I am often asked, “Is the school across the street the best? I heard this about the school?” As parents, we want the best for our children. Should I send them across the district? Out of district? Private? My response is simple, “What is your child’s goal?” The second question is, “Do you want your child to graduate with honors or be part of a specialized program?”
As a society, we get caught up on statistics, as they are important. But how statistics are represented is very different. You can send your child to a school that is rated high in the state, based on test scores. If you send your exemplary student there they will become just another number to the honors system. I am reminded of a friend who graduated from a local top rated high school with a 4.2 GPA and was ranked 67 in their class. While 4.2 is a very high GPA and is achieved by taking Advanced Placement courses. They were still ranked 67 in their class. So, my question for you is, how does 67 out of a graduating class of 167 look on a college application? For my friend, it meant a top 40% in her graduating class. This leads to another thought: “Is it the school that is producing high GPA students or is it that all highly rated students are being sent there?”
If your child knows they want to go into a specialized field such as nursing, teaching, or engineering, this becomes a different story. In the last 20 years, course offerings for students have changed into ‘pathways’. Each high school offers different pathways or academies that a student may join. Once admitted, they are enrolled in it for the duration of their high school years. This can be beneficial or have drawbacks. If the students are passionate about it, great! They will be exposed to specialized classes, opportunities, internships, and possible dual enrollment courses. Dual enrollment courses are college classes’ students take on the high school campus. This will shorten their college stay and save on tuition expenses. If they are unsure of their career goals, then sending them to a different school should not be a driving factor.
The last thing I advise every parent is for them to do their own research and NOT JUST listen to their neighbors possibly biased opinion, which is based on their own experience. Each student is different and every parent is different as well. Although we all want the best for our children, not every action and experience is the same. Our NLMUSD has incredible teachers and staff at every school site to help assist your child’s specialized needs. Chances are that the school across the street could be the perfect school for your child. Remember you chose to live in this community and district for a reason.
By A.D. DELAMA
