National View: Choices aplenty for perfect school matches in Minnesota

With school fairs, open houses, and information sessions, parents across the North Star State can and should use this time to evaluate the K-12 education options available to their children. Seats in schools already are starting to be claimed for the 2018-'19 school year.

The first step in the school-search process starts at home with figuring out what you are looking for in a school or educational setting. Some parents look at safety and bullying prevention. Others seek certain instructional styles, career and technical education offerings, a specific theme like music or language, smaller class sizes, preparation for college, community service opportunities, or specific academic coursework or course tracks.

Some parents will find that traditional brick-and-mortar schools, online schools, or a combination of the two are the best fits for their kids. If this is you, find an environment where you are comfortable sending your children for much of the day.

For other parents, this first step leads to a quick understanding that homeschooling is the right choice for their families. There are more resources, programs, lesson plans, curricula, and supports available for homeschool families than ever before.

Step two, if you are looking into bricks-and-mortar or online schooling options, is taking stock of the actual school-choice options and programs available to you. Broadly speaking, families in Minnesota can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling. It bears noting that public, charter, magnet, and public online schools are all free to attend. Minnesota's public school open-enrollment policy — which allows parents to choose schools for their children that are outside of their geographic zones, neighborhoods, or even districts — is one of the nation's broadest and most accommodating.

If you are considering private education for your child, private scholarships — offered by community, affinity, or nonprofit groups — may be available on a need or merit basis. In addition, the federal government now allows parents to save money in tax-preferred 529 plans for K-12 private school tuition.

Step three is researching specific schools in your area. Look these schools up on the internet, talk to other parents, and schedule school tours. If you're looking into online schools, schedule calls with enrollment representatives or administrators.

Bring your child on school tours and ask to observe a class in session. Take note of everything, including how you are greeted when you walk through the door, the level of excitement shown by teachers and staff, and the way students interact with educators and each other.

Ask lots of questions. Ask what expectations the school has for student achievement. Ask how the school sets its standards. Ask how school curriculum is chosen, about homework, about disciplinary procedures, and about how the school involves parents in their children's education.

After this step, you can begin to narrow down your options.

The fourth step is talking, once again, to your child and discussing the choice as a family. Ask your child what it might feel like to go to each of the schools you're considering. Ask every question you have, and trust your instinct.

The fifth and final step is the application or enrollment process. Every school and district has different policies and procedures. Make sure to take note of due dates.

These steps can be helpful, but don't be afraid to add your own family's twist to the process. Never forget that choosing a school is about your child and his or her happiness. It is about your child's potential, and it is about giving your child every opportunity to pursue his or her interests and dreams. It's intensely personal. Moms and dads are the experts.

Andrew Campanella of Blue Mountain Beach, Fla., is president of National School Choice Week (schoolchoiceweek.com), the annual celebration of opportunity in education. He submitted this exclusively to the News Tribune.