School choices available to parents for their children

Photo: AP/News & Record, Lynn Hey


One of the toughest decisions for parents to make involves which schools to have their children attend.

Parents want the best for their children and want to make sure the “school investments” they make will yield excellent educational dividends in the long-term.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Innovation & Improvement has published English and Spanish editions of a helpful booklet to help guide parents who might be trying to select the right schools for their children’s specific learning styles, learning needs, and interests.

In the 41-page booklet, a description is given of the various types of school choices available to parents:

***Neighborhood Public Schools

***Other Public Schools such as: Charter Schools ~ Magnet Schools ~ Virtual Schools ~ Advanced Placement & International Baccalaureate Programs

***Nonpublic Schools such as: Religious Private Schools ~ Secular Private Schools ~ Home Schools





Pages of details, parent tips, and available resources are noted throughout the booklet as the U.S. Department of Education takes parents through four basic steps in the school selection process:

1.    Consider your child and your family.
2.    Gather information about schools.
3.    Visit and observe schools.
4.    Apply to the school(s) you choose.

To order a FREE copy of the booklet in either English or Spanish:

*order on-line at http://www.edpubs.org/
*order on-line at http://www.ed.gov/parents/schools/find/choose
*request by e-mail to edpubs@inet.ed.gov
*fax request to 301-470-1244
*call in request to 1-877-433-7827 or 1-800-872-5327

In addition to requesting either English or Spanish editions of the publication, special requests can also be made for Braille, large print, or computer disk versions.  Direct all special requests to 202-260-0852.

Good luck as you make this very important decision and choice for your child’s future.


Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/x-23402-Newark-Parenting--Education-Examiner.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)