Choosing a School: 27 More Days
I took a school tour myself this morning at Pathfinder K-8. It was unnecessary, since I have already decided to enroll my youngest daughter in kindergarten there next year and I have two children at Pathfinder already. But my 4 year-old wanted to see more of the two Kindergarten classrooms. Spending two hours on the tour with the school principal, a couple of Pathfinder parents, and a group of prospective parents turned out to be very interesting and enjoyable. David Dockendorf, the Pathfinder principal, spoke passionately about his commitment to the Pathfinder educational vision and his admiration for the teachers and other staff. Current parents and random people in the hallway shared their enthusiasm for the school. And, in general, I was reminded why I love Pathfinder so much, and my daughter is now even more excited about starting school there next year.
I hope all parents and children can find as good a match for their children's educational, social and emotional needs during the enrollment process. Below are links to previous threads on this blog and other resources to help you learn more about Seattle Public Schools.
- Seattle Schools Data
- Seattle Public Schools Enrollment Services page
- Choosing a School: Alternative Schools
- Choosing a School: South & Central Seattle Elementary Schools
- Choosing a School: North Seattle Elementary Schools
- Choosing a School: West Seattle and Queen Anne/Magnolia Elementary Schools
- Choosing a School: Middle Schools
- Choosing a School: High Schools
The tie-breaker system which determines how children are assigned to schools continues to confuse people. So below is a short explanation (copied from a comment I made on an earlier thread) I hope will help:
Regarding the question about the chances of getting into Salmon Bay (or any school), the probability varies every year. But, it is important to remember it doesn't matter what the chances are. Why? Well, it's convoluted and difficult to understand the enrollment system, but if you just list all the schools you would like your child to attend in your true order of preference, it works out.
You are not penalized in any way by listing many schools. And, if you don't get into your top choices, you still have just as good a chance of getting into the other schools on your list. For example, if you really want Salmon Bay first and Adams second and Loyal Heights third, then list them that way. If your child doesn't get into Salmon Bay, then you have the same priority for Adams as if you put that one first. If your child doesn't get into Adams, then you have the same priority for Loyal Heights as if you had put that one first, and so on. See pages 40 & 41 of the Elementary Enrollment Guide, for details on assignment tiebreakers.
Comments
Of course, this does not generally apply to hugely popular places like TOPS or the John Stanford school but it never hurts to ask.
So look for what family activities they have. You mentioned arts so ask about their participation in the PTA Reflections program. That might be an indicator for arts. Do they have activities that foster community? Do they have a family movie night? Math Night?
Also, check with the PTA to see if they have any upcoming family nights you could attend before the enrollment period is up.
I believe Salmon Bay always has a wait list for Kindergarten, so the chances of getting in there with July enrollment are quite slim. I don't know the odds for Loyal Heights.
However, as I explained elsewhere, it doesn't really matter what the odds are. Just put the schools down in the order you want them (i.e. Salmon Bay first, Loyal Heights second, etc.). That way you can get on the wait list for Salmon Bay (if that is your first choice), and you never know what could happen.
I'd encourage you to put least 5 schools on your list. If no spots are available at any of the schools you list, you will be assigned to a school.