I am a 17-year-old girl who has had a diverse educational history. I have been un-schooled, home-schooled, charter schooled, been enrolled in alternative programs within a local public school, two years of public high school and am currently enrolled in a local independent high school.
My parents were not happy with industrialized public schooling, to them it lacked the necessary social, emotional and educational needs of children in today’s society. Despite their personal views, they always gave me the freedom to choose the educational system I wanted.
I consider myself highly educated. I have a deep respect for my teachers, past and present, my parents included. I have the opportunity to meet current Grade 11 learning outcomes while engaging my interest in assigned schoolwork, and a flourishing creative skillset in a wide variety of mediums. I feel I have the capability to prepare for my future endeavors in a grounded manner.
So I ask, why is alternative independent education given less social regard, government funding and academic credibility than the public school system? Alternative learning has given me more social care, a sense of community, and full opportunity to explore and achieve my own learning plans. Learning is completely diverse as are the people invested in it.
I believe that alternative education should be given equal academic, financial, and societal consideration.
Cobi Delfiner
Nelson