition for private schools in the state is $9,987 for elementary schools and $12,434 for high schools.

In 2024, the MOScholars education savings account program in Missouri was expanded statewide. This program offers flexible scholarship funds that can be used by families to attend eligible public, charter, virtual, private, or homeschooling. Additionally, families can use the funds for educational therapy or school transportation. To be eligible for this program, students must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or be from families earning up to 300 percent of the federal free-and-reduced-price lunch program.

Learn more at the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation and Private School Review: Missouri.

 

Missouri Online Learning

Don’t overlook online learning, which offers a uniquely flexible learning environment that meets a variety of family needs. Whether your child wants to accelerate his or her learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try.

Missouri public school students have access to individual online courses or free, full-time online programs primarily through MOCAP (Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program). In order to participate, students must get enrollment approved by their resident school district. (Missouri is one of the only states with such a requirement for switching to online school.) Some districts only allow classes to be taken on campus, while others allow for full-time virtual learning, such as through Missouri Virtual Academy or Missouri Connections Academy.

Students must be currently enrolled in a Missouri public school to switch to online courses through MOCAP. Any non-public student in Missouri, from kindergarten through 12th grade may be able to enroll through the district and take courses online through MOCAP for a fee. In some cases, such as students having certain medical conditions, the tuition can be waived.

Another virtual learning program that partners with many Missouri districts is Launch Virtual Learning. You can check Launch’s member directory to see if your child’s school partners with Launch. If so, your child may be able to enroll in Launch’s part-time or full-time online courses for free through your home district.

There are also some district online learning programs, such as R-7 Online Academy, Columbia Public Schools Virtual School, Douglas County School District’s Choice Online Learning, North Kansas City Schools’ Virtual Learning, and SLPS Virtual Learning program.

Unfortunately, some families applying to Missouri online schools have experienced administrative delays or been challenged by their school district. In response, a bill passed in summer 2022 seeks to streamline the application process and improve families’ access to virtual schooling. To read more about online learning in Missouri, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Missouri Homeschooling

Homeschooling is another school option. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home and is permitted in all 50 states.

In Missouri, 6.2% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. The state does not require notice of your intent to homeschool; however, it is recommended that you formally withdraw from your public school so your student is not marked truant. For Missouri homeschoolers, the state requires families to teach specific subjects (like reading, writing, math, and science) but does not require specific standardized testing. Note that homeschool students may be eligible to participate in sports or activities at their local public school if they enroll there part-time.

As of 2024, qualifying homeschool students may be eligible to participate in the MOScholars Program. This program grants scholarships to students with special needs or from low-income families to use for certain educational expenses. Note that families who choose to participate may be required to undergo background checks and students may be required to take standardized tests.

You can also check out Home School Legal Defense Association – Missouri, Midwest Parent Educators, the Missouri Families for Home Education, and the Missouri Association of Teaching Christian Homes, Inc. (MATCH).

Missouri Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, some Missouri families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are real examples of microschools and innovative learning resources in Missouri:

CASCO Learning in St. Louis is a Spanish immersive learning collaborative center for families. The learning center offers enrichment classes, parent workshops, and even international learning trips. 

Juniper Root Woodland Microschool in Chesterfield is a child-led, nature play-based learning community. 

Lighthouse International is an Acton Academy-style microschool in Lake St. Louis. 

Little Leaders Academy is an in-home program for pre-K through 1st grade children. The academy focuses on outdoor experiences, whole child learning, leadership, and hands-on activities.

Cale Academy is a learning environment based in Columbia that prioritizes student-centered and learning-style education.

EDGE is a globally-focused microschool serving highschoolers residing within Liberty Public Schools.

An annual “Remake Learning Days” event in Kansas City encourages teachers, students, and families to learn in-person in the community through events and hands-on learning.

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

Download the School Choice Snapshot for Missouri

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What is School Choice

How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

Read More

Choosing the Right School

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

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Microschooling and Mix-and-Match Learning

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7 Step Guide

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

View Guide

Education Resources for
Missouri Parents

For additional information about school choices in Missouri, visit these resources:

Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education

Missouri Charter Public School Association

Show Me KC Schools

Families for Home Education

Missouri Association of Teaching Christian Homes, Inc. 

Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri

Navigate STL Schools (database of information about traditional, charter, and independent schools in St. Louis)

Ace Scholarships

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Mississippi State Guide

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Your journey to the perfect education fit just got easier. Check out this page in action on our new site and navigate school choice with ease at MySchoolChoice.com.

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Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

If you live in Mississippi, you have access to more K-12 school choice options than you might realize. Navigating these options and finding the best fit for your child can make a world of difference for your family. This guide will breakdown the types of schools available to you, as well as provide additional education resources and school choice news.

Mississippi families can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. We’ll also cover microschooling and mix-and-match learning!

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Mississippi at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

Mississippi Traditional Public Schools

Traditional public schools are operated by school districts, free to attend, open to all students, and funded by federal, state, and local government. In Mississippi, 85.1% of all K-12 students attend a traditional public school. Did you know that Mississippi spends an average of $10,170 per public school student each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

In Mississippi, the state allows each district to set its own open enrollment policies; the state only requires districts to offer open enrollment if parents live 30 miles away from their child’s assigned school. “Open enrollment” refers to whether parents can send their children to any public school, regardless of where it is located. Mississippi parents should check with their local school district if they wish to participate in open enrollment.

If you do have access to open enrollment, this can expand the list of public schools you can choose from, helping you find the best match for your family. When an agreement between school districts is made allowing a student to participate in open enrollment, it must include transportation provisions. Keep in mind that, in some cases in Mississippi, receiving districts charge tuition.

