Choosing a public school for your child is a much more complex task today. With many more options available than the neighborhood school down the street, parents often feel overwhelmed with determining their child's specific needs and researching the schools to find the best fit for them. There are several factors to weigh when choosing a school, and many of the most important features are listed below.
District Zones and Your Neighborhood School
For many families, the best school may be the neighborhood school down the street. Students are typically assigned to a specific elementary school by district zoning, which divides the district using a precise formula that allows for the most even allotment of students at each school. However, according to School Wise Press, the problem with choosing a school strictly based on zoning is that boundaries can change throughout a child’s academic career. One school may see significant growth that results in overcrowding, initiating a zoning change. Other schools may see enrollment drops that require either rezoning school boundaries or closing and consolidating schools.
One school may see significant growth that results in overcrowding, initiating a zoning change. Other schools may see enrollment drops that require either rezoning school boundaries or closing and consolidating schools. Parents concerned about possible zoning changes during their child’s academic career may want to inquire about open enrollment options. Some districts may allow families to enroll students at the school they have been attending in case of a boundary change. However, remember that other students in your neighborhood may begin attending a different school, so your students may still find themselves in a classroom with few familiar classmates.
Considering Other Schools in the District
When families choose another school in the district that is not the neighborhood school, it might be referred to as an intradistrict transfer. Choices may be made in school districts allowing open enrollment at schools with space for students from beyond the neighborhood boundaries. Districts that provide this type of choice offer an open enrollment period each year for families to apply for schools outside their immediate boundaries.
School Wise Press explains that intradistrict transfers, or open enrollments, may be subject to several factors, including class sizes and ethnic balances as required by law or district policy. When more students want to open enroll than there are spaces available, a lottery system may be instituted to ensure the selection of students into the school is a randomized process.
This video discusses choosing a school.
Magnet and Charter School Options
Some school districts offer public school choices beyond the neighborhood public school model. According to Education.com, magnet schools often offer specialized education, possibly focusing on the arts, sciences, or adventure learning. Charter schools are overseen by an entity outside the district, such as a private corporation or parent organization. These schools are free public institutions but are exempt from state education laws and requirements.
Both charter and magnet schools are open to any student, but registration may be a competitive process. Often these schools have more applicants than space available, so waitlists and lottery systems are not unusual. The schools may also be used in overcrowded districts to help alleviate space in traditional classrooms. In many cases, these schools may enjoy more funding than traditional public schools, with additional monetary resources.
Evaluating Individual Schools
Several factors must be considered by parents interested in weighing their public school options. Project Appleseed recommends that parents consider three factors when choosing a public school: the needs of their child, the needs of the family, and the characteristics of the school.
First, identify the child's instructional needs, including the type of instruction they respond to best and the areas of interest where they may want to devote additional focus. Next, consider the family needs, in terms of the location of the school and the daily school schedule. Will these features fit with the family’s lifestyle and schedule? The school calendar may also be a factor since some schools run on a traditional schedule, and others are year-round. Extracurricular activities, nutrition, and transportation may also be features to consider when weighing the family's needs against the best school.
Finally, look at the characteristics of the school. Time recommends evaluating specific school features, including a focus on words and math in the early years. Schools should also provide children with active time for physical health and academic growth. Consider the qualifications of the teachers in the school, from where they received their training to how much experience they have teaching a specific grade. Test scores may also be a consideration when parents select a school. However, education experts often caution parents against choosing a school strictly by test scores alone, without considering the other factors listed.
This video offers advice on how to evaluate a school.
Scheduling a School Visit
Once a family finds a school that appears to be a good fit, schedule a visit. Project Appleseed recommends that during your visit, you should be welcomed warmly by school staff. The facility should be clean and well-kept, with hallways and classrooms displaying student work. Students should be actively engaged in the learning process, and teachers should maintain good discipline within the classroom without coming across as too authoritarian. The right school can greatly impact a child's academic career. By carefully choosing the best school for your child’s needs, you can place them on the road to success.
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