While regular high schools work well for many children, some benefit from attending a school with a specialist program. These schools follow core curriculums; however, they also offer specialised teaching and activities in specific academic, practical or extracurricular fields such as STEM, IT, arts and sports.
What are the benefits of enrolling your child in a specialist high school?
1. Build on Your Child's Skills and Interests
Some children don't thrive in mainstream schools. They don't engage with the curriculum because it doesn't meet their interests or academic abilities. If you send your child to a specialist high school, then their education becomes more engaging and useful. You give your child an education that suits them as an individual.
For example, if your child is gifted and talented, then a school with this specialised focus will give them a targeted education that helps them meet their potential. Or, if your child is a talented sportsperson, then a specialist sports school will build on and develop their skills.
Your child will enjoy their education more. They get the chance to develop skills that mainstream education can't give them.
2. Put Your Child on the Right Pathway
If your child attends a regular high school, then they might struggle to get on the right career pathway later in life. Their education might not prepare them for the path they ultimately want to take.
Specialist high schools usually offer specific interest and ability pathways. For example, if your child is interested in engineering, then they will take classes from specialist teachers who help develop their knowledge and practical skills in this field.
Many specialist schools also have connections with industry organisations. They help their pupils gain sector-specific qualifications early. Your child will get a head-start in their future career if their education is targeted and sector-focused.
3. Reduce Your Extra-Curricular Costs
If your child has a special interest, then a regular high school might not give them the chance to develop this interest. For example, if your child is a talented dancer, then a regular high school might not offer any classes or teaching that appeals to them.
You might have to book them into out-of-school classes and programs. As well as eating into your family's free time, this will cost you money. Years of extra-curricular courses can be a significant investment.
If your child attends a specialist school, then they get the teaching they need in school. They will have specialist teachers and classes and are less likely to need to go to clubs or classes out of school. You'll save some money over the course of your child's education.
To find out more, contact high schools in your area that offer specialist programs.
When it comes to educating your children, you need to find a program that works best for them. Some children don't do well in a classroom setting. In fact, many children do better when they have access to one-on-one education. For those children, alternative education at home might be the best option. One of the great things about at home education is that children get to learn at their own pace. They also get to learn about the things that interest them. If your children aren't thriving in a classroom setting, now's the time to start them on alternative education at home.