How do you find a new school for your student and what can you do before you arrive at your new location?
If you are moving and you have arrived at the point on researching schools, then most likely all relocation preparations are in full swing. “Good schools” usually means something different for every parent. For most test scores are at the top of parents’ wish list for a school, but other factors such emphasis on certain programs are usually equally important. How do you know? Find a school that matches your requirements and value by asking questions:
These items can be researched BEFORE you get to your new town:
- Look at ratings on websites such as greatschools.org
- Take a look at the school districts’ websites, you’ll be surprised just how stark the differences are.
- Familiarize yourself with the school district zones.
- What are the districts’ test scores? What are the accreditation ratings of schools you are considering for your student?
- What programs are offered, what services are available?
- Network with parents that are already there. Maybe you can get information from other military parents via a local Facebook group or city-data?
- Search the local newspaper or the internet for local school ratings. There you will find schools with the highest down to the lowest ratings (that are on improvement plans).
- Find out what school placement is available in your new town. Colorado Springs has choice-in placement. This means you are NOT tied down to your school district or only one school. You may choose and apply for other schools in the district. If space available your student will be permitted into the desired school -though this usually means that the parent will have to take care of the transportation to and from the school.
- Familiarize yourself with school calendars -this gives you an idea about the school year organization in general.
- If you have a high school student, take a look at the ‘feeder’ schools for this high school. This can give you an indication of the culture of the high school.
- Ask if a school will allow you to register your student prior to arrival -there will be so much to do that doing this ahead of time can be a great advantage. This also would give your student extra time to familiarize him or herself with the school, possibly even contact coaches, teachers and group leaders at that particular school.
- Colorado specific: you can choice your student into a certain school. Read up here. (Each district has different sign up dates for out of district students – simply go to the district website). Colorado Springs School districts
Free Printable Checklist: Finding a new school
You might also be interested in reading:
- Leaving a school district
- Colorado Springs School Districts
- Find your Colorado Springs Schools
- Accreditation and school ratings of Colorado Springs school districts
