Choice in public education

I'm a big supporter of choice in education. When my A was in preschool, I got involved in developing a public charter school that uses the Harbor Method of instruction which is based on the belief that "education should be child-centered and built on high expectations for both student behavior and academic endeavor". As the schools that use this method become more and more popular among parents, they also become more and more controversial to the traditional school districts and teachers' unions. Here's a letter I sent to the editor of a local paper that ran a story trying to discredit the method.

DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO A PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL USING THE HARBOR METHOD. . .
. . . if you are satisfied with the mediocre, teach-to-the-standardized-test instruction she currently receives. Harbor teachers instruct beyond the standard, thus relieving stress for them and students because they are prepared well before test time. The teacher directs educational assistants and parents who meet with each child in the class. No stigma is associated with it. Each child is praised for their accomplishments and is helped in their areas of struggle.
. . . if it is okay with you that your kindergartener is blocked by teasing first-graders in the bathroom, resulting in an embarrassing accident. Harbor school children know that the bathroom is a place to go do their business, wash their hands, and get out. The “no talking in the bathroom” rule is one of the ways Harbor schools provide a safe environment.
. . . if she and her click of friends want to criticize other kids for being different. There are many opportunities to play and have fun at Harbor schools where the children are taught the skills to be kind.

A responsible parent would not take my word for it though; nor take the word of those who are intimidated by the competition of these successful public schools. Come tour a Harbor school to observe the instruction and play time, interview the administrator and teachers, interview current charter school families, check test scores on the internet, and if the waiting list is too long when you apply, get some neighbors together and petition to make another school just like it for your children and your community. That's what we did for CPCS.