schoolsearch: Preparation can make shopping for school a cinch

Preparation can make shopping for school a cinch

Get the facts. Make a list of your top concerns before touring. Suddenly, the looming choice is easy - maybe even fun.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 15, 2002

Are the myriad school choices for next year making you feel a bit panicked? Well, become your own detective:

First, arm yourself with the facts.

Then, visit the scene.

Observe and ask questions.

Narrow down your list of suspects.

Before you know it, the "solution" will appear. It might even be fun.

"Our parent surveys show that the most important factors in picking a school are feeling welcome, the leadership of the principal and cleanliness," said Andrea Zahn, the coordinator for the school system's choice plan. "Achievement scores just don't paint a whole picture."

The facts are available at two school choice centers: PTEC in St. Petersburg and Robinson Challenge School in Clearwater. You also can download lots of information -- from student test scores to school brochures -- on the Pinellas School System's Web site.

Other facts can be gathered from friends, acquaintances or by making a few phone calls to the school choice or magnet program offices.

The most crucial facts of all can be found at home. What special needs or interests does your child have? What kind of school environment will be most appropriate? Are you interested in applying to a magnet program? Where are your child's friends going to school? What do you expect from a school?

Make up a checklist of questions -- and if you are computer-savvy, organize it into a spreadsheet.

Now, you are ready to visit the scene by taking a school tour. You may want to visit only one school, or you may visit 10. But if you are consistent in your approach, your "likely suspects" will soon jump to the top of your list.

First impressions are important. Do you like the look of the school as you drive up? Is it easy to find your way around? Is the staff helpful? Is the school clean and secure?

Every question, no matter how trivial, could provide that important clue that will lead you to solving your mystery.

Find out what a typical school day is like. How many children are in each classroom? Are there any special teaching methods or programs? What kind of extra help is available if your child needs it? How does the school measure student progress? How does it handle discipline?

What kind of computer and other technical equipment is available? What special attractors will make the school interesting and fun for your child? What about before- or after-school care? Do they involve parents in school planning and activities? What kind of extracurricular activities are offered, and can every child join?

If you don't understand the answers to your questions, ask for a clearer explanation. Education, like any field, has its own "language," and its speakers often forget to translate into everyday speech.