F.A.Q.’s

When does school start?
The majority of schools begin the week prior to Labor Day. Some schools in Kentucky begin as early as the second week of August.

When does the school year end?
Most schools end the first week in June?

What should I bring to enroll my child?
It is advisable to bring immunization records and report cards. A birth certificate is also required by many school districts. If there is a custody issue, court records are required. Any additional school reports on your child are also helpful.

My child is in a special needs program. What should I bring?
If you have an active Individual Education Plan, you should bring the plan. This will be essential for appropriate placement. If you do not have any paper work, it may delay the timeliness of placement.

Do all schools offer bus transportation?
Not all, but most do. Law in Ohio states the local district is required to transport children in grades K-8 who live two miles beyond the school. However, the majority of other school districts accommodate their parents by transporting students in all grades. In Kentucky, the law states that local school district may provide bus transportation for students. Check with the Kentucky school district to determine the extent of bus transportation.

What are charter schools?
Charter schools are public schools established on an entrepreneurial basis. Many are aimed at a specific population. All must receive a “charter” or contract from a school district or the state. Sometimes, the schools are referred to as “community schools.”

 I have heard the word “alternative school.” What does that mean?
Actually is has two meanings in this area. Many schools in the Cincinnati Public School district used to be known as “alternative schools.” Now, they are referred to as “magnet schools.” Alternative schools in Cincinnati are most numerous and include such schools as Carson Montessori School, Academy of World Languages and the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Admission into each school varies. Please check with the Cincinnati Public School’s Public Affairs Office at 513-475-7001.

Alternative schools in some districts may be used to describe schools for special populations such as over aged students.

Do kindergartners go full time?
 Most school districts offer just half time kindergarten with morning and afternoon session.

My child is in a vocational program and desires to continue the vocational program when we move. How does that occur?

Each school district has an accessible vocational education program. However, some are not located within the specific school district. For example, if you move to Oak Hills, the student would attend the vocational programs offered by Great Oaks. If you move to the Northwest School District, the student would attend the vocational program offered by the Northwest School, unless that district does not offer the program you desire. In that case, you could option to go to another vocational school, such as the ones offered by Great Oaks. Some vocational classes are very popular and may not have room for an incoming student. Therefore it is important to check with the specific vocational school to determine space availability.

My child plays the violin. Do all schools offer orchestra?
Only certain schools offer an orchestra program in this area. In fact they are quite limited in the area.

What about school safety in this area?
Given the attention to school safety within the last few years, every public school has a mandated security plan. Some are more extensive than others. Some schools have locked doors with a camera at the door to determine the nature of the visitor. Currently, no schools have metal detectors that students must go through as they enter the building. Related to safety, there may be schools which have requirements regarding the type of backpacks a child may use. Generally speaking, schools in this area have well developed safety plans.

I want to know about school discipline at a school. Are there any records that relate to school discipline?

Yes, each public school is required to keep records on school suspensions and expulsions. You can ask the school or school district to provide you with this information.

Didn’t find the answer to a question you may have?  Submit your question and we will possibly be able to answer it in the future. E-mail to:  achmiel@cabr.org