School Choice and University-Model® Schools: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract The University-Model school incorporates private school and homeschool methods within a Christian school experience. Parents receive the title of co-instructors as they partner with teachers in educating their child. This phenomenological study explored the elements that influenced parents’ choice when selecting a school. Simon’s 1955 satisficing theoretical lens was used to explore parents’ satisfaction with their school choice. Two focus groups were held with six University-Model school parents, and six common themes were established as factors sought by parents when choosing a school model for their child: 1) more time desired as a family, 2) individualized services for the child, 3) smaller class sizes, 4) full faith-based school experience with extracurricular activities, 5) self-regulation skills for the child, and 6) the experience of education at home.