In Hamilton County, 29% of all children attend private schools, and an estimated 6-8% are home schooled. Total, 38% of children in Hamilton County have parents that have different expectations. Enrollment in the public school system in Hamilton County will continue to decline because of this expectation.
It is estimated that by 2015, that the current 38% of private and home schoolers will increase to 47%. Allowing Charter schools, and providing a voucher program of some type would be a start for more options.
For families with limited resources, providing private education for their child is not an option. This would explain the high numbers of children served by federal programs in the public school system. For the 38% of the children in Hamilton County placed in private and home school programs, they are willing to pay for public and private education to ensure their children are educated.
Allowing charter schools and at least a partial voucher program would create some form of equity for access to better education in Hamilton County.
Allison Graham