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

OBSERVING KINDERGARTEN CLASSES

I have a four-year-old son who will enter kindergarten in September, and I am in the process of deciding whether to place him in private or public school. When I spoke to the principal of the elementary school my son would attend were he to attend public school, she told me that I would not, under any circumstances, be allowed to sit in on any of the classes because it's too disruptive for the teacher and students. Could this principal legally bar a parent from sitting in on kindergarten classes?

Of course you have a right to observe any class you like. The only issue is how you can diplomatically educate the principal that she's way out-of-bounds here.

If you're really considering that school, I suggest you copy the relevant section of the California Education Code and bring it to the principal. The following is from a section of the Ed Code related to parent rights, section 51101a1.

"Within a reasonable period of time following making the request, to observe the classroom or classrooms in which their child is enrolled or for the purpose of selecting the school in which their child will be enrolled in accordance with the requirements of any intra-district or inter-district pupil attendance policies or programs."

You can find the Education Code on the Internet at http://www.ca.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html

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