Obtaining Information About School Options

What are Your Options?
Having a basic knowledge of the school options available in your community will prepare you for the real challenge—learning about the specific choices and determining what is best for your child. Often districts hold school fairs in the fall or early winter to introduce parents (and students) to the options available and to describe the selection process. If at all possible, be sure to attend one of these sessions to obtain an overview of the programs and to learn how to go about the selection process. If your children are old enough to participate in decision-making, bring them along to hear the presentations and visit the school site.

See the School First-Hand
Whether you are considering a program for a beginning kindergartner or high schooler, it is critical that you gather information first hand. Some schools will hold “open house” nights to introduce prospective families to the building and faculty, and to hear about the programs. Usually it is also possible to arrange to visit schools during school hours, to observe classrooms and talk with administrators or counselors who can answer specific questions. For entering kindergarten students, many schools will hold a “Kindergarten Round-Up” or similar event that brings both children and parents together for an orientation to the program. Some things to consider in observing schools and talking with staff:

• How is the school organized? (Do students spend most of the day with one teacher, is there a regular schedule of subjects and classes, are students grouped by age or ability?) How many students are in a typical classroom?
• Does the school use a district curriculum? If not, how is curriculum selected?
• What special resources are available? (Are there reading and math specialists? Computer labs? After-school programs? Tutoring?)
• How does this school perform on district and state measures of academic progress?
• Do staff convey respect for students and for each other?
• Do staff seem receptive to parent concerns and input? How can parents be involved in school activities and programs?
• Is the general climate of the school positive and caring?
• How are discipline problems handled?
• If your child has special needs (regarding learning, behavior, or health), how will this school address these needs?

Once you have visited the school and discussed any questions or concerns with staff, it might be helpful to talk with other parents who have enrolled their children in programs of interest. Chances are that there are other families in your neighborhood who have children enrolled in those schools. Ask around. Are other parents satisfied with this choice? How do the students regard their school program? Remember that some programs will just not be a good fit for individual children; what has been a frustrating experience for one family might be a wonderful experience for another.

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