How Can I Get My Kids Out of the School?

You are supposed to be able to "apply" to the school you want.
If they are different districts (let's say one is LA City School and one is Torrance Unified) the one you are assigned to needs to "release" you, and then you can go on a waiting list-or just enroll if enough room at the school of your choice. If it's within the same district, I have heard that it is up to the 2 principals to decide. One of them releases your child, and one accepts it. After all, in the end it's all about the MONEY they receive on each student. I would assume that if you have legit concerns about bullies etc at their current school, they would help you out in finding a new school for your children. IF all else fails, get REAL friendly with one of the neighbours one street over, and start using their address. (it's been done....)

You can apply to get into the school you want, but even if you get in this time, it's just a one year guarantee and you could get bumped out the following year. Unfortunately, your only real guarantee that your kids get to go to the better school is if you move.

Homeschool them.
=)

Hi E.,

If you intend to keep them in LAUSD, be sure to participate in the CHOICES program, it's where the students earn points to enter into a magnet program. If you are tired of the system, go to www.myschool.org, it list charter schools in the Los Angeles area. Also, there are great private schools in L.A. Yes, many of them ridiculously priced, but there is one where 40% of their budget is devoted to financial aid, look into New Roads School.

If you want more details or assistance, feel free to email me. I worked as a teacher in LAUSD for 3 years and currently serve in a quasi-admin position with a charter school, KIPP Los Angeles Prep. I am well networked in the charter world so just let me know.

check out this resource and good luck!
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Don't you have the right to petition to have your kids go to a different school? Let's see what everyone else says... Good Luck, what an awful experience for your child.

I had the same problem with the same school! Although my children did not want to change schools it was for the best. My only solution was to ask a friend for the use of her address. My kids are now enrolled in the Santa Monica School District and love it! I know it's not the most "honest" way to go about this but it was better than having them continue in a school that was not the best situation for them. The school district does not make it easy to get a permit and the process can take a long time only for them to deny you in the long run. Good luck I hope your kids can get into a school that beter fits their needs.

Hi E.,

You might want to check out the website www.greatschools.net. It will give you a listing and reviews of all the schools in your area. You said your local school has low API schools. If your school isn't making the scores that the "No Child Left Behind" act requires it will be listed as a "PIS" school. (If it isn't PIS it's PIT but I can't remember exactly.) If this is the case you are legally enabled to request a school transfer. You might not be able to get into the "best" school in your area but you should be able to transfer to a different one at least.

Next, you mentioned that you were Christian. Have you considered a Catholic school? I realize that we Catholics differ with Protestants on a number of issues, but we both worship Christ and strive for our children to be good Christians. My local public school was simply not acceptable for a number of reasons, including low API scores, so we enrolled our daughter at Cathedral Chapel School. It has turned out to be a very good place for our daughter both academically and spiritually. Of course you do have to pay for the education, but it is much much less than most private schools. Many of my daughter's classmates are not Catholic, and although the children must take part in religion classes and attend mass during school hours monthly, this doesn't seem to be a problem for the non-Catholic Christians at the school. I know there are a few Catholic schools in your area. They are enrolling for next year now and most are also listed on greatschools.net.

I wish you all the best of luck.

H.

Hi E.,
Every school district is different. My step daughter is in the Burbank school district. I have found by going to the Burbank offices that another thing that can be done (at least in Burbank) is you can enroll your children in the school district where you work. I don't know if this helps or not. Good luck!
A. T.

I am a teacher with Los Angeles Unified...I'm not sure if you are in our district or not...but our schools with low API scores have to give you the option to enroll in another school. Ask your principal about this option!!

J.

This is a chronic westside problem! Each year, LAUSD has a magnet school lottery but the deadline was in January. For the other "good" schools in the area, each school is lottery based so ask each school what they need such as certain ethnic groups, etc. You also need to talk about how smart your child is and your chances of getting in improve immensely as all of the schools want to increase their API scores. (e.g. We've had this experience with several of our friends who some have gotten in and some have not and this was the main reason for getting in.) Otherwise, it is all by connection despite their claims that this isn't true. Additionally, although Grandview is a poor school, the other schools in the area haven't lived up to our expectations of what a good school should be. There is a push for good API scores but doesn't address the needs of the individual student. We just switched this year to a top 10 LAUSD school in the area, and we are very disappointed by the quality of the education despite its' "good school" reputation. My 2 kids are supposed to be smart so the principal is happy but we are not. Blessings to you as you search and pray!

E.,
Have you thought about homeschooling? Talk with some other moms who do it and get more info. It might be a good option for your kids -especially at their age.
D.

Hi E., I had the same situation. I know how fustrating it can be. I'm a mother of 2 boys 8 & 4 and a 1 month old girl.
Anyhow. You may want to see if the school that you want to enroll them in has open enrollment. Some schools have that and they usually start taking applications in early May. Also, if the school they go to has a low api and is on the list for improvement by law you are allowed to move your kids to a non improvement school and the district provides transportation.... check it out and good luck...