2/2/06
How do you select a school for your youngster?
by Joe Nathan
Coon Rapids area families have good and bad news when it comes to selecting a school for their youngsters.Ý
ï Good news: many fine options are available.Ý
ï Bad news: selecting among schools can be daunting.Ý
Here's a brief description of options, and questions for families to consider.
Suggesting there is one best school for all youngsters is a bit like saying that everyone should wear a size 9 shoe. Families with several children know that youngsters' personalities, interests and learning styles often vary. Recognizing this, and understanding that choice is central to democracy, Minnesota legislators have authorized educational options. These include:
District public schools: The Anoka-Hennepin offers a number of strong schools. Open enrollment allows families to enroll in nearby districts. Area learning centers provide options for teenagers for whom the traditional junior or senior high is not working.
Coon Rapids area charter public schools are tuition free, and offer transportation. Minnesota has more than 120 charters, including several virtual schools. The number of students enrolled in charters has jumped from less than 100 in 1992, to more than 20,000 this year. for more information, see profiles of charters at our website - www.centerforschoolchange.org
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options - allowing high school juniors and seniors to take college courses, full or part time, with state funds following them, paying their tuition and book fees. Students also can take challenging college level courses in their high school via Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and College in the Schools Programs
Private non-sectarian and religious schools.
Here are a few questions to help families choose:
ï What are the most important things you want for your youngster(s)? It's worth ten minutes to write them down. Depending on age, personality and interests, the following things may be very, somewhat, or not important:
ï When you visit a school, what is displayed in the front hall? This can be a real key to what the school values. Is a mixture of academic, artistic and athletic accomplishment honored? Some schools place much more emphasis on athletic accomplishment.
ï Is the school within walking distance?Ý
ï Is the school religious?
ï Does the school offer a special focus or philosophy that will interest a youngster, and can help her/him learn more? Examples are schools that teach the "3-rs" but specialize in something like the arts, writing, or a particular philosophy - like the Montessori approach.
ï Is a second language available at the elementary level?
ï What assistance is available to young people with special needs?
ï What before/after programs are available?
ï What family involvement does the school encourage?
Most people would not select a car or home, relying only on the advice from others. My single strongest recommendation: is identify some schools that interest you and your youngster(s) and visit them.ÝÝ
Sometimes people intensely like - or dislike - the same school. It might be about a particular teacher. But often, people have passionate differences about the philosophy and approach of a school. So don't rely only on reputation.
Choosing a school can be challenging. But spending the time makes it more likely that your youngster(s) will be in a school that fits them well.
Joe Nathan, a former St. Paul public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota. Write to him at jnathan@hhh.umn.edu
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