When we were trying to decide whether to send Austin to public school here in Louisville, we had a hard time finding good information on the internet, and we really didn't know anybody we could talk to who had experience in the public school system.
Part of my goal with this blog is to be a resource for other Christian families in Louisville who are considering the public school option.
Jefferson County Public School web resources:
JCPS Parents:
This is the main page for parents. From here you can be directed to a school finder tool, more information about specific schools, the school calendar, etc.
Information on Specific Schools:
Field Elementary (Austin's school)
Chenoweth Elementary (another good school in our neighborhood)
Choices brochure for 2012-13
If you live in an area of town where the schools aren't as good, you always have the option to apply for a magnet program or school in another area of town.
If you do decide to apply for Kindergarten, here is what to expect:
- You need to go use the school finder tool above to figure out your "reside" school. This should be the school closest to your home. Go to this school during the month of February to get an application for enrollment. Take it home and do some research on the schools that are listed to see which ones you want to be your first and second choices. You can also apply for magnet programs or special schools like the Brown School or one of the traditional schools. Feel free to request a school tour.
- Once you have finished your application, take it back to the school with the required forms (birth certificate, etc.). You need to apply by the end of February!
- Then you just have to wait.... for several months.... We received our acceptance letter the beginning of May.
- Hopefully you will get into one of your top choices. If not, there is a process for appeal. Just contact the school or your school board member. We were fortunate to get our first choice.
The summer before school starts, you should sign up for the Kindergarten Countdown events at your local library. Your child will get a t-shirt that gets him and one adult free admission to different venues throughout the summer, like the Zoo and the Science Center.
A few weeks before school starts, there will be a half-day Kindergarten Camp for kids and their parents where your child will meet his or her teacher and take a tour of the school. The staff will meet with parents at this time to relay important information and to answer any questions you may have.
Then, a few days before school starts, there will be an evening where the whole school comes out to meet their teacher, drop off school supplies, sign up for the PTA, etc.
That pretty much gets you to the first day of school, and you are on your own from there. :)
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