Private Scholarship Programs And Home Schooling: More Alternatives By: Anthony S. Pellegrino

Private scholarship programs are another alternative educational opportunity that provide quality education where none existed before by making the financial resources of the private sector available to families of lower socio- economic status. Many low-income children enjoy better schooling by having a portion of their tuition paid to attend a private schools. To qualify, the applicant usually needs to be from a family that qualifies for federal free or reduced-price lunch program, living in the district which the program has been set up to serve.

Student-sponsor programs, boarding school programs, and community scholarship programs have been providing parents a choice for years. There are many examples of organizations, individuals, and archdioceses helping needy children through a variety of programs. This program puts the child above the system and provides the children of all families the opportunity of education already enjoyed by those with wealth.

As of July, 1999, 65 private scholarship programs nationwide are providing some of America’s most underprivileged families the opportunity to send their children to a school of their choice. This unusual educational opportunity means for 57,000 children an escape from failing inner-city public schools. Thus they are given a new breath of life for a likelihood of a productive and successful future. Another 40,000 children are on a waiting list for private scholarship programs because more and more parents-all from low-income background-are demanding an alternative to unsafe and low-performing schools. Private scholarship programs are an alternative way which provides better education for some children. There is still another alternative.

Each fall when school begins, a growing number of school-aged children do not head off to a classroom. Instead they learn at home with their families or with other children in their communities in a program called “Home schooling.” Home schooling takes many forms from a daily routine following a scheduled curriculum to child-led learning in which parents supervise and help. In the l997-98, school year an estimated 1.5 million children studied at home.

Home schooling is a disciplined and stressful manner of learning. Disciplined because it demands devotion from the parents and much time. Stressful because the child and the parent must fully understand and appreciate each other’s role working in close proximity. However many parents feel that the effort is worth it because they wish to deter having their child exposed to the rampart abuses in some of the public schools such as violence, drugs, smoking and bad friends. Another reason is that some parents wish to teach strong religious belief along with academic studies.

All states allow home schooling recognizing it as a legitimate option for meeting compulsory education requirements. However parents must notify the local public school system of their intent to educate their children at home and identify the children involved. Each state has set up its own criterion.

In the CNMI the BOE has “Policy 415 Home Study” which clearly recognizes a program of study at home and spells out the requirements. To date there are one or two children that are being home-schooled in Saipan.

Home schooling is controversial. But then so is every alternative schooling. Many national associations oppose the practice. Yet others claim that parents have a constitutional right to school their children at home. Its academic worth is hotly contested by researchers, educators, and parents. Some colleges admit students from home schooling programs.

After reviewing all the alternative programs, one major fact stands out–all of us rank education as the top priority. There are many means–but we must commit our will to insuring that all children become well educated. What greater gift to our children for their future!