If you've just moved to a new neighborhood, your kids have to face the stress and uncertainty of getting started in a new school. With a little research and planning on your part, you'll find just the right school for your children and this transition will be as pleasant and peaceful as possible.

Why Choose Your Child's School?

The easiest choice after you move is simply to send your child to the neighborhood public school. This may or may not be the best choice, however. Researching educational options gives parents the chance to ensure a child's school teaches in a way that:

• Benefits your unique child
• Respects your family's values
• Maintains academic standards that are important to you

Understanding Your Basic Options

When choosing the best school for your child, you've got a surprising number of options. Here are some of the basic types of schools you'll have to choose from:

• Local Public Schools: Your neighborhood public school is the default choice, offering the advantage of a free education and usually free transportation as well. Local public schools also give your child the experience of being exposed to the widest variety of cultures and belief systems possible in your geographical area.
• Charter Schools: Charter schools are also public schools; however, they've been freed from some state regulations. Instead, they answer to requirements set by their local charter, which may be even more stringent. If charter schools don't meet these standards, they can be shut down. Charter schools are not bound by district; if space is available, your child can attend. Some charter schools are so popular that they have lotteries to see who receives limited open seats.
• Transfer Schools: Another public option is transfer schools. This means your child could transfer to a different school in your district, or one in a neighboring district. Usually these transfers are approved when a parent works near the desired school, or it is closer to the child's aftercare program.
• Magnet Schools: Magnet schools are a terrific public option for kids with outstanding abilities in a particular area. These schools often have a focus such as science, technology or the arts, and require an entrance exam or audition to qualify for admissions. Some magnet schools follow different schedules than regular public schools and may even be open year round or mix different grade levels in one class. You don't have to live in a particular district, and if your child is admitted you'll probably have to arrange your own transportation.
• Alternative Schools: These schools, which can be public or private, follow educational approaches that differ from traditional schools. Classes may be smaller, and curriculum may be self-paced.
• Private Schools: If the public school system doesn't meet your needs, private schools are available with almost every educational approach. While these schools may be more tailored to your child's needs, you'll need to pay tuition and most likely provide transportation.
• Religious Schools: Religious private schools provide religious training in addition to a general education.
• Homeschooling: If none of the options feel right, you still have the option to teach your child at home.

A Closer Look at Some Alternative School Philosophies

If traditional education doesn't seem like the best fit for your child, perhaps one of these alternative school approaches would help your child excel:

• Montessori: The Montessori philosophy encourages independence and learning though hands-on motor experiences and a flexible, non-competitive environment. These schools do not use rewards, punishments or grades.
• KIPP: The Knowledge is Power Program, or KIPP, relies on rigorous academics, long school days, extensive homework hours and short summers to help kids from disadvantaged environments gain entry to top boarding schools and universities.
• Waldorf: This approach strives to make your child to feel at home in school and focuses on imagination and creativity. Your child may have the same teacher for as many as eight grades.
• Core Knowledge: These schools focus on giving your child mastery of the skills and information necessary for cultural literacy.
• International Baccalaureate: This approach provides a challenging pre-university education that emphasizes critical thinking and international understanding.

Finding the Best Fit for Your Child

With all the available options, choosing the best school may feel overwhelming. Considering these factors may help you make your decision:

• Your child's learning style, ability, special needs and creative/academic gifts
• Family social and religious values
• Child care needs
• Ability to provide transportation
• Budget
• Scheduling concerns

Doing Your Homework

Before making a final decision, take these few extra steps to help you pick the very best school for your child:

• Gather information about perspective schools including test scores, philosophy and percent of students that go on to college.
• Visit schools and observe classes in action.
• Get references from parents of kids who attend these schools.

Looking into Afterschool Programs

If you work full-time, you may also need an afterschool program for you child. Whether you select one in a school, church, temple or community center, here are a few important features it should possess:

• Clean, safe surroundings
• Kind, supportive staff
• Adequate supervision and academic resources
• Flexible schedule
• Affordable cost
• Developmentally appropriate activities
• Opportunity for help with homework
• Physical activities to channel energy
• Time and space for quiet reading and study
• Environment that encourages self-esteem
• Age appropriate level of independence

Taking the time to choose a school for your child that fits will reward you with the joy of seeing him or her excelling and happy.

By Roberta Pescow