HOW TO CHOOSE A HIGH SCHOOL

There are a lot of reasons why one school is preferred over another. These are just a few questions you need to review as the parent and discuss with your child.

1.How far is the school from our home? High school involves a lot of after school opportunities to participate after 3:00 p.m. There will be dances, chess games, football games, homecomings, etc. Many schools do not permit any student except seniors to drive their own car to school. Find out the schools policies.

2.How safe is the school? With 2,500 to 3,000 students on a typical public school campus, it is very important that you have the facts when it comes to not only the kinds of issues the school has to deal with but even more importantly, how did they deal with the issues and what steps are being done to prevent some of these dangers?

3. How many seniors graduate from this high school?

4 What happens after graduation? How many are going on to college?
What types of colleges are they going to?

5. How many seniors received scholarships to college?

6. What is the high school doing to expose students and parents to their college options?

7. Review the curriculum options for your child. If your child has special needs, what does this high school offer?

8. What are the Advanced Placement options for your child? What are the dual enrollment options for your child?

9. How available are the adults on the campus to you or your child if you have questions or concerns? Who can you see?

10. How open is the campus to parents? Can you visit classes? Can you volunteer at the school? How active is the parent organization?

11. What types of sports and after school activities, including help with homework, are available at this high school?

12. Consider the magnet options, choice options and of course your “neighborhood” SAC high school.

13. Visit the school with your child. Not just the Open House time. Call and arrange to join a tour to view the school. How do you feel on the campus? How does your child feel? Can you see your child attending this school?

14. Be sure to view some of your options by visiting the Palm Beach County School District’s website: www.openthedoortoyourfuture.com. Click on the “Parents” link. This will connect you to a lot of information about the magnet high schools. It is a great resource on curriculum and a lot of high school options. It will also give you information on magnet/choice high school eligibility requirements. You can print out the eligibility information and cross out those schools which you definitely not be interested in. Focus on those left with regards to touring the school, answering your questions and checking if your child would be eligible to apply.

These are just a few of the questions you need to consider when choosing the high school for your child. It is a process that is worth the time and effort.

Be sure to sign up for Edline in our Main Office at Roosevelt Middle School. Get a list of teachers’ Voice Mail numbers and Homework phone numbers from the Main Office too. Review your child’s Agenda Book with your child. Note Dress Code expectations, school calendar, phone numbers and web sites offered to parents. Please note that our Media Center has designated computers for parental use and staff ready to assist you. Parent Conferences with teachers may be set up through your child’s Team Leader (one of his/her academic teachers). We look forward to working with you this school year!