Education 101

A Primer for

Area Schools

Our forefathers established a system where those powers not reserved for the federal government were relegated to the states. What has resulted is 51 distinct state educational systems. If you compared each system, state-by-state, you will see major and minor differences. Therefore in looking for schools, part of the process is understanding the state and district from which you are moving as well as the state and district to which you are considering.

 Prior to discussing any differences, what general things do schools have in common? Here are just a few:

-         Schools throughout the nation have programs for special education students overseen by federal law. However, each district determines the extent of services provided to each child.

-         Almost every state now has a statewide testing program. The type of testing program and the impact of the testing program upon graduation varies from state to state. Associated with the testing program are a higher degree of accountability and the labeling of schools in terms of their accomplishments. This ranking system will provide some objective information for parents. Please note that the ranking system only applies to public schools.

-         School facilities have been a national issue as well as a statewide priority. Many school districts have outdated facilities but are putting emphasis through increased funding on improving school facilities.

-         Almost every school district in the country is paying particular attention to school safety. Given the school violence issue of the past few years, schools have adopted various measures to prepare for the worst. You will find every school district with a school safety plan.

-         Governship of each school district is still very public with a Board of Education, usually five or seven members, representing the public. Parental involvement ranges from “Site Based Councils” in all Kentucky schools to advisory Boards, which have limited authority.

So what’s difference from state to state?

-         Funding is the key element starting from how much money the state throws into the pot to how much latitude school districts have to generate more money. For example, in Kentucky a higher proportion of money for each school district is provided by the state than in Ohio, where local funding is a prime source. However, Ohio is going through a funding change, which may result in the state footing more of the bill. Although property taxes are probably the most common way of local funding, there are some school districts, which rely on income tax.

-         The number and size of each district. For example, Ohio has 612 school districts. Kentucky has 176 school districts. Indiana has 292 school districts or corporation as they are called.

-         There is no simple way to describe the configuration of school districts in each state. Therefore, it is essential that if you are buying a home in a particular area, you know the school district that is assigned to that particular residence. Some school districts cross county and city lines. For example, Amberly Village and the Cities of Cheviot and Golf Manor have no independent school district and utilize the Cincinnati Public Schools as their school district. Loveland School District is primarily in Hamilton County however, they also cover a small portion of Warren and Clermont counties.

Can you move from school district to another? Again, there is not a simple answer. Most of the time the answer is “no.” However some school districts have open enrollment allowing you to attend a district other than the one to which you are assigned. Some districts will accept tuition students. It is paramount that you check with the school district office to determine your options.

-         Graduation requirements vary also from state to state. Not only do they vary from state to state, they may vary from district to district and yes, school to school. If you have a high school student, you will need to carefully check to see what courses are necessary to complete the requirements of the local schools. If you have a high school student, please bring a transcript or report cards to your new school.

The tri-state area has many choices for parents. They are

-         Public Schools provide a free, public education for all youth. However, the district has the right of assignment to the appropriate school. You may also hear the words” community or charter” schools which are another form of public schools.

-         Private Schools offer another option for parents. There are a few non-sectarian private schools in the area. Cost range from $6,000 to as high as $14,000 depending on grade level.

-         Parochial Schools are plentiful in this area and provide schooling in the majority of faiths. Even though parochial schools are considered religious schools, you will discover in this area the term usually refers to Catholic Schools. There has been in certain areas of the tri-state, great demand for a Catholic education. What has resulted is that some schools are simply filled and cannot take any new students. Therefore if you are considering a parochial education, please check with the Catholic school to determine if there is room for your child and the condition necessary for enrollment (i.e. must be a member of the parish.)

-         Home Schooling is growing in this area. In Ohio and Kentucky, the process starts with the parent giving notice of home schooling to the district.

-         Vocational Schools offer young people, usually high school junior and seniors an opportunity to learn a specific trade or skill. There are numerous programs that address the varying needs of young people.

-         Special Needs Schools work with students who have very specialized learning needs.

For example, Springer School in Cincinnati is a private non-affiliated elementary school that has a program devoted for children with learning disabilities. It is the only school of its type in the area. Each county in Ohio has schools under what is termed,

Board of Mental Retardation. They provide a choice for parents, as an alternative to public instruction. They serve a wide range of challenges including autism, developmental disability and severely behavioral challenged. They serve a population from ages 3-21.

In this area, you will a variety of schools and opportunities from which to choose.

So, how do you start your school search? The best way is to first collect information. The school district or school will most likely have a brochure promoting the school district. The Internet will also lead you to state reports (for public schools) and other school information.

Once you have limited your choices, you can make a school visit. It is strongly recommended that you call first for an appointment. Remember, schools are busy places and cannot always accommodate a walk in visitor. When visiting here are few tips that will make your visit even more productive:

• Have a game plan with pre-determined questions that relate to your child.

• Ask what statistics are available that demonstrate what the school has accomplished.

• Discuss what changes will occur at the school in the next few years.

• Determine how the school identifies and works with students with special needs such as the gifted or challenged.

• Ask to see the various reporting systems to parents (i.e. report cards, progress reports)

• Ask to see the computers in the school; how often do students have access to computers?

• Ask what makes their school unique from other schools in the area.

• Take a tour of the building, both inside and out, including the bathrooms.

• Ask what are the areas that need attention, either instructionally or otherwise.

• Determine the level of support personnel such as a nurse or counselor.