Would you like to see a real-world example of the transfer process? Check out Jackson Public Schools’ guidelines for applying for an in-district or district-to-district transfer.

A new bill has been passed in Mississippi, allowing the children of active members of the United States Armed Forces to choose the school district and campus they want to attend.

Find out more about public schools in your state at the Mississippi Department of Education. You can also learn more about Mississippi open enrollment at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50-State Ranking.”

Mississippi Charter Schools

Depending on where you live in Mississippi, you might have access to a public charter school. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are public, free, and typically have no requirements for entry. What distinguishes charter schools is that they enjoy extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods and are accountable to authorizing bodies for results.

2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Mississippi Charter Schools Act. Currently, Mississippi has ten authorized charter schools serving about 3,000 (0.7%) students.

Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves, whether that be providing a language immersion program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum. For example, the state’s newest charter school, Instant Impact Global Prep, focuses on STEM learning and community engagement.

Currently, Mississippi’s charter schools serve children in grades K-8. However, the state’s first charter high school, Clarksdale Collegiate Prep, has been approved to open in fall 2025.

If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system (like drawing random names out of a hat!)  is usually used to determine admittance. 

Mississippi Magnet Schools

You can also choose magnet schools! In Mississippi, 0.7% of all K-12 students attend a public magnet school. Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as engineering or the performing arts. At a magnet school, all the subjects are taught through the lenses of that specific track. Mississippi has several magnet schools scattered throughout the state, and these might be a good option if your kid learns best by focusing in on a subject he or she is passionate about. Some of the districts with magnet schools or programs include the Cleveland School District, the Natchez-Adams School District, the Laurel School District, and Jackson Public Schools. Columbus Municipal School District even has magnet choices that allow kids to focus on aerospace, international studies, and healthy living.

Mississippi Private Schools

Private schools offer a unique learning environment that may be smaller in size, pass on a specific religious tradition, or provide a different curriculum than is available in your district school. One of the largest private schools in the state is Magnolia Heights School in Senatobia, which offers a Christian environment and enrolls more than 700 students. Private schools can be defined as nonpublic schools that charge tuition. 

There are more than 230 private schools across the state of Mississippi. The average tuition for private schools in the state is $5,951 for elementary schools and $6,611 for high schools.

In Mississippi, there are several state-run scholarship programs helping families with special needs gain access to private schools. The Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship is designed specifically to help children with dyslexia access private schools with dyslexic therapy programs. Meanwhile, the Nate Rogers Scholarship program provides vouchers to certain private schools to students with speech-language therapy needs. Meanwhile, the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs program allows students with an IEP to receive some of their public education funding in a savings account, which can be used for approved education expenses, like private school tuition. 

Learn more at the MidSouth Association of Independent Schools and Private School Review: Mississippi.

 

Mississippi Online Learning

Whether your child wants to accelerate his or her learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, don’t overlook virtual school as an option. Mississippi does not offer a free, full-time online school. However, in some cases, students may be able to enroll in part-time classes through their school district and Mississippi Online Course Approval (MOCA). For example, students can take some MOCA-approved online classes through Booneville School District Online.

As another example of a district online program available to students, Gulfport Virtual Academy provides a K-10 virtual learning option. Students living outside of but near the Gulfport School District may be able to transfer in, but students will need to occasionally attend school in person for state assessments and labs.

Also, paid full-time online school options, such as George Washington University Online High School, The Keystone School, Excel High School, and K12 Private Academy, are available to students in every state, including Mississippi. Additionally, both Mississippi State University and University of Mississippi allow highschoolers to take online courses for a fee.

To read more about online learning in Mississippi, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Mississippi Homeschooling

Mississippi parents can also choose homeschooling; this is a great option if you are looking for a hands-on, highly-customizable approach to your child’s education. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home. Parents can homeschool in all 50 states.

In Mississippi, 4.5% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. Notice of your intent to homeschool is required by September 15 or immediately upon your decision to homeschool if starting mid-year. The state does not require homeschooling families to teach specific subjects and does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers. In general, children who are homeschooled may face roadblocks if they want to participate in public school sports or activities in Mississippi. However, you can always look for other sports leagues and co-ops!

In the case that you decide to return to public school, contact your local school to find out what their placement guidelines are as they each have their own process.

To learn more, check out a great roundup of resources about homeschooling specific to Mississippi. 

Mississippi Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, many Mississippi families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

For example, here are some real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:  

Micah’s Mission School offers a hybrid learning and resource environment for at-risk students. Students can participate in online independent learning, pre-work training, project-based learning, dyslexia therapy, and more. 

Ivy Greene Academy is an Acton Academy-affiliated microschool focusing on each student taking a “hero’s journey.”

Kingdom Leadership Academy is a Christian microschool and homeschool hybrid learning center in Gulfport offering one-on-one instruction in small groups.

Harper Learning Academy is a non-profit program in Byram serving students with learning differences. 

Embark, an initiative of Empower Mississippi, is a new schools accelerator that works with school founders to help them launch new innovative options, like microschools. 

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

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Education Resources for
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For additional information about school choices in
Mississippi, visit these resources:

Mississippi Department of Education

Empower Mississippi

Mississippi Homeschool Support Group

Mississippi Home Educators Association

MidSouth Association of Independent Schools

ACE Scholarships Mississippi

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Minnesota State Guide

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If you’re wondering about school choice in Minnesota, here are two things to remember. First off, you’re not alone. Every year, tens of thousands of parents in Minnesota make K-12 school decisions for their children. Secondly, you can do it! Understanding your state’s different school choices can help you find a learning environment where your child is not just “getting by” at school, but actually thriving and inspired to learn. 

