The other day, my daughter asked me what I wanted to be growing up. I honestly had no answer. What did I want to be? I could not remember! Weather girl, something generic in business administration, a mom? She really threw me for a loop. After I thought about it over the next couple of days, I went back back with my answer: a stay-at-home mom. There, I had an answer that I could live with. “Why?” she blurts out. “I don’t know! Life was easy when I sat at home with you for a little over three years.” Needless to say, she really had me questioning my life’s path.

What did you want to be? Do you remember what your seven-year-old self wanted? These days, there are so many options. There are so many areas of work that are having a shortage, too. More children are going to trade schools than traditional four-year colleges. However, schools today give you options to start practicing a specific career–whether you choose charter or magnet–such as engineering, aviation, law, science or math. There are so many options, it can become confusing. 

In our January issue, we compiled all of the private schools and what they offer. This issue shows two more options available for families in our area: charter and magnet schools. You will see that each school is different and offers completely different courses and focuses. You and your child have a choice to make now about where to start their education-turned-career journey. The magnet school registration deadline is at the end of the month, and charter schools’ deadline is toward the end of summer. 

Growing up, we didn’t have all of these options. The middle school I attended when I was younger is now a digital arts magnet school. My old high school has been transformed into a thriving magnet school. There are so many options available now, and I see more in the future with how quickly we’re growing. This issue will help you navigate through those tough decisions. Reach out to learn more about the schools through our chart listing, and visit us online to learn even more. Education is thriving in our city.