Discovering the U.S.

Page 32

Common Questions for Public and Private Schools

As you give careful consideration to your children’s school selection and best fit, you may wish

to consider asking some of these questions for the local school official during your visit:

Is there space for my child in his or her grade? If so, what is the average class size?

What is the admissions process and criteria?

How many students are enrolled in this school?

What academic programs do you offer?

Do students have a choice regarding program selections?

What provisions are offered for children with special needs and/or language support?

Do you offer foreign language instruction?

What intervention program is available when a skill is not mastered?

Is your school accredited? What organization(s) has/have granted accreditation?

What is the typical length of stay of faculty members?

What is the diversity of the faculty?

Which universities do the graduates attend?

Do you have counselors that support the college search/enrollment process?

Is transportation provided to and from school?

What organizations and clubs are available before/after school for students?

Are there school organizations for parents?

Do you have a handbook that describes the student code of conduct?

Registering Children in Public School

The following information is usually required to enroll a student in a U.S. school; your consultant

may provide further enrollment information for your school district if necessary. All documents

required should be in English; however, some school districts may offer to translate your

documents. There may be a fee for this service.

The child’s certified birth certificate

The child’s immunization history; parents should obtain a copy of their child's complete

immunization history before leaving their home country

Evidence of a medical exam completed no less than 12 months prior to the children's

school entry date; ask your physician to provide a copy of the exam

Official documentation that the parent(s) or guardian(s) is a legal resident(s) of the

school district attendance area; the school district will give you a list of acceptable proof

of residency documents

The children’s transcripts from the school previously attended

Helpful Hint:

Remember to hand-carry these items on your final arrival and not pack

them in your shipment.