Ask an Expert: Judy Goddess
Using California School Law To Advocate For Your Kids

UNHAPPY WITH SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT

It's the first day of school and my son is not going because we did not receive any of schools we requested. Our district offers open enrollment, so I expected they'd give us one of our three choices. His assigned school is one I visited last year, and it's one I strongly dislike. The STAR test results just confirm my suspicions. What do we do now?

You need to get your child into any school as quickly as possible. Visit both your district's placement office and the school you want your child to attend, and begin talking. There are usually vacancies at the beginning of the school year because some parents neglected to inform the district when they made other choices. If there aren't any vacancies, enroll him in the best school that will accept him and continue trying to get him into the school of your choice. If there is a waiting list at your top-choice school, make sure your child is on it so that you will be notified if and when a vacancy occurs. This means developing a personal relation with the principal of the school you want most. Let that principal know that you want your son to attend his school, and ask that he notify you when a vacancy comes up so that you can quickly call the district office and request the transfer. Although transfers are more easily arranged at the beginning of the school year, you should be willing to accept an opening whenever one arises. Finally, as with any transfer, emphasize the positive reasons for requesting the change — child-care concerns, easier transportation, and convenience to your place of work — rather than your dissatisfaction with your son's present school. The process should not be as difficult as you fear.

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