Understanding School Choice

Although school choice is sometimes questioned by people, most parents say they like being able to choose a program or school for their child. Many parents use the choice process to choose a school that offers special programming such as the arts, science, technology or different languages. Others might choice into a school because of the school location. The process to choose a different school can be a bit cumbersome at times and many parents are often left behind. In this post, I'll discuss the school choice application process and how to apply to special schools in your area.

The process of school choice gives families the ability to apply for a school within their area by following an application process that’s often described in a choice application. It is important to note that the process of school choice can vary from district to district but in most cases, similar steps are often followed. Below are some of the most common steps and requirements to consider when completing a school choice application.

Why choice?

As noted under the US Department of Education website, the anti-poverty and civil rights laws of the 1960s and 1970s brought about a dramatic emergence of the Department's equal access mission to education. Some say that charter schools have tightened the school choice competition considering the high number of charter schools that are now part of the school choice system in the USA. Others argue that parents know their child's best and should have the option to select a program or school that best fit and benefit their child. Some parents choose a different school based on school ratings, location, child care, and special programs offered by a school.

School choice information is always found on a school district or charter website. In my state, schools offer choice information sessions to showcase their school's programs in an effort to attract more applicants. During a choice information session, you'll find information addressing transportation, school clubs, sports offerings, special programs, and a description of the choice application process. A review of the above information helps parents make an informed decision about the school they'll apply for based on their child's interest.

The application process for choice schools differs from district to district. Some schools require an application only while others may require an audition, assessments or a portfolio.

1. The application only - sometimes a school might only require a one to two-page application that must be submitted by a specified due date. In this case, it is very important to submit the application before the specified deadline.

2. Auditions - The audition process applies to schools that offer special programs such as the Arts. A school with a musical program may have students audition by presenting a musical performance that's rated and used to select applicants. If you're applying for a school that requires an audition, it is important to find out about the scoring criteria and requirements related to the program your child is applying to. Other programs related to the Arts that may require an audition are visual arts, communication arts, vocal arts, and instrumental.

3. Portfolios - In addition to an audition, certain schools may also require students to submit a portfolio. A portfolio is mostly required for visual arts and communication major applications. Portfolios are scored using specific criteria and requirements that must be met to obtain the highest possible ratings. Score results of the portfolio are also used to select students in the application process.

A lottery system is used to select the students that are offered an invitation letter. In the lottery, students are assigned a random number based on designated criteria. Charter schools are often known to use the lottery system to select their students each year. A lottery system allows schools to randomly select students when the number of students applying is higher than the number of available seats in a program or school.

School Choice Restrictions

School choice presents some restrictions that we as parents must also take into consideration. The most concerning restrictions within the choice system is transportation and space limitations. Once a parent applies for a choice school he/she accepts responsibility for transporting their child to and from school. Many parents are forced to decline acceptance letters once they face transportation challenges. Even when transportation is available to and from school, designated school bus stops are often very far from a student's house requiring families to drive kids to and from stops.

In addition to transportation, a limited number of seats is also an issue parents experience when applying for choice schools. For some schools, the number of applicants is sometimes three times higher than the number of available seats. Space is one of the reasons why some families are regularly discouraged from pursuing the school or program they're eager to attend.

Although the application process described here might be slightly different from your local schools. It is important to keep in mind that once you receive an invitation letter, you will be required to accept the invitation to attend. In some districts, not submitting a signed invitation letter will mean that you're declining to attend the school. The application process does not end until you officially accept an invitation to attend. Accepting to attend a school comes with various compromises that you will need to adhere to in the school.