It’s natural for parents who are choosing a school for their kids for the first time or thinking of transferring their kids to a new school to have a long list of questions. What options do we have? How many choices are available for our kids? How do I find the best school? And so much more.
Parents eager to find the most suitable school for their offspring in Riverside, California will have several choices especially since the number of school options has multiplied in recent years. Many parents, however, are overwhelmed with the variety of options available to them. This article is meant to guide parents in choosing the best school for their kids in Riverside, California.
Evaluating Your Needs
It’s best for parents to first evaluate their child’s needs and their family’s situation. Parents should consider the personality of their child as it will matter in choosing the best school for him or her. Is the child shy and quiet? If yes, then he or she is likely to fare better in a smaller class size or school. Is the child showing an aptitude for science or math, sports or music? If so, then the parent might want to consider a school with specialized programs or curriculum.
Evaluating the personality and interests of the child is a good start. Likewise, it is equally important for parents to also consider the family’s needs. For example, is it necessary for the family to have the child’s school nearby the family’s home? Would you be needing before and after-school child care?
Keeping Track of Options
Aside from the child and family’s requirements, parents should also keep in mind the supply and demand of schools. This is because many schools have more applicants than they can actually accommodate. Plus, it can be more challenging to send the child to a sought-after school located outside Riverside, California.
Parents also have to consider the different school types. Below are the different kinds of schools.
Considering neighborhood schools in Riverside, CA?
Many parents opt to have their child enrolled in the neighborhood school. Those who prefer this school option must check the rules and boundaries of the local district so they would know the exact school the kid will be assigned to. Parents should also take the time to know the rules for enrolling the child in other school types, namely, charter schools, a magnet school, or alternative schools within or outside of the local district.
Considering magnet schools in Riverside, CA?
Various school districts also have magnet schools or schools that offer specialized education in different areas. These areas could be in math, sciences, arts, or technology.
Magnet schools may have a different organizational structure than other schools such as mixing different grade levels in one class or having a year-round school year. This is because magnet schools are not required to follow neighborhood boundary rules. Plus, they are also attractive to parents and students within and outside of the school district.
Considering charter schools in Riverside, CA?
Public education has seen tremendous changes in the last few years including the fast growth of charter schools.
Charter schools are educational institutions that do not have to comply with the regulations set by the state as they are covered by charter agreements evaluated and approved by the local school boards. Charter schools, however, can be ordered to close if they don’t meet the requirements of their charter.
Unlike neighborhood schools, charter schools can accept students outside the school districts as they don’t have to follow the traditional neighborhood boundaries. Charter schools that have more applicants than they can take in usually use the lottery system as part of their selection and admission process.
Considering alternative schools in Riverside, CA?
An alternative school is another option for parents who would like to enroll their kids in a school that has a different educational philosophy than most traditional schools and programs. Alternative schools usually have smaller class sizes than traditional schools. They also tend to focus more on social and emotional development or have a self-paced curriculum.
The term “alternative” is broadly used by many, which is why parents must ask why the alternative school is classified as such.
Considering private schools in Riverside, CA?
Unlike public schools, private schools are not funded by the government, which allows them to set their own eligibility and admissions criteria. Private schools’ curriculum, teaching method, and enrollment procedures are usually crafted by the school’s own board of directors, teachers, and principals. They are also allowed to hire teachers without credentials.
Research the School
Parents who have already decided on the type of school should proceed to research specific schools’ performance. They should check the school’s profile, test scores, teacher-student ratio, and ethnic make-up, to name a few. Parents should also take the time to check other parents’ reviews as available so they know other parents’ feedback regarding the school’s management, leadership, and teacher quality.
Visiting the campus personally is also another option in researching the school. Parents, after all, can gain many valuable insights when they conduct a physical school tour. Having a list of questions ready before the actual school visit takes place will help parents find out more about the school.
Parents can also make a list of features they would like to see in a school. According to the U.S. Department of Education Website, these are some of the basic features to check out.
- High expectations
- Rigorous curriculum
- High-quality staff and teachers
- Visible busy children
- Robust parent-teacher association
- A warm welcome for visiting parents
- The openness of management and staff in entertaining parents’ questions
Check the Application and Enrollment Procedures of Schools in Riverside, CA
Parents who already chose a school for their child should then research the school’s admission and enrollment requirements. Generally, public schools require the child’s health and immunization records as well as proof of address. Those who opt to send their child to the neighborhood school should prepare all the paperwork needed for enrollment in Riverside city and know the application deadline.
In the end, it’s quite challenging to find the best school for the kids given the many options available and the various factors to consider. Parents must set aside time in understanding the different school types before narrowing down their choices. Researching the schools and going in for a visit will help parents make well-informed choices. Considering the child’s needs and personality is equally important in choosing the best school.