Time to Register for School

We leave the stress of December holidays behind only to find that a new stress is upon us. With the promise of a new year comes the process of registering children for school.

No matter the grade level of one’s child---preschool up to high school---there are many factors that play into one’s choice.

Some families select a school based on its educational philosophy (Montessori, Waldorf, etc.). Other families look at whether a certain sport or area of study is offered. For example, a teenager interested in space exploration might be a perfect fit for the Aviation/Aeronautics program at the Academy at Shawnee. Parents of special needs children want to select a school that can best address their child’s therapy requirements. Whether the school has a dress code may be an important factor for some families. Some parents want their children to have a Catholic- or Christian-focused education and make their school selection accordingly.

For most of us, there isn’t just one factor that determines where we will register our children for school. Our children’s needs and desires, our family’s finances, and simple personal preferences are all involved in the logistics of school registration.

Registration for JCPS occurs November through March, depending on grade level. Parents may go to the school nearest their home that serves their child’s grade level to complete enrollment forms or pick up Magnet, Advance or Optional program applications. The JCPS Parent Assistance Center (485-6250) can be contacted with any questions parents may have about the enrollment process.
 
Contributed by Carrie Vittitoe, parent-writer for Today’s Family magazine.