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Oakland Unified School District
Enrollment Options Guide 2015-16
How to Choose a School for Your Child
Your school options include an extensive array of elementary, middle, TK-8, 6-12, TK-12, high schools, and charter schools. But how
do you know which school is a good fit with your child’s interests, talents, and needs? Explore these helpful tools and strategies as
you consider your options. And remember—there isn’t one measure alone that should dictate your choice. Consider a wide array of
factors to make the best decision for your child’s educational journey.
1) Assess your Child
Your child is unique and extremely special. Understanding who your child is as a individual and assessing his or her needs is the
first step in choosing a school for your child. Does your child thrive in small or large environments? Is your child an introvert or an
extrovert, speak one-language or multiple languages? Have a particular special need or disposition? All of these types of questions are
important when choosing a school for your child.
2) School Balanced Scorecard
The School Balanced Scorecard provides a report on the schools growth and continuous improvement yearly. The Scorecard contains
key goals and targets for students and schools. They include:
1) Scholastic Reading Scores (SRI)
2) Attendance and Suspension Rates
3) Graduation Rates
4) CAHSEE Pass Rates
5) Parent and Community Involvement
You can find School Balanced Scorecards and other reports on OUSD schools at www.ousd.k12.ca.us/SchoolData.
3) Web Research
Each school-comparison Web site includes unique features.
www.greatschools.org – This site includes ratings created by Greatschools.org.. It also includes reviews directly from parents and
other members of the school community.
4) School Visits
Once you have researched the specifics of schools you may be interested in, contact the school directly and set up a meeting with the
principal, take a tour or the school, or attend some school events and meetings.Contact information for all schools can be found in
this guide or at www.ousd.k12.ca.us/SchoolsDirectory.
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www.ousd.k12.ca.us