Charter schools are an alternative to public schools typically begun by parents, community organizations and companies. They adhere to state curricular requirements, but have looser regulations with regard to the day-to-day operation of the school. These schools often have intentional ways of teaching. For example, some might have smaller classes or courses designed for a specific group of children such as at-risk or gifted.
A magnet school is a version of a public charter school that revolves around a particular focus such as math and science or the arts. Typically, magnet schools have high educational standards, and a rigid application process ensures a competitive environment. Diversity is usually a main objective in forming the student body. For this reason, some magnet schools have boarding facilities for out-of-town students.
Parochial schools include elementary schools operated by Catholic parishes, Baptist or other Protestant denominations or Hebrew private schools. Daily religious training is included in the daily curriculum.
Parents can also elect to enroll their elementary student in one of several online schools. The programs include both public and private school models. The public-school option at home often provides the learning material for free, including a computer, books and equipment needed to complete the daily assignments. Teachers are assigned and students work exclusively from their home directed by the curriculum the school follows and the dictates of their teacher.
A version of a charter school, Montessori schools follow the philosophy that a child is equipped with the natural ability to self-teach. The school's teaching methods encourage student exploration and discovery with the underlying lesson being that all things are connected. The Montessori-trained teacher acts as a facilitator, allowing children to direct a majority of their day. Older students design contracts to guide their required work and then become responsible for their own time management. Subjects not typically introduced until high school or college are integrated into the elementary Montessori program.