Alison’s Journey To Find A School That Educates The Whole Child

As parents, we all want what’s best for our kids. But when it comes to their education, the path isn’t always clear or easy. For Alison, a mother of four, this journey has been a winding road filled with tough decisions, new opportunities, and incredible growth for her children. Her story is a testament to the power of school choice and why it’s vital for families to have options.

The Journey Through School Options

Over the years, Alison’s family has explored nearly every type of schooling option out there: homeschooling, public virtual school, private school, and now, public charter school.

Oklahoma is home to a plethora of school choice options, “and that’s a really good thing” Alison says. But it can also make choosing a challenge. “Every year, we found ourselves asking, Is this academic setting still working for us? What does school look like next year?”

For Alison’s family, each school option served a purpose at a particular time. Homeschooling worked for a while but wasn’t sustainable long-term. Private school provided structure but lacked diversity and came with financial burdens. Finally, they discovered a public charter school that was, in her words, “clearly doing something right.”

So, Why Charter School?

A specific public charter school quickly became the perfect fit for Alison’s family, offering her children a rigorous academic environment with excellent matriculation rates alongside a diverse and inclusive community.

“I want my kids in a situation where not everyone looks like them, thinks like them, or believes like them. I want them to educate the whole child,” Alison explains. “This school takes all kinds of kids from all walks of life. And it’s tuition-free. That was a big pull for us.”

The open application process at Alison’s charter school is another aspect she values. Admission isn’t based on zip codes, tax returns, or extracurricular achievements from elementary school. It’s a lottery system, open to everyone, making it a beacon of accessibility and fairness in Oklahoma City.

The Impact of School Choice

For Alison, having the freedom to choose has been life-changing, not just for her children but for her as a parent.

“Having the option, and an incredible option, means the world to me as a parent,” she shares. “When my kids were having a hard time, I was able to make a change.” Prior schools weren’t sustainable for them, and she was able to move them until she found one that felt phenomenal.  “Seeing a parenting win in real time is good for the soul.”

Charter school has also helped Alison’s kids explore interests and passions in ways they never could before. Her oldest child participated in a French exchange program, spending two weeks in France with a host family and later hosting a French student in their home.

“Talk about exposing our kids to diversity and culture! It was amazing,” she exclaims.

Beyond cultural opportunities, their school provides a variety of clubs, athletics, and activities while maintaining a strong focus on academics. “They’re up front about being about academics, but they still offer archery club, chess club, and other activities.” It’s the best of both worlds.

Advice for Parents Considering School Choice

Making educational decisions can be overwhelming, especially with multiple kids who each have unique needs. Alison offers words of wisdom for parents navigating these choices for the first time:

“Take a deep breath. There’s no one-size-fits-all system. Trust your instincts and listen to your kids. No two children are the same, and their schooling doesn’t have to be either.”

She emphasizes the importance of advocating for your child’s needs, even when it’s difficult. “If your child is in a school and not getting what they need, you are their Superman. Advocate for them. And if it means making a change, so be it.”

Why School Choice Matters

Alison’s story is more than just a personal journey, it’s a call to action. School choice isn’t just about finding a better fit for one family; it’s about ensuring that every parent has the freedom to make those decisions.

“Having choices has been a lifeline for us,” Alison says. “It’s critical. Every family deserves that same opportunity.”