Parents worry about the strangest things. At least that is what I think now that I have been in the process of starting a charter school for the last 3-4 years.

I’ve always thought parents would ask about the curriculum, the teachers, and the discipline policy of the school. I was prepared with deep, well-researched answers to all their questions. But no, more parents are concerned about lunch than the books we will use in the classroom. Parents are incensed about the dress code but not one question about the discipline policy. Parents have asked me more questions about the playground equipment than why the name or our school is Aristotle.

On some level this confuses me and on another level it is comforting. When starting a charter school the state board wants to know all about our education plan and how we are going to meet the needs of a diverse population. Their focus seems to be completely out of touch with parent’s concerns. It seems like parents believe that given the right playground equipment and a nice teacher, their student will do just fine. Parents want to know their child is safe before they want to know what teaching methods are used.

In what way does this comfort me? I think it means they have a lot of faith in the resilience of their child to learn and grow in a variety of settings. I think it means they believe that we, as professionals, will do the right thing. I think it means … they trust us.

But, come on, parents, I put a lot of work into this education plan, can you at least ask one or two questions about it so I can show you how smart I am?

Jeanne Whitmore is the founder and CEO of an American Fork charter school, Aristotle Academy, and an education columnist for the American Fork Citizen. You can learn more about Aristotle Academy at aristotleacademyk8.org or on Facebook.