School choice in New Mexico: Five steps for parents
The importance of opportunity in education will be front and center in New Mexico this month. National School Choice Week begins Sunday with 253 events and activities in New Mexico and 32,240 events across the country.
With school fairs, open houses and information sessions, parents across the Land of Enchantment can and should use this time to evaluate the K-12 education options available to their children. Seats in schools are already starting to be claimed for the 2018-19 school year.
Step one: The school search process starts at home — figuring out what you are looking for in a school or educational setting.
Some parents look at safety and bullying prevention, while others seek certain instructional styles: career and technical education offerings; a specific theme like music or language; smaller class sizes; preparation for college,; community service opportunities; or specific academic coursework or course tracks.
Some parents will find that traditional brick-and-mortar schools, online schools, or a combination of the two are the best fit for their kids. If this is you, find an environment where you are comfortable sending your children for much of the day.
For other parents, this first step leads to a quick understanding that home schooling is the right choice for their families. There are more resources, programs, lesson plans, curricula and supports available for home-school families than ever before. Take time before the next school year begins to explore all of these.
Step two: If you are looking into brickand-mortar or online schooling options, it is good to take stock of the actual school choice options and programs available to you.
Broadly speaking, families in New Mexico can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies and home schooling. It bears noting that public, charter, magnet and public online schools are all free to attend. The state’s public school open enrollment policy — which allows parents to choose schools for their children that are outside of their geographic zones, neighborhoods or even districts — is one of the nation’s broadest and most accommodating.
If you are considering private education for your children, private scholarships — offered by community, affinity or nonprofit groups — may be available on a need or merit basis. In addition, the federal government now allows parents to save money in tax-preferred 529 plans for K-12 private school tuition.
Step three: Research specific schools in your area. Look up these schools on the internet, talk to other parents and schedule school tours. If you’re looking into online schools, schedule calls with enrollment representatives or administrators.
Bring your child on school tours and ask to observe a class in session. Take note of everything, including how you are greeted when you walk through the door, the level of excitement shown by teachers and staff, and the way that students interact with educators and with one another.
Ask lots of questions: what expectations the school has for student achievement; how the school sets its standards; how school curriculum is chosen; about homework, disciplinary procedures and how the school involves parents in their children’s education. After this step, you can begin to narrow down your options.
Step four: Talk, once again, to your child and discuss the choice as a family. Ask your child whether he or she would feel comfortable there. Ask every question you have and trust your instinct.
Step five: The final step is the application or enrollment process. Every school and district has different policies and procedures. Make sure to take note of due dates.
These five steps can be helpful, but don’t be afraid to add your own family’s twist to the process. Choosing a school is about your child. It is about your child’s happiness and potential, and it is about giving your child every opportunity to pursue his or her interests and dreams. At its core, these things — the things that matter to families — are what National School Choice Week in New Mexico and across America is all about.