A child’s education is one of the top priorities for a lot of parents out there. They want to make sure that they have the best foundation possible to ensure that they grow and develop into adults who lead productive lives. That is why a lot of parents pay attention to their child’s school and education. They are in constant communication with their child’s school and teachers to make sure that they are getting all they can out of them. When it comes to school, there are also a lot of options for parents to choose from.

There is public school, private school, catholic school, Montessori-based school, magnet schools, and even homeschooling. The options seem endless, but not a lot of parents may know about lab schools. Lab schools are definitely an option, and just like every other form of education, there are advantages and disadvantages of a lab school and mom needs all the information she can get before she decides if this setting is the right one for her child.

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What Are Lab Schools?

The most important question that needs to be answered is what lab schools are. According to Private School Review, a lab school is a kindergarten to grade 12 school that is typically operated out of a university or college. They are often called a demonstration school, and that is because the schools are often full of teachers who are learning. Young teachers are the ones in these classrooms, teaching students and they are learning about how children develop and practicing all of the new skills they are learning in school. However, this does not mean that children are not getting the “best” education, teacher students are being closely monitored by the college’s education department.

The schools will also have experienced teachers and staff who are using this environment to try out new teaching methods and theories to see how education as a whole can be improved.

Is It Right For Your Child?

There are a lot of things to think about when mom is wondering if a lab school is the right place for her child. According to US News, one of the biggest things to consider is the cost. Lab schools are not like public schools, there is tuition to enroll and this may make it inaccessible to some parents out there. The average tuition for a lab school is about $30,000 to $34,000 a year. Lab schools are also known for taking chances and trying new things that you wouldn’t find in a traditional public school, and mom needs to make sure she is OK with her child being in that type of environment.

The Biggest Disadvantage

It is always important to know what some of the disadvantages are of a school before making a decision. According to The Knowledge Burrow, there is a big disadvantage with lab schools and that is that there is often a lack of structure when compared to public schools. Since a lot of youth thrive on routine and structure, this may not be the best choice for a parent who knows how their child learns best. Lab schools are definitely a non-traditional approach to education, and it is important that parents are prepared for that.

Sources: Private School Review, US News, The Knowledge Burrow