In short, you can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Minnesota at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

Minnesota Traditional Public Schools

Most Minnesota (78.3%) students attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend. They are open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like federal, state, and local government. Did you know that Minnesota spends an average of $14,378 per public school student each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

Public school open enrollment refers to whether a parent can choose to send their child to a public school other than their assigned district school. In Minnesota, parents can choose a traditional public school that is outside of their district based on the state’s open enrollment laws, and may be able to choose another school within their district, depending on their local school board. In the 2020-2021 school year, about 10% of Minnesota students used open enrollment! 

Since no two public schools are exactly the same, open enrollment can valuably extend a family’s educational options and help them find the best match for their child. If you are interested in this choice, note that transfer applications are usually due by mid-January for the following fall. In most transfers to schools in a different district, the receiving school district provides transportation once the student is within the district border, and can reimburse income-eligible students for their travel there. Minnesota districts are not permitted to charge tuition for transfer students.

Find out more about public schools and transfers in your state at the Minnesota Department of Education or “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50-State Ranking.”

Minnesota Charter Schools

You can also consider charter schools. In Minnesota there are about 280 charter schools serving 65,000 children. That’s about 7.1% of the K-12 student population. The majority of charter schools are located in the greater Twin Cities metro area, but there are charters across the state.

Like traditional public schools, charter schools are public, free, and usually have no requirements for entry. What distinguishes charter schools is that they have extra freedom to innovate with learning methods and are accountable to authorizing bodies for results. 

Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves. For example, that could be providing a Spanish immersion program or offering a rigorous STEAM curriculum. One of the state’s newest charters, Surad Academy in the immigrant town of Faribault, is modeled after a highly successful school in Africa. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system (like drawing random names out of a hat!) is usually used to determine admittance. 

For instance, one charter school executive director we talked to told us about the Core Knowledge curriculum that is part of her school’s charter. “A Core Knowledge school gives kids information through oral telling, through experience, and we add on to their knowledge all the time,” described Lynn Peterson of Cologne Academy. 

Free transportation is available to all students attending Minnesota charter schools within their district. Transportation is provided to those living at least 2 miles away, including out-of-district students. Students with special needs who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and students facing homelessness are eligible to receive transportation assistance.

Learn more about Minnesota charter schools at the MN Association of Charter Schools.

Minnesota Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as engineering or the performing arts. At a magnet school, all the subjects are taught through the lenses of that specific track. So, these might be a good option if there’s one near you with a theme that interests your child. 

Minnesota has more than 75 magnet schools throughout the state serving about 7.1% of the K-12 student population. For example, some of the districts with magnet schools or programs include Anoka-Hennepin School District #11, Brooklyn Center Community Schools, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools, District 196: Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, Independent School District 197, Minneapolis Public Schools, Northwest Suburban Integration District, and Osseo Area Schools ISD 279.

One example of Minnesota’s magnet school offerings is American Indian Magnet School in St. Paul, which provides learning rooted in American Indian culture and history. Meanwhile, Salk Middle School in Elk River has a pre-engineering STEM focus, and was recently recognized as a National Magnet School of Excellence. Plus, a brand new Minnesota magnet school this year is East African Magnet School, an elementary school focused on East African cultures and languages. 

Minnesota Private Schools

You can also choose private school! Minnesota families can choose the unique environment of a private school, which may pass on a religious tradition, use a specific curriculum, or offer a smaller classroom environment.

There are more than 640 private schools across the state of Minnesota serving 8.1% of the K-12 student population. The average tuition for private schools in the state is $7,181 for elementary schools and $13,360 for high schools.

While private schools do charge tuition, Minnesota parents are eligible for tax deductions on educational expenses, including private school tuition payments. Minnesota has an additional K-12 Education Credit program that families under a certain income may be eligible to apply for.

Learn more at the Minnesota Independent School Forum, the Minnesota Catholic Conference, and Private School Review: Minnesota.

Minnesota Online Learning

Whether your child wants to accelerate learning or needs a quieter environment, you may be interested in trying virtual school. Minnesota has more online options than most states! Any student who lives in Minnesota, even if they have permanent residency elsewhere, can attend a full-time online school free of charge. For instance, students in any grade can do this through Minnesota Connections Academy (a charter school program and the largest online public school in the state), Minnesota Virtual Academy (which serves about 1,800 students across the state), 196Online, 279Online, SoWashCo Online, Tonka Online, Eden Prairie Online, Saint Paul Public Schools Online, New Code Academy, One91 Virtual Academy, 5Rivers Online, Edina Virtual Pathway, or Minnesota Public Schools Online. Some of these statewide options are charter schools, while some are district-run schools that accept out-of-district students. For a full list of statewide options serving all grades, see the Department of Education’s website.

Besides online schools serving all grades, there are additional online options for students in specific grades. For example, students in grades K-8 can choose Cologne Academy Online, a public charter school with a Core Knowledge focus. Another option is Insight School of Minnesota, which specializes in helping struggling students in grades 6-12 catch up and achieve academic success. IQ Academy of Minnesota also serves students in grades 6-12. Keep in mind that, in order for the funding to follow a student who switches to online school, the family must fill out a Statewide Enrollment Options form. 

Finally, free part-time online options are available for students enrolled in public schools (including charter schools), and paid part-time options are available for nonpublic school students.

To read more about online learning in Minnesota, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Minnesota Homeschooling

Homeschooling is another school option; this is a great option if you are looking for a hands-on, highly-customizable approach to your child’s education. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home and is permitted in all 50 states.

In Minnesota, 2.8% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. notice of your intent to homeschool is required by October 1 or within 15 days of withdrawing. It is required that you formally withdraw from your public school. In the case that you decide to return to public school, the school will place your student based on evaluation of their records.

