As summer comes to a close and families prepare for another school year, a new survey finds that many parents are considering alternatives to their local in-person public school. According to the survey by Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN), nearly half (45%) of parents or guardians with children enrolled in public school would prefer they attend a private school.
Furthermore, with COVID-19 still presenting a health concern to many Americans, 50% of parents say they would likely enroll their child in an exclusively virtual school program in the fall if that were an option.
Stride’s survey paints a picture of American parents who are increasingly interested in alternatives to traditional public schools. As families weigh their options for the upcoming school year, it’s clear that private schools and virtual learning programs are both viable options that are worth exploring.
According to Kevin P. Chavous, President of Stride, Inc., online learning provides a safe, cost-effective alternative to traditional public schooling. He argues that every child has unique strengths and needs, and online learning gives families the accessibility and students the flexibility to learn at their own pace and in the manner best suited to them.
Top among parents’ concerns are school safety and school transparency. With school leaders across the U.S. reporting a nearly 50% increase in violent threats from students and more than a 70% increase in generally disruptive student behavior between 2019 and 2021, half of the parents surveyed by Stride expressed concerns about their children’s safety in a public school environment. Although online learning may not be the perfect solution for every family, it is clear that it has distinct advantages for those who are looking for an alternative to traditional public schooling.
It’s no secret that parents have a lot on their plate. In addition to working and managing the household, they also have to worry about their children’s safety and well-being. Unfortunately, gun violence has become a major concern for parents in recent years. Stride’s recent survey found that more than half of parents are worried about the threat of gun violence at their child’s school.
In addition, many parents feel that they don’t have enough insight into what their child is doing at school. This lack of communication can make it difficult to ensure that your child is safe and receiving a good education. Ultimately, it is important for parents to partner with their child’s school in order to promote a safe and successful learning environment.
Stride’s survey was conducted online and 1,382 parents/guardians of children in grades K-12 were surveyed. The complete results can be found at K12.com.
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