Commentary; Posted: 2/1/06
Facts to consider when selecting a school
Joe Nathan
Education Columnist
Forest Lake area families have good and bad news when it comes to selecting a school for their youngsters.
The good news: many fine options are available. The bad news: selecting among schools can be daunting.
Hereís a brief description of options, and questions for families to consider.
Suggesting there is one best school for all youngsters is a bit like saying that everyone should wear a size 9 shoe. Families with several children know that youngstersí personalities, interests and learning styles often vary. Recognizing this, and understanding that choice is central to democracy, Minnesota legislators have authorized educational options. These include:
District public schools: Forest Lake offers a number of strong schools. Open enrollment allows families to enroll in nearby districts. Area learning centers provide options for teenagers for whom the traditional junior or senior high is not working.
Forest Lake charter public schools Lakes International Language Academy (K-4) and North Lakes Academy (grades 6-9) are tuition free.
Minnesota has more than 120 charters, including several virtual schools. The number of students enrolled in charters has jumped from less than 100 in 1992, to more than 20,000 this year. For information, see profiles of charters at: www.centerforschoolchange.org.
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options - allowing high school juniors and seniors to take college courses, full or part time, with state funds following them, paying their tuition and book fees. Students also can take challenging college level courses in their high school via Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and College in the Schools Programs.
Private non-sectarian and religious schools.
Here are a few questions to help families choose:
What are the most important things you want for your youngster(s)? Itís worth 10 minutes to write them down. Depending on age, personality and interests, the following things may be very, somewhat, or not important:
When you visit a school, what is displayed in the front hall? This can be a real key to what the school values. Is a mixture of academic, artistic and athletic accomplishment honored? Some schools place much more emphasis on athletic accomplishment.
Is the school within walking distance?
Is the school religious?
Does the school offer a special focus or philosophy that will interest a youngster, and can help her/him learn more? Examples are schools that teach the ì3-rsî but specialize in something like the arts, writing, or a particular philosophy - like the Montessori approach.
Is a second language available at the elementary level?
What assistance is available to young people with special needs?
What before/after school programs are available?
What family involvement does the school encourage?
Most people would not select a car or home, relying only on the advice from others. My single strongest recommendation is identify some schools that interest you and your youngster(s) and visit them.
Sometimes people intensely like - or dislike - the same school. It might be about a particular teacher.
But often, people have passionate differences about the philosophy and approach of a school. So donít rely only on reputation.
Choosing a school can be challenging. But spending the time makes it more likely that your youngster(s) will be in a school that fits them well.
Joe Nathan, a former public school teacher, now directs the Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605