The state requires homeschooling families to teach specific subjects (like reading, writing, math, and science) and also requires some level of assessment of students. In some cases, Minnesota homeschoolers may still be eligible to participate in sports or activities at local public schools.

Minnesota offers some funding assistance through a tax deduction program to help with costs related to instruction, field trips, and parental time. To learn more about homeschooling, you may also be interested in checking out the Minnesota Homeschoolers’ Alliance, Home School Legal Defense Association – Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Education’s Homeschooling page, and Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators.

Minnesota Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, many Minnesota families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

For example, here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:  

There are at least eight Wildflower Montessori microschools in Minnesota.

Founded by a teacher, Skola is a Christian microschool with a flexible schedule, emphasis on the outdoors, and values-based education. 

Awakening Spirit Homeschool Collaborative seeks to be an individualized, all-inclusive, educational environment for gifted children and their families.

The Gathering Learning Studio offers learning pods with a focus on small group learning, career exploration, and skill development in a faith-infused environment.

An example of a Learning Support Group that ran during the pandemic was Hope Youth Center, which provided full-time distance learners with tech, tutors, snacks, mental health support, and more.

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

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Education Resources for
Minnesota Parents

For additional information about school choices in Minnesota, visit these resources:

Minnesota Department of Education

Minnesota’s Department of Education: Choice 

The MN Association of Charter Schools

Minnesota Homeschoolers’ Alliance

Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators

Minnesota Independent School Forum

Opportunity for All Kids 

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Michigan State Guide

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Choosing where your child goes to school is one of the biggest decisions you face. While it may feel intimidating to navigate your school options in Michigan and make a choice, you can do it! And remember, each child is unique. So, the “best” school for your child may be different than the “best” school for your neighbor’s child.

A starting point for finding a great school for your family is knowing your options. This guide will break down the main learning environments available in Michigan. In short, you can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. We’ll also talk about microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Michigan at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

Michigan Traditional Public Schools

Most often, Michigan families (72.5% students) choose traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. On average, Michigan spends $14,085 per public school pupil each year. You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

Some states have unrestricted open enrollment, which means that you can send your child to any public school, regardless of where you live or where the school is located. In Michigan, there is restricted open enrollment. Depending on the district and their school’s performance, parents may have the option to transfer their child to a different public school. If so, they are responsible for transporting their child to that school.

Open enrollment can be an important form of public school choice, widening parents’ options and ensuring that zip code isn’t the sole determiner of their education. Since Michigan districts set their own guidelines, dates and application procedures for school transfers can vary greatly. For example, Farmington Public Schools’ application deadline was January 27, 2023 for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Find out more about public schools in your state at the Michigan Department of Education. You can also learn more at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50-State Ranking.”

Michigan Charter Schools

You can also choose from charter schools! In Michigan, 10.1% of all K-12 students attend a public charter school. Charters are free, public schools open to all families. Charter schools are distinct from traditional public schools because they have extra freedom to innovate while being held accountable for student achievement. For example, the West Michigan Aviation Academy allows students to earn flight certifications and private pilot licenses. Charter schools can share the fruits of their innovation with traditional classrooms. 

Michigan has more than 370 charter schools. These schools can be opened after they are authorized by school districts or colleges and universities. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance. One of the state’s newest charter schools is KIPP Detroit: Imani Academy, which opened in 2022 as a kindergarten program.

Free transportation may be available to some students who attend charter schools in Michigan. Students with special needs who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are eligible to receive transportation assistance.

You can learn more at the Michigan Charter Schools Association. 

Michigan Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are a third type of free public education; these schools allow kids to focus on a specific theme, like science or the performing arts. Michigan has several magnet schools throughout the state serving 9.5% of the K-12 student population. 

The International Academy of Macomb, for instance, is a county-wide International Baccalaureate magnet school that provides opportunities each year for its students to travel the world. Meanwhile, Kalamazoo’s Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts recently expanded its Arabic course offerings. The Lansing School District offers more than 10 magnet schools or programs. Other districts with magnet offerings include Michigan City Area Schools, Detroit Public Schools, Saginaw Public Schools, Ann Arbor Public Schools, and more. If you live near a magnet school with a theme that interests your child, this could be an exciting choice for you. 

Michigan Private Schools

Michigan has a plethora of private schools, both religious and non-religious ones. As you may know, private schools are nonpublic schools that charge tuition. There are about 900 private schools across the state of Michigan serving about 7.9% of the K-12 student population. Tuition costs vary widely, but the average in the state is $6,547 for private elementary schools and $11,405 for private high schools.

Michigan is one of the most constitutionally restrictive states for school choice, so there are currently no state-run scholarship opportunities that make private school more accessible to Michigan families. If you think a private school is best for your child but have funding concerns, you can ask whether there are any privately funded scholarships available. Also, the federal government allows parents to save for K-12 private school tuition using tax-preferred 529 savings accounts.

Learn more at the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools, the Michigan Catholic Conference, and Private School Review: Michigan.

 

Michigan Online Learning

Whether your child wants to accelerate learning or needs a quieter environment, you may be interested in trying virtual school. Michigan offers many opportunities for online learning. As of fall 2021, there were at least 90 full-time online options for Michigan students, some available statewide and some district specific. Free, full-time online learning options serving students in grades K-12 statewide include: Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan, iCademy Global, LifeTech Academy, Lighthouse Connections Academy, Michigan Connections Academy, Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy, Michigan International Prep School, Michigan Online School, Michigan Virtual Charter Academy, My Virtual Academy, PrepNet Virtual Academy, Jenison International Academy, and Uplift Michigan. Students in grades 9-12 who would like extra academic support or credit recovery courses may be interested in considering Insight School of Michigan or MySchool@Kent. And students in grades 6-12 can also consider Great Lakes Learning Academy, WAY Michigan or West Michigan Virtual Academy.  

