San Diego Schools Choice Program Means More Opportunities for Students but More Work for Parents
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory K-12 Education.
San Diego Schools Choice Program: More Opportunities for Students, More Effort for Parents
Summary
In the 2005-2006 school year, over a third of students in San Diego participated in the Schools Choice Program. This initiative allows parents to transfer their children to schools that offer better academic opportunities or unique attributes. There are six eligibility pathways within the program.Program Options
1. Program Improvement School Choice
Students in schools that do not meet No Child Left Behind (NCLB) standards can transfer to higher-performing schools, receiving priority placement and free transportation. If the original school later meets NCLB standards, parents can choose to return their children or keep them in the new school.2. Magnet Schools Program
Magnet schools focus on themes like performing arts, allowing students to delve deeply into specific subjects while meeting state requirements. They aim for diverse enrollment and offer free transportation for those outside a certain range. Admission priorities include:- Demographics: Encourages students from different areas to apply.
- Continuity: Priority for students continuing within similar-themed schools.
- Siblings: Those with siblings already enrolled receive priority.
- Program Improvement and General Applicants: Lower priorities.
3. Voluntary Ethnic Enrollment Program (VEEP)
VEEP promotes integrated education by pairing predominantly Caucasian schools with minority schools. Most transfers include free transportation.4. Choice Program
Any student can apply to any non-magnet school, dependent on space availability. Transportation is the parents' responsibility.5. Inter-District Transfer Program
Students from within the state can apply to any San Diego school, with admission based on space availability, and parents manage transportation.6. Charter Schools Program
Charter schools have independent criteria and may use lotteries for admission. Some have specific requirements, so early inquiry is recommended as they set their own deadlines.Additional Transfer Options
For students not qualifying through the standard criteria, special requests and the Gifted and Talented Education Program (GATE) are available. Special requests cater to students whose assigned schools lack specific courses, evaluated case-by-case. GATE students can transfer to schools offering the program if not available locally.Application Process
For maximum priority, applications should be submitted by March 15th for the upcoming school year. Although the Choice Program provides vast opportunities, navigating the 212 public schools, including 31 magnet and 35 charter schools, can be daunting for parents.Tips for Parents
San Diego schools officials suggest the following:- Explore multiple schools, as all offer fundamental coursework.
- Consider more than test scores; evaluate specialized programs.
- Visit campuses to get a true sense of the environment.
- Speak directly with parents and educators.
- Check for parent seminars and tours before deadlines.
Conclusion
Parents interested in the Choice Program should start early, identify their criteria, research all options, and thoroughly investigate prospects. This preparation is essential in laying a solid educational foundation for their children.For more information, visit [www.schoolsk-12.com](http://www.schoolsk-12.com).
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