How do I choose the best school for my kids?

It can be an overwhelming decision, but resources abound to help. We explore the multiple options for those living within the Pittsburgh Public Schools district and beyond.

 

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It seems like a straightforward process. When your child turns 5, they start kindergarten. 

But what school district do you live in? What if your district has multiple schools for your child’s grade level? How do you pick? Can you pick?

What about magnet schools, charter schools, private schools? How much do they cost? Is transportation available? 

Most of all, how do you pick the best school?

It’s important to look at factors beyond just rankings, said James Fogarty, executive director of A+ Schools, a local education advocacy group that crafts an annual Report to the Community as well as a School Choice Guide to help families make sense of their public school options in Pittsburgh. 

“Get your child the best school for your child,” Fogarty said.

This guide explores multiple options for those living within the Pittsburgh Public Schools district and a few helpful points for those outside the city, too. There are other circumstances that might influence your personal decision-making, and we hope this guide can serve as a helpful starting point. Email info@publicsource.org with additional resources or questions for us to consider for future public-service guides.

How do I register my child for public school?

First, if you don’t know which school district you live in already, you can search your address in this tool to find out.

Registration typically starts in January for the following fall. Kindergarten readiness campaign Hi5! provides a good list of elementary schools in Southwestern Pennsylvania and links for registration along with cutoff dates for enrollment. (Most schools require students to be 5 years old by Sept. 1.)

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