About half of Michigan’s school districts participate in GenNET Online Learning, which offers online courses schools may use to meet their students’ needs. Many districts also have their own online schools for resident students. There are also regional offerings, like Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan, which blends online learning with in-person support at learning centers throughout the state.

Giving families still more options, Michigan Virtual is the state’s official virtual school and offers part-time online classes for middle-school and high-school students; in some cases, fees may apply. You can search statewide courses through the organization’s online course catalog.

We recently talked to Michigan Connections Academy about what online learning offers families. Bryan Klochak, superintendent at Michigan Connections Academy, told us that there are so many reasons why families choose virtual school. “There’s really no one ideal student or family [for online school] because everybody is coming to us for their own specific reason,” he said. “In our environment, we’re able to individualize, and that’s a big draw for lots of people.”

In Michigan, public school students in grades 6-12 who aren’t switching full-time to a cyber charter school may take up to two online courses per term. To read more about online learning in Michigan, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Michigan Homeschooling

Michigan families can also choose to homeschool, which allows for high levels of customized learning and flexibility. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home; parents can homeschool in all 50 states.

You are not required to notify government or education authorities if you are homeschooling under Michigan’s homeschooling statute. However, submitting a notice of your intent to homeschool at the beginning of each school year is required if you are homeschooling as a nonpublic school. It is also recommended that you formally withdraw from your public school so your student is not marked truant.

If you choose to homeschool, you are required to teach specific subjects (like reading and math) but specific standardized tests are not required. Does your child love sports? Note that homeschool students in Michigan may be eligible to participate in sports at local public schools if they receive permission from their district.

Learn more at HSB, Inc., Metro Parent: How to Homeschool in Michigan, Home School Legal Defense Association – Michigan, Blue Water Homeschool Teens Cooperative, and the Michigan Christian Homeschool Network.

 

Michigan Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, many Michigan families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are just a few real examples of microschools and related resources in Michigan: 

The Future of Learning Council explores and promotes next-generation learning models, including microschools. 

Blue Bridge School in Grand Rapids is a part-time, self-directed learning community for homeschooled children.

The online school WAY Michigan offers a microschool option to support online learning students. 

AmplifyGR has worked with families in Grand Rapids on a variety of community and educational initiatives, including helping public school parents purchase supplementary services.

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Instruction did release a memo back in 2020 detailing rules applying to school-age child care, some of which may apply to microschooling arrangements.

Download the School Choice Snapshot for Michigan

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Choosing the Right School

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

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Microschooling and Mix-and-Match Learning

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7 Step Guide

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Education Resources for
Michigan Parents

For additional information about school choices in Michigan, visit these resources:

Michigan Department of Education

Michigan Department of Education: School Choice

Michigan’s Charter School Association

Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools

Michigan Christian Homeschool Network

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Massachusetts State Guide

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Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

Massachusetts parents, this post is for you. Each year you face one of the biggest decisions you can make on behalf of your child: Where to send your child to school. Let’s dive in to school choice in Massachusetts.

Each child is unique. So, the “best” school for your neighbor’s child may look different than the “best” school for your child. Knowing all your K-12 options can help you find a school where your child is eager to attend and actively learning. 

In Massachusetts, you can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Massachusetts at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

Massachusetts Traditional Public Schools

Massachusetts’s traditional public schools are operated by school districts, free to attend, open to all students, and funded by federal, state, and local government. In Massachusetts, 83.6% of all K-12 students attend traditional public schools. Massachusetts spends an average of $20,376 per public school student each year. You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel. 

In Massachusetts, each district decides whether it will participate in open enrollment. “Open enrollment” allows parents to send their children to any public school, regardless of where it is located. For the 2021-2022 school year, 170 Massachusetts districts (53% of districts statewide) chose to participate in open enrollment. Some of these districts, however, only allowed transfers for certain grades. So, if you are interested in transferring your child to a different public school than you are assigned, you should talk to your local school district about its policies.

Open enrollment is a valuable option for parents because it gives them more opportunities within the public school system, allowing them to select the school that best matches their child’s needs. In Massachusetts, open enrollment is always free: districts cannot charge tuition for transfer students.

Would you like to see an example of the transfer process and timeline in your state? Check out Boston Public Schools’ transfer guidelines. Keep in mind that parents are generally responsible for transportation when their student is participating in open enrollment, unless the transfer addresses racial imbalances or the student qualifies for free or reduced price lunch.

Several districts in Massachusetts offer acclaimed vocational-technical education programs. Find out more about public schools in your state at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. You can also learn more about open enrollment at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50-State Ranking.”

Massachusetts Charter Schools

Also, Massachusetts families can choose charter schools! 4.9% of all K-12 students attend a public charter school in Massachusetts. These schools are tuition-free public schools that are open to all students; charter schools differ from traditional public school in that they are allowed extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. Massachusetts currently has more than 70 charter schools that parents can choose from. You can find a list of these schools at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves, whether that be providing a language immersion program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum. Massachusetts’ newest charter school is Worchester Cultural Academy, which offers project-based learning and fieldwork in collaboration with museums and cultural organizations in central Massachusetts. 

Charter schools are also held accountable to authorizing entities. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, an old-fashioned lottery system is usually used to randomly determine admittance. In Massachusetts, there are state caps on the number of students who can attend a charter school.

