How much choice do you really have as far as public schools?

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Choosing the Right School for Your Child

Is there any choice in where you can send your child as far as a public school? I know that if you live in a certain schools' district that is the school they have to go to as far as bussing and such. But if you wanted to take your child to and from school every day, could you legally choose a different school to send them to? We may be moving soon and I'm not all that thrilled with the school that we'd be in the district of. I've never really looked into this question and wasn't sure where to go to look. Figured I would start here. :)

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Parent Replies to "How much choice do you really have as far as public schools?"

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You really need to find out what the laws are in your area. We're in Arizona, near Phoenix, and we have open enrollment. So you can go to any public or charter school, in your town or another town, as long as there's room.

If charter public schools are allowed in your area, check them out as well. (Your local public assignment school may not tell you about their public school competitors.)

There are definitely laws in each district, county, and each state regarding eligibility to attend local schools. Some school districts will allow students to transfer between schools in the same district when room is available. Some states allow students to attend school in a different district if it is near a parents' work.

You can start with the "Research and Compare" feature located on the top left side of this webpage to get an idea of schools in your general vicinity. In addition, talk to your realtor (they know where the highly sought schools are) and neighbors to see where their children attend.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

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