By: Christine M. Riley, Education Advocate
Choosing a public
school for your child can be overwhelming, especially when special education is
involved. Involving your child in the decision clarifies alternatives.
On Cape Cod this year, 1,065 students use school choice—4.25
% more than 2013. In the state,
about 1.45% of students participate, also increasing annually.
To look into school choice options, start by asking your child:
-
How important are keeping friendships or making
new ones, if farther away?
- Will the length of the car or bus ride to and from school be tolerable?
- Do the campus, enrollment, and size of classes suit his preferences?
- Does it matter if brothers and sisters attend the same school?
- Are favorite clubs, sports or music and art programs available?
- Are academics challenging enough? Too challenging?
- Are his interests well represented in the school curriculum?
- How inviting and safe do the school and staff feel to him?
- Would a fresh start alleviate some difficult existing situations, like bullying?
- Will the length of the car or bus ride to and from school be tolerable?
- Do the campus, enrollment, and size of classes suit his preferences?
- Does it matter if brothers and sisters attend the same school?
- Are favorite clubs, sports or music and art programs available?
- Are academics challenging enough? Too challenging?
- Are his interests well represented in the school curriculum?
- How inviting and safe do the school and staff feel to him?
- Would a fresh start alleviate some difficult existing situations, like bullying?
You’ll also want to investigate:
- Is the special education program robust, with
good lines of communication?
-
Is inclusion evident in access, instructional
methods and acceptance?
- What is the percentage of special education students?
- Are the school and special education budgets consistent annually?
- How well do special education students achieve academically?
- Are behavior management and discipline policies and statistics reasonable?
- How have other families’ experiences been at the school?
- What is the percentage of special education students?
- Are the school and special education budgets consistent annually?
- How well do special education students achieve academically?
- Are behavior management and discipline policies and statistics reasonable?
- How have other families’ experiences been at the school?
Keep
these guidelines in mind:
Your home district has no say in students
attending schools outside the district. Your district pays tuition to the receiving district for each non-attending
student.
School committees vote annually on whether to receive students and, if so, for what grades. Only a handful of Cape Cod schools are non-participants. This chart outlines school choice acceptance at all schools for 2014-15.
You can apply elsewhere, even if your district doesn’t participate.
You’re responsible for getting your child to and from schools outside of your district.
Applications are required for out-of-district, charter and magnet schools. If applications exceed capacity, a lottery is held. Siblings and students in home district are given preference in the lottery.
School committees vote annually on whether to receive students and, if so, for what grades. Only a handful of Cape Cod schools are non-participants. This chart outlines school choice acceptance at all schools for 2014-15.
You can apply elsewhere, even if your district doesn’t participate.
You’re responsible for getting your child to and from schools outside of your district.
Applications are required for out-of-district, charter and magnet schools. If applications exceed capacity, a lottery is held. Siblings and students in home district are given preference in the lottery.
Once accepted, your child is may attend the district schools until graduation.
Applications for some schools are due in January or February, so begin due diligence soon! Take advantage of open houses, preferably when classes are in session. Meet with the principal and special education staff.
In the end, your child may remain in his home district, but you’ll know it’s the best option for his unique needs and skills!
Helpful sources:
"Cape Cod School Choice Continues to Flourish," Cape Cod Times, 1/24/2014
Guide to Educational Choices in Masssachusetts, Massachusetts Dept. of Education
Choosing a School for your Child, U.S. Dept. of Education