Whether it’s after a move or enrolling your child for the first time, choosing a school is one of the most important decisions any parent will make.

Below are some helpful tips and suggestions to assist with making a decision. But just like with choosing the right college, remember to take the time to find the right fit: look at school data, talk to school personal, ask yourself some questions and—most importantly—visit the school itself before making a decision.

How do I find out my local school or school district?

If you know its name, check to see if the school or school corporation has a Web site. You can also search for a school or school corporation by county or city. Your local phone book, realtor or neighbor can also help.

If I’m enrolling my student for the first time or thinking about changing schools, how soon before the beginning of the school year should I begin the process?

When due to a move, traditional public schools will accept new students at any time. Parents may also enroll their child in home schooling at any time. Schools that offer school choice usually have a window of opportunity for enrollment, so it is wise to contact the school for more information.

Typically, fall enrollment for a public charter school occurs at the beginning of the calendar year. Some charter schools may enroll students if spots are available, so be sure to contact the charter schools in your area for details.

Contact a private school for enrollment information specific to that school.

What do I need to have available before my child first enrolls in or changes schools?

Generally speaking, a school will need the following information:

• Birth certificate
• Proof of residence
• Immunization records
• If transferring, your child’s current school contact information, which includes the school’s name, phone number and address

If you lack fixed, regular or adequate nighttime housing, or share housing with others due to economic hardship, your child can still immediately enroll in school even if you currently do not have all of the above information. For more information, call 1-800-833-2199 or visit Department of Education’s Division for Educational Options.

How do I find out how well a school is doing?

The Indiana Department of Education provides online access to school data, which includes the percent of students passing ISTEP+, school goals, teacher information and more.

How do I choose the best school option to meet my child’s needs?

Consider your child’s individual needs and how those needs can best be met. It is important to find the right fit for your child.

Think about what makes a school unique and what qualities you want your child’s school to have. Some factors to consider are:

• Class size
• Discipline procedures
• School atmosphere
• Available school programs and activities
• Transportation options and distance from home
• Enrollment policies specific to that school

For more information on any of these aspects, contact the school itself.

How can I get involved in my child’s education?

Keep up to date on what your child is doing in school by reviewing your child’s report card and other information sent by the school. Contact your child’s school to see if they offer opportunities or information on how to be involved in your child’s education. Ask lots of questions and get to know your child’s teacher, principal and other school officials.

Are there special programs or schools that my child might attend?

Your child’s school district might have an alternative education program, magnet school options or other district-sponsored schools or programs. Your local school or school district can answer questions about what opportunities are available.

Is "school choice" available for my child?

If your child’s school meets certain criteria, it may be possible to enroll your child in another school within your child’s school district. Contact your local school district to find out what opportunities are available.

What about charter schools?

There are over 40 charter schools in the state of Indiana. All charter schools are public, tuition-free schools that typically do not have a limited enrollment area. There are resources available to help with deciding if a charter school is the best option.

Am I interested in a private school?

Unlike traditional public schools and charter schools, private schools may charge tuition; however, tuition costs and requirements vary from school to school. To learn more about a specific school’s cost and requirements, contact the school itself.

What about home schooling?

State law exempts home schools from the curriculum and program requirements that public schools must follow. Before you withdraw your child from a traditional school, learn all you can: talk to other home educators about their experiences, read about home education, learn about home school law in Indiana and "comparison shop" for a curriculum.

Parents who choose to home educate are required to report their home school's enrollment, preferably via the online enrollment report form, to the Indiana Department of Education.

For more information on home schooling, including the reporting requirements and applicable rules, contact the Indiana Department of Education’s Office of Student Services.