I made the right school choice for my kids | Opinion
Marcia Garcia has two children attending charter public schools in Providence.
Recently, our community has been discussing the best way to use vacant school buildings. It’s an important topic. But so far, as a Latina mom, Providence taxpayer and education advocate, I haven’t seen myself represented in the dialogue.
The move of Excel Academy into an empty Providence school building has sparked lively debate. That’s a good thing. Open dialogue and community engagement are essential to ensuring the voices of parents and students of color are heard and respected in decision-making processes regarding education.
This topic is personal to me in more ways than one. I grew up in the city and am a proud graduate of Central High School. Today, I have two children attending charter public schools in Providence. I was lucky enough that my kids got accepted to charter schools since kindergarten, and every year they outdo themselves providing the services my kids need. They set a solid foundation so my children can perform to the best of their abilities.
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Charter schools are free and open to all, just like any other public school. Along with options like magnet schools and traditional schools, charters are one way our public school system ensures every kid gets the individualized attention they deserve. For many parents like myself, charter public schools are the best fit for the unique needs of our children.
It's crucial to recognize the need for a diversity of educational options, especially for communities of color that have historically been underserved. A personalized learning experience can make a significant difference in the lives of students who may not thrive in more traditional school settings. At a public school summer program a teacher noted that my kids were academically advanced compared to their peers. I felt proud I made the right choice for my kids!
There were over 31,000 charter school applications submitted this year, and over 18,000 of them came from Providence. Parents are begging for more public school options for their children. Our leaders must focus on making our school system responsive to city families.
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This is why I advocate for better access to a range of great public school options. When charter public schools and traditional public schools work together, all students get what they need. By sharing resources, best practices and lessons learned, schools can work together to address the diverse needs of our community and provide a range of educational opportunities that reach every child.
I’m asking we approach discussions about charter schools with nuance and empathy, recognizing they provide urban core parents and communities with agency and options. By working collaboratively and transparently, we can ensure all children have access to the high-quality education they deserve.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Charters are one way our public school system ensures every kid gets the individualized attention they deserve.