Charter school students within district boundaries may receive free transportation. Rules include: K–6 students over 2 miles receive local district transport; K–12 in regional districts get regional district transport if over 2 miles; all special needs students get district transport regardless of distance. Students with special needs who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and students facing homelessness are eligible to receive transportation assistance.

Learn more from the Massachusetts Charter School Association. 

Massachusetts Magnet Schools

Depending on where you live, you may have access to a third type of public school: magnet schools. These schools are free public schools that allow kids to focus on specific themes, like science or the performing arts.

Massachusetts established one of the nation’s first magnet schools, Trotter Elementary School, in the late 1960s. Today, Massachusetts has several magnet schools, such as Worcester Arts Magnet School, Chandler Magnet School, Joseph G. Pyne Arts Magnet School, Mass Academy of Math and Science, Alfred G. Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, and Tatnuck Magnet School.

A magnet school may be a good choice if your student learns best by diving deeply into a subject they are passionate about. Contact your school district to learn if there any magnet schools or programs near you.

Massachusetts Private Schools

Families in Massachusetts can also consider private schools, nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Private schools may offer a unique curriculum, smaller class sizes, or a faith-based tradition. Massachusetts’s private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. There are more than 850 private schools across the state of Massachusetts serving about 10.4% of the K-12 student population.

The average tuition for private schools in the state is $21,946 for elementary schools and $37,151 for high schools. Unfortunately, there are no state-run scholarship options in Massachusetts at present, but private scholarships may be available, such as through the Catholic Schools Foundation. Also, the federal government allows parents to save for K-12 private school tuition using tax-preferred 529 savings accounts.

Learn more at the Massachusetts Catholic Conference and Private School Review: Massachusetts. 

Massachusetts Online Learning

Whether your child wants to accelerate his or her learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try. Currently, students in Massachusetts may attend one of two free public virtual schools – TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School or Greater Commonwealth Virtual School (formerly known as Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School) – either full-time or part-time, with an agreement from their local school district. These schools are a popular choice. During fall 2021, nearly 2,000 students were on waitlists for them! 

Private virtual schools are also available. For a fee, highschoolers can consider full-time learning with Massachusetts Mayflower Academy, a private online school.

In addition, seven district-run online schools opened in fall 2021 including Attleboro Virtual Academy, Brockton Virtual Learning Academy, Chelsea Virtual Learning Academy, Leominster Personalized Virtual Learning Academy (LPVLA), Peabody Personalized Remote Education Program (Peabody P.R.E.P.), Taunton Public Virtual Academy (TPVA), The Springfield Virtual School, and Westfield Virtual School.

You may also want to keep in mind that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is currently partnering with online learning non-profit VHS Learning to offer free online Advanced Placement (AP) courses to highschoolers in areas that lack access to such courses. 

To read more about online learning in Massachusetts, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Massachusetts Homeschooling

Homeschooling is another school option for Massachusetts families; this is a great option if you are looking for a hands-on, highly-customizable approach to your child’s education. All 50 states allow homeschooling, which is the process of parents educating students at home.

In Massachusetts, 1.2% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. Notice of your intent to homeschool is required in most districts; however, it does vary depending on your zoned district, so check into their guidance. It is recommended that you formally withdraw from your public school so your student is not marked truant. In the case that you decide to return to public school in the middle of the school year, your school requires notification within 30 days of your intent to switch. 

The state requires homeschooling parents to teach specific subjects (including reading, geography, and U.S. history) and may require some level of assessment of homeschooled students. Homeschoolers in Massachusetts may still be eligible to participate in sports at local public schools, though restrictions apply, so ask your district for more details. For example, the Saranac Lake Central School District approved a policy change this year to make extracurriculars more open to homeschoolers.

For more, check out great resources at the Home School Legal Defense Association – Massachusetts. You may also want to check out the Massachusetts Home Learning Association or the Massachusetts Homeschool Organization of Parent Educations (MassHOPE).

Massachusetts Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, many Massachusetts families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are a few of the innovative learning offerings around Massachusetts:

Sudbury Valley School in Framingham is a self-directed learning private school that has inspired similarly-modeled schools around the world. 

Life Rediscovered is a learning center and community hub for homeschoolers in Westborough and North Easton. The center offers full-day academic and social programming, events, trips, and extracurricular classes, and monthly support groups.

Dessalines S.T.E.A.M Academy is a microschool located in Brockton that focuses on STEM and community history.

Symbiosis Learning Center is an alternative to traditional middle and high school that welcomes a diverse student body, including those who may have social or emotional challenges, anxiety, or ADHD.

Extend Homeschool Tutorial offers a la carte group instruction in core subjects as well as electives like music, sign language, and digital media. 

KaiPod Learning offers learning pods for Massachusetts students enrolled in accredited virtual schools. 

There are more than a dozen Wildflower Montessori microschools across Massachusetts.

In Massachusetts, the state allows learning pods of up to five families to operate without a license, as long as one parent is present at all times and payment is limited to compensation for food and materials. 

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

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Education Resources for
Massachusetts Parents

For additional information about school choices in Massachusetts, visit these resources:

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: School Choice 

The Massachusetts Charter Public School Association

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Maryland State Guide

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Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

Each spring, parents face one of the biggest decisions they can make for their child’s future: What school environment will their child spend about 1,000 hours in next year? Sound familiar? Let’s dive in to school choice in Maryland.

Making that decision with confidence starts with knowing what options you have. You may have more school choices than you realize! Understanding these options can help you find a school where your child is excited to learn. Maryland families can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Maryland at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

Maryland Traditional Public Schools

Most children (66% of all K-12 students) in Maryland attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. Did you know Maryland spends an average of $16,417 per public school student each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

Most states have some form of open enrollment. This refers to whether parents can send their child to a public school other than their assigned school. Open enrollment is an important choice, expanding parents’ options and ensuring that zip code isn’t the sole determiner of their education. Unfortunately, Maryland only offers public open enrollment in a few circumstances. For example, a student may be able to request a school transfer if they move during the school year, if they are a child of an employee at the school they wish to transfer into, or if a health professional recommends a different school environment.

