Parents want their children to get the best education available. In most cases, it would be hard to argue that’s not a given. What often leads to more discussion and debate is how best to provide that education.
As parents have these kinds of discussions not only among themselves but also with education and government leaders, the choice on where to educate their children to school has become an important topic. In 2023, 20 states enacted a school choice program, according to information from the National School Choice Week website.
Arkansas is among those states, adopting the Arkansas LEARNS Act in 2023. Included in the legislation was the creation of a program that expanded parents’ access to a variety of institutions such as charter, independent and online schools that they feel would be best for their child. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a proclamation designating National School Choice Week as Arkansas Parental Choice Week.
According to a 2022 Niche.com parent survey, 79 percent of families said the quality of local public schools was a factor when deciding where to live. Campus safety (73 percent), teacher qualifications (71 percent) and type of school (70 percent) were also deciding factors in choosing a school, according to the survey.
Parents of Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts students take many of those factors into consideration as well when they are deciding whether to apply to and then enroll at the school.
Dr. Kelley Lammers of Blytheville is the mother of two ASMSA alumni and one current senior. She serves as chair of the ASMSA Parents Advisory Council. As a former educator, she is a big proponent of educational methods that include interactions between the teacher and student as well as hands-on learning activities.
“I feel that children should be encouraged to take a deep dive into subject matter that intrigues them,” Lammers said. “Unfortunately, most public school districts must address such diverse learning needs that they do not have the manpower to tailor learning beyond a typical curriculum. I wanted my children to love learning and to understand that pursuing knowledge and understanding is one of life’s greatest adventures. I felt a residential school like ASMSA would be the best place for them.”
Randy Thomason of Little Rock, a parent of a current senior, said there were several factors his family considered when deciding on whether their daughter would attend ASMSA. Not only were academics a major reason, but the style of academics was also important.
“We had found most schools were not teaching both fundamentals and critical thinking,” Thomason said. He added that very few schools encourage the development of critical thinking, which are essential for future inventors, business leaders and public leaders.
“We were looking for a school that had great academics, had as few as possible political influences (as things should be objective and unbiased either conservative or liberal), and would help our child grow into a responsible and productive person in society,” he said.
Dr. Hagit Gregory of Monticello said her family sought opportunities for her child, a sophomore in his first year at ASMSA, that would “expand their talents and challenge their abilities instead of just going through the motion of schooling.” She already sees positive changes in her son since enrolling at ASMSA.
“The experience so far has been great in many ways, especially in helping my son become more understanding of his responsibilities, abilities and challenges,” Gregory said. “He has become more mature, is able to care for his needs more personally, has been exposed to other children from other cultures, has had the ability to express his own culture comfortably and has been challenged educationally in many ways.”
Thomason echoed some of those sentiments. Among his biggest hopes was that his daughter would become more independent so she could be prepared to take on college life without a struggle, not only succeeding in college but thriving as well.
“As a result of attending ASMSA, our daughter has gained her confidence back into being a leader, has been challenged academically but has risen to that challenge, and maybe most importantly, has become independent and prepared better for life itself no matter what lies ahead for her,” he said.
Living in the residence hall has also not only helped his child but also other students to learn important life skills early — how to work, live, cooperate, negotiate and be accountable with others, Thomason said.
Not all students have the same interests or needs. Lammers witnessed that with each of her children. While each of their experiences had similarities, they also were able to create their own path forward at ASMSA.
“All three of my children who attended ASMSA are unique, yet each one of them found their place at ASMSA,” she said. “One loved physics, one math and music, and the third loves history and art. They each found their friend group, they each were challenged with leadership roles, two of them played sports, one has been in theater and the list goes on.”
Lammers said he was impressed with how quickly her children adjusted to taking care of themselves, learning to prioritize tasks and learn how to communicate with adults and advocate for themselves.
“They learned to be away from home for weeks at a time and come back for visits with new confidence. They each, at times, made mistakes, but they were so quick to find pathways toward reconciliation or restitution. They learned to ask for help.”
Gregory said it’s challenging for some parents to let their child leave home early, but she would encourage parents to let them apply to ASMSA, especially when there may be limited options for education for high school-aged students in their local communities.
“Seeing them blossom, succeed, happy and really embracing their talents is very much worth it,” she said. “I believe it is essential for parents to know that ASMSA can provide more than just basic education for their children.”
Lammers said ASMA provides educational opportunities that extend far beyond what most Arkansas high schools can offer. That includes leadership venues allowing students to collaborate, plan and carry out activities with minimal adult input. Classes, educators and the student peer group all combine for an outstanding experience, she said.
“The classes are amazing, as the teachers truly love their subject matter and delight in dialogue with students. My children learned that being a nerd is fascinating, and as a result, they wanted to find a college that would be an even greater intellectual challenge,” Lammers said.
In addition to the academic and leadership development students experience at ASMSA, Thomason highlighted another important aspect parents should consider — that their child will be well-cared for while at the school. He said parents can be confident, “knowing that when you go to sleep at night, you can rest assured that your child is in good hands, safe and maturing into the adult you wish upon them.”
Photo caption: Dr. Kelley Lammers (second from left) celebrates ASMSA's 2023 Commencement with her family, which includes three children who have graduated from or are currently enrolled in the school. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Kelley Lammers)