Families Abandon Traditional Public Schools Amid Growing Concerns Over Performance and Safety

Why Some Families Are Leaving Public Schools for Other Options A growing trend of families opting out of traditional public schools has emerged in the United States, with many citing concerns over academic performance, safety, and social issues. According to a recent report by Forbes contributor Kerry McDonald, some families are turning to alternative educational options, such as homeschooling, private schools, and online learning platforms. For Randy and Cheryl Mynatt of Kansas City, Missouri, it was the discovery of students viewing pornography in their grandson Gabe's gym class that prompted them to seek an alternative. "It was a wake-up call for us," said Cheryl Mynatt. "We realized that our public school system wasn't providing the safe and supportive learning environment we wanted for Gabe." The family began homeschooling Gabe with the help of a public virtual school, but soon discovered he was academically behind his peers. Seeking a better fit for his high school years, they explored traditional private Christian schools, only to be rejected due to Gabe's ADHD and related anxiety issues. "We were told that our grandson wasn't 'special needs' enough," said Randy Mynatt. "It was clear that the system was failing him." The Mynatts are not alone in their concerns. According to a 2020 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, over 3% of students in the United States were homeschooled, with many citing dissatisfaction with public schools as the primary reason. Experts attribute this trend to a range of factors, including the rise of online learning platforms and changing attitudes towards education. "There's a growing recognition that one-size-fits-all education doesn't work," said Dr. Susan Pimentel, an education expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. "Families are seeking more personalized and flexible options for their children." In response to this trend, some districts have begun to offer alternative programs, such as online schools and charter schools. However, many families continue to seek out private and homeschooling options. As the debate over public education continues, one thing is clear: the traditional model of public schooling is no longer meeting the needs of all students. As Cheryl Mynatt noted, "We want our children to succeed, but we need a system that supports them, not just educates them." Background and Context Public schools have long been the primary provider of education in the United States, with over 90% of students attending traditional public or charter schools. However, concerns over academic performance, safety, and social issues have led many families to seek alternative options. Additional Perspectives Dr. Pimentel notes that while online learning platforms offer flexibility and personalization, they also raise concerns about equity and access. "Not all families have the resources or technology to access these programs," she said. Current Status and Next Developments As the trend of families opting out of public schools continues, educators and policymakers are grappling with how to meet the needs of students who require more personalized and flexible learning environments. With the rise of online learning platforms and changing attitudes towards education, it remains to be seen whether traditional public schooling will adapt to meet the needs of all students. Sources National Center for Education Statistics (2020) Forbes contributor Kerry McDonald Dr. Susan Pimentel, University of California, Los Angeles *Reporting by Forbes.*