Choosing Schools

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How will you decide which schools are best for your child?

The most important part of the school choice process is "doing your homework."  That means thinking about what your family is looking for in a school, learning as much as you can about what each school has to offer, and visiting schools to see them in action.

Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Visit the "What Are My Schools?" site, and enter your home address and grade level, to find out which schools your child is eligible to attend.  The program will generate a list of schools for which you may apply, as well as indicating schools where you have "walk zone priority" and schools where you are eligible to receive yellow school bus transportation.  Keep in mind that you may be eligible to apply for schools outside of your assignment zone.
2. Have family conversations about what you are looking for in a school, based on your child's needs and interests.  Factors to consider may include the school's location, size, hours, academic focus, enrichment programs (arts, music, sports), before- and after-school programs, facilities, school uniform policy, opportunities for family involvement, and much more.
3. Read about the schools you are considering in Introducing the Boston Public Schools.  In addition to the on-line version, this publication is available at Family Resource Centers, as well as local libraries and community centers. It provides valuable information about every one of the schools to help narrow your search.
4. Attend the Citywide Showcase of Schools to meet principals, teachers, parents and students, see student work, and learn more about the schools you are considering.
5. Visit as many schools as you can.  This is the best way to get to know a school.  Schools host open houses and other activities during School Preview Time. More than 30 area employers (including the City of Boston) offer paid time off for Boston parents to visit schools during the work day.  Check with your employer to see if this benefit is available to you.
6. After you've "shopped around," rank your schools in order of preference.  Remember to choose at least five schools, and list even more if you can.  You may choose to pre-register on-line to save time during registration.
7. Now you are ready to complete the process by visiting a Family Resource Center during the registration periods.

For a better chance of getting one of your top choices...

• Apply within your first registration period—January 5–February 6, 2009 for the transition grades (kindergarten, grade 6, and grade 9), and February 11–March 13, 2009 for all other grades. All applications received within each of the four registration periods are processed at the same time, not in the order received.
• Make at least FIVE choices -- ideally, make six or more choices.
• List your school choices in your true order of preference. There is no need to“strategize.” If you list a popular school first, you won’t hurt your chances of getting your second choice school if you don’t get your first choice.
• Choose a variety of schools — including schools for which you have sibling or walk zone priority, as well as "hidden gems" that are less frequently chosen but may be a good fit for your child.  You may go to a Family Resource Center any time during the year to register for school or to request a transfer—but the longer you wait, the fewer choices you will have. Many schools are full after the first registration period.

Students entering high school: Learn more about career and technical education programs available in the Boston Public Schools.

Read about early childhood education and K-8 programs in the Boston Public Schools.