For a real-world example of the transfer process, check out the “Change of School Assignment Booklet” for Montgomery Public Schools, Maryland’s largest district.

Find out more about public schools in your state at the Maryland State Department of Education. You can learn more about Maryland open enrollment at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50 State Report.”

Maryland Charter Schools

You can also choose charter schools. 2.4% of all K-12 students attend a public charter school in Maryland. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that have extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. Maryland has about 50 charter schools that parents can choose from.

Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves. That could be providing a Spanish immersion program or offering a rigorous STEAM curriculum. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance. In Maryland, charter school lotteries are usually held at the beginning of the calendar year. 

Students with special needs who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are eligible to receive transportation assistance.

For more information on charter schools in your state, check out the Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools. 

Maryland Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as an International Baccalaureate program or the performing arts. At a magnet school, all the subjects are taught through the lenses of that specific track. In Maryland, 16.4% of the K-12 student population attend a public magnet school.

Maryland has several magnet schools throughout the state; for instance, there are more than 30 magnet schools or programs in the Baltimore area. Some of the other districts with magnet schools include Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools, and Prince George’s County Public Schools. 

For example, Deer Park Middle Magnet School offers eight creative magnet programs focusing on areas such as dance and mass communications. And recently, Anne Arundel County’s Old Mill Middle School South was named a National Magnet School of Excellence for its dedication to STEM learning and community partnerships.

If your child learns well through diving deeply into a particular subject, a magnet school could be a good fit. 

Maryland Private Schools

As you may know, private schools are nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Maryland has a variety of private schools, both religious and non-religious: There are more than 800 private schools across the state.

Tuition varies widely, but the average in the state is $13,524 for elementary schools and $17,815 for high schools. Maryland has one private school choice program, the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program, which provides state-run educational scholarships for families under a certain income level. More than 3,200 (0.3%) Maryland students took advantage of this program in the 2021-2022 school year.

Additional support may be available. For example, the Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust partners with 18 private schools to provide admissions and financial support to high-achieving African American students in the Baltimore area. Also, the federal government allows parents to save for K-12 private school tuition using tax-preferred 529 savings accounts. 

Learn more at Children’s Scholarship Fund-Baltimore, the Abell Foundation, Knott Scholarship Funds, Partners in Excellence, the Maryland Council for American Private Education, the Maryland Catholic Conference, and Private School Review: Maryland.

Maryland Online Learning

Online learning is sometimes overlooked, but it offers a uniquely flexible learning environment. For example, some families use this flexibility to accelerate learning. Meanwhile, others use it to provide a quieter, stress-free environment for learning. Whatever the reason, you may want to try online learning.

Unfortunately, Maryland does not currently have its own free, full-time online learning program available to students statewide. But, there are paid, full-time online school options available to families in all 50 states, Maryland included. Some of these paid providers are George Washington University Online High School, The Keystone School, Excel High School, and K12 Private Academy.

A local online option Maryland families can choose for a fee is Bryn Mawr Online, an AIMS-accredited, NCAA-approved, and AP-authorized online school for girls. The school is an outgrowth of Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, which is ranked as the number one college prep school in Maryland. 

Also worth mentioning is that students in select Maryland districts, like Baltimore City Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools, can access district-run online learning for free. In addition, the Eastern Shore of Maryland Blended Virtual Program offers a blended learning program to public school students in grades 6-12 in certain Maryland districts. These include: Caroline County, Cecil County,  Dorchester County, Queen Anne’s County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County and Worcester County public schools. Finally, students in some districts can take part-time courses through their school and Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities.

To read more about online learning in Maryland, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Maryland Homeschooling

Also, Maryland families have a sixth option in homeschooling, which is the process of parents educating students at home. Homeschooling is permitted in all 50 states. If you are looking for a highly customizable and flexible education for your child and think homeschooling could fit the bill, learn more about Maryland’s homeschooling rules.

In Maryland, 2.8% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. Notice of your intent to homeschool is required immediately upon making this decision or your student will be considered truant. It is also required that you formally withdraw from your public school. 

The state requires homeschooling parents to teach specific subjects (like math and English) and may also request to review samples of a homeschooling family’s education materials and work. In general, children who are homeschooled may face roadblocks if they want to participate in public school sports or activities in Maryland. But, you can always look for other leagues or activities near you! 

Note that Maryland homeschool families are never required to enroll their children in public school. If you receive information to the contrary, you may want to ask for legal assistance. You can also check out the Maryland Homeschool Association and the Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators.

Maryland Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, some Maryland families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are a couple of real examples of microschools in Maryland:

Montessori Luna is a bilingual Montessori school in Pikesville with a nature-inspired program. 

Mysa Microschool in nearby Washington, D.C. offers place-based education with crowdsourced curriculum from around the world.

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

Download the School Choice Snapshot for Maryland

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Education Resources for
Maryland Parents

For additional information about school choices in Maryland, visit these resources:

Maryland State Department of Education

Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools

The Maryland Council for American Private Education

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Maine State Guide

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Your journey to the perfect education fit just got easier. Check out this page in action on our new site and navigate school choice with ease at MySchoolChoice.com.

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Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

Education is a big decision; after all, it has a huge impact on your child’s future. Fortunately, Maine families have access to several school choice options. Understanding and navigating these options can help you find a school where your child’s personality and talents are nurtured. This post will explain the types of schools available in Maine, as well as provide additional education resources. 

