Relocating home buying parents have a growing array of options in choosing their children's school, though the extent of the public school options in Texas varies by Independent School District (ISD). The enactment of the landmark Dept Of Education's No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; the rapid growth of the Texas charter school movement; the increasing number of Texas scholarship and tax credit programs for students to attend Texas private schools; the expansion of privately funded scholarship programs for low-income children; and the growing acceptance of Texas homeschooling have all increased the educational choices available to relocating new home buyers.

Texas parents can exercise choice in many ways. The most common way may be in choosing where to live based on the public Independent School District and neighborhood elementary, middle and high school boundaries. In this area of Texas, parents can choose from neighborhood schools, Texas charter schools or other public schools of choice, or transfer their child to another public school (in or out of independent school district). They can also select a private school (religious or secular) or teach their child at home under the Texas Homeschooling law.

Choosing a School for Your Child offers step-by-step advice on how to choose among the ISD's and elementary, middle and high schools available to your child. It identifies important factors parents need to consider before making a decision. As you and your child visit different schools, you may want to print and take along the questions in each section of this article.

Why Should You Choose Your Child's School?

No one cares more about your child's welfare than you do. No one else will be more careful to see that your child is well educated and well treated in school. You know your child's personality, strengths and weaknesses. You know the interests that light up your child's eyes. You know the values that your family wants a school to respect.

Choosing your child's school may also make you more confident that she will be taught effectively and treated fairly. Choosing your child's school carefully is an important way you can help your child achieve all that he can be. This is a head and a heart decision. Don't be afraid to heed your own informed and intuitive wisdom.

Factoring in your school preferences to the decision on where to buy a home really isn't as complicated as it seems when you work with a local Hitz team DFW Realty GMAC Real Estate Agent who knows the communities. If we can be of assistance, e-mail Mark Hitz or simply call us at 214-514-1800 to discuss your real estate needs.

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Choosing A School For Your Child is an educational article adapted by Mark Hitz, Realtor DFW Realty GMAC Real Estate 214-514-1800 for relocating and local Texas home buying parents who evaluate their children's education as a part of their overall decision when choosing homes for sale in a new community and respective subdivisions. The original article was provided curtesy of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement, Choosing a School for Your Child, Washington, D.C., 20202.