Education Verve 

Ways to optimize your K-12 education 

1. Find a school suited for you and make the most of the school you attend.

2. Take your learning beyond the classroom. Do a project or learn something on your own. Read things not assigned for school. 

3. Go on educational outings. Visit museums, parks, and attractions. Go on family vacations.

4. Ask for help from parents, teachers, and counselors.

5. Learn how to manage your time and deal with stress.

6. Learn about yourself and how to deal with others.

7. Enjoy your childhood and take part in activities, sports, or clubs that are fun and will help you learn something.

8. Develop healthy habits such as eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep to promote optimal brain function.

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K-12 schools
There are many school options in the United States for students in Kindergarten to 12th grade so that a student can be placed in a school suited for him or her. The 3 main categories of schools are public, private, and homeschool.
  
Public schools are free and operate by local, state, and government funds.
Types of public schools
1. Traditional public school
Traditional public schools require teachers to have the appropriate teaching certificate/license, which is usually mandated by the state in which they are located. Students attend a public school based on where they live. Each public school must follow the rules of curriculum, policy and governance, which is mostly decided at the state and local level. 

2. Charter school
Charter schools often choose a specialization like art or a mission statement that meets a need of their community. Many charter schools offer a unique learning environment. A parent has to submit an application to enroll a child in a charter school, and spaces are often limited. Any individual, company, or organization can apply for a charter to open a charter school. If the state grants their charter, the school will receive a certain amount of funding for a limited period of time, usually 3 to 5 years. If the school does not meet performance expectations, their charter is not renewed, and it closes. Teachers and administrators at charter schools have more authority to make decisions than most traditional public schools, as long as they perform and continue to receive government funding. 

3. Magnet school
Magnet schools specialize in certain areas such as technology, science or the arts. Magnet schools are operated by school districts or a group of districts.  Some magnet schools admit students based on achievement and may be called talented and gifted schools. Many magnet schools are very competitive and selective, and require testing and applications to attend. Other magnet schools enroll using a random lottery of any student who wants to attend.

4. Public virtual school
Many public school districts have virtual or online options. A virtual public school has the same teacher credential requirements, academic assessments and management as a traditional public school. A public virtual school offers more flexibility and independence to students and parents. Public virtual schools can customize learning plans for each student. 

 

Private schools have tuition and operate by tuition payments and funds from nonpublic sources such as religious organizations, endowments, grants, and charitable donations.
Types of Private schools
1. Non-religious schools
Non-religious private schools vary from college preparatory institutions to schools that allow for more creative instruction. 

2. Religious schools
Religious schools are private schools with a religious affiliation. Religious schools include Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish, Lutheran, Christian, and others. A parochial school is a religious private school that receives funding from a local church. The academic curriculum at parochial schools is often supplemented with daily religious instruction and prayer. A student doesn't have to be Catholic or Protestant to attend a parochial school, but he or she will attend religious education classes and services.

3. Montessori schools
Montessori schools emphasize exploration and encourage a student to question and experience the joy of discovering the world around them through their classroom experience. Montessori schools encourage children to make use of what the environment offers to develop themselves. Montessori is a way of teaching that honors each child’s individuality and interests. A Montessori teacher prepares the classroom, inviting children to explore and learn through hands-on activities.

4. Private special education school
Private special education schools focus on students with special needs. They often support specific learning differences like autism, ADHD, or other neurological differences.The staff at special education schools are better informed and equipped than the average school to provide specialized learning needs for their students. 

5.Boarding schools 
A boarding school is a school that offers food and lodging to its students. A boarding school offer opportunities for stronger relationships with faculty and fellow students through all manner of extra-curricular activities all in one place. 

 

Homeschool is education at home by parents or private tutors, or through online programs. Some homeschool families join cooperatives to share resources and learn in a group setting. Most parents who choose homeschooling want to give their children religious or moral instruction, while other families are concerned about the public school environment or are not satisfied with the quality of instruction in public schools. Families can create their own curriculum or buy educational materials. States regulate home schools and set requirements and these regulations vary among states. Some states require homeschooled students to take tests or have their progress evaluated in some way.