In Maine, families can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Maine at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

Maine Traditional Public Schools

Most children (84.4%) in Maine attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. Did you know that Maine spends an average of $17,671 per public school student each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

Open enrollment is an important form of public school choice; it refers to whether you can send your child to a public school other than the one you are assigned to. In Maine, the state allows districts to set their own open enrollment policies. So, Maine parents should check with their district if they would like to transfer their child to a different public school. For instance, Portland Public Schools District only allows families to choose a school “out of neighborhood” in a few circumstances, such as when there has been documented harassment at the assigned school. 

If the reason for a family participating in open enrollment in another district is because their assigned district does not offer a school for their grade level, their district provides transportation. In other situations, the parents are responsible for transportation.

Find out more about public schools in your state at the Maine Department of Education. You can also learn more about Maine open enrollment at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50 State Ranking.”

Maine Charter Schools

You can also choose charters! Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that have extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. As of 2023, more than 2,700 (1.4%) students in Maine attend charters.

Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves, whether that be providing a language immersion program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system usually determines admittance.

Under Maine law, only 10 charter schools are currently able to operate in the state due to a charter school cap. Maine’s 10th charter school, The Ecology Learning Center, opened in 2020. However, one of Maine’s charter schools, Harpswell Coastal Academy, just closed at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, creating an opportunity for a new charter to open.

Free transportation is available to all students who attend charter schools in Maine and live within where their charter schools are located. Transportation assistance may available for students out-of-district. Students with special needs who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and students facing homelessness are eligible to receive transportation assistance.

For more information on charter schools in your state, check out the Maine Charter School Commission.

Maine Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to focus on specific themes, like science or the performing arts. There is currently at least one operating magnet school serving 0.1% of the K-12 student population in Maine. The Maine School of Science and Mathematics was recently ranked the second-best public high school in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. 

In previous years, the state also had a public magnet school geared toward studying marine science, technology, transportation, and engineering: The Maine Ocean School. However, as of 2022, the Maine Ocean School has transitioned into an educational program-based model rather than a full-time magnet school. If you live near Maine’s magnet school, your child may be able to attend it rather than their public neighborhood school.

Maine Private Schools

Families in Maine can also consider private schools, nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Private schools may offer a unique curriculum, smaller class sizes, or a faith-based tradition. Maine’s private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs.

There are about 150 private schools across the state of Maine. The average tuition for private schools in the state is $14,704 for elementary schools and $30,253 for high schools.

Maine has the nation’s second oldest school choice program, enacted in 1873. Through Maine’s Town Tuitioning Program, students who live in towns without a public school can receive funding to attend private schools in other communities. You can find an interactive map of Maine’s town tuition choices at the Maine Policy Institute. 

In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in Carson v. Makin that Maine’s town tuitioning program cannot exclude religious private schools from the options parents can choose through the program. However, currently only one religious school was approved to participate.

Families can also inquire into whether private scholarships are available, such as through the Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund. Currently, 2.4% of all K-12 students are participating in a private school scholarship program.

Learn more at the Maine Catholic School Directory, Maine Community Foundation, and Private School Review: Maine.

Maine Online Learning

Online learning offers a uniquely flexible learning environment that meets a variety of family needs. Maybe your child wants to accelerate learning or maybe they need a quieter environment in which to focus. Either way, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try. 

Maine students can attend free, full-time online school programs through one of two online public charter schools: Maine Connections Academy or Maine Virtual Academy. Both schools have enrollment caps.

Additionally, Portland Public Schools has a Virtual Scholar program offering online and blended options.

For highschoolers, there are a few more online options. The University of Maine at Fort Kent offers Rural U, a free, part-time early college program open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, including homeschool students. The University also runs a program allowing public school students statewide to take online Advanced Placement classes for free. Finally, Maine students in grades 11-12 can take early college courses for free through University of Maine’s Academ-e.

To read more about online learning in Maine, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Maine Homeschooling

Another option for Maine families is homeschooling, the process of parents educating students at home. Families in all 50 states can homeschool! As of 2024, about 5.3% of all Maine K-12 students choose homeschooling.

In Maine, notice of your intent to homeschool is required within 10 days of starting and annually by September 1. It is recommended that you formally withdraw from your current school so your student is not marked truant. In the case that you decide to return to public school, grade level placement is a decision that the local school makes; however, you can appeal this decision if necessary.

The state requires homeschooling parents to teach specific subjects (like math, English, and science), and also requires some level of assessment of homeschooled students. Note that your homeschooled student might still be eligible to participate in sports or activities at your local public school.

If you are looking for extra customization and flexibility for your child’s education and think homeschooling could fit the bill, find out more about Maine’s homeschooling rules at the Home School Legal Defense Association. You may also wish to check out the Maine Department of Education’s home instruction page.

Maine Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, some Maine families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are just a couple of real examples of microschools and related resources in Maine:  

With small group classes and multi-age learning, Roots Academy in Cape Elizabeth offers a “place-based, child-led, play-inspired approach” to education. 

The Village Nest Cooperative in Eliot offers a full-time K-3 forestry microschool. 

Note that learning support groups for students formally enrolled in a school may require licenses in Maine if instruction is compensated and there are more than three students in addition to any children living in the home. 

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

Download the School Choice Snapshot for Maine

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What is School Choice

How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

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Choosing the Right School

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

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[nscw_school_finder]

Microschooling and Mix-and-Match Learning

How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

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7 Step Guide

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

View Guide

Education Resources for
Maine Parents

For additional information about school choices in
Maine, visit these resources:

Maine Department of Education

Homeschoolers of Maine

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