Editor’s note: This commentary from Danielle Gregory-Williams, a magnet recruitment specialist in New Haven, Connecticut, makes the point that education choice is alive and well in public schools, too, rounding out our coverage of National School Choice Week. It appeared this week on the New Haven Register.
National conversations about school choice often fixate on private schools or vouchers, but, in New Haven, public school choice is a critical component of efforts to expand opportunity for every child. Having choices makes public education more diverse — and that’s a great thing.
As an umbrella term, school choice means giving families the opportunity to select from an array of learning options, so they can choose the one that best fits their child’s academic needs. Just as no two children are the same, no two public schools are the same either.
In New Haven, school choices include an incredible diversity of public options, including citywide and interdistrict magnet schools with intentional specializations, neighborhood schools rooted in local communities, and public charter schools.
Diverse school offerings honor students’ differences, ensuring that curricular programs meet kids’ specific needs and create multiple pathways to academic and career success. In particular, citywide and interdistrict magnet schools serve to reduce racial and economic isolation, bringing together students from many New Haven neighborhoods.
Just consider a few examples of what New Haven offers: At Barack H. Obama Magnet University, students focus on a STEM-curriculum and effective communication, receiving language instruction in Chinese and American Sign Language. At Betsy Ross Arts Interdistrict Magnet School, students study dance, theater and visual arts with professional artists as well as certified teachers.
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