Elementary Schools in Wasilla (Tanaina: transportation, children, drive)

[Barkingowl]

I understand sassymom. Its very difficult to find forums where parents discuss the pros & cons of the different schools & teachers. I'm sure the information is out there, its just a matter of finding it.

[sassymom97]

Originally Posted by Marty Van Diest

I have a degree in education and used to be a teacher. But we home school our four kids at least through middle school. One went to Palmer High two are still at home and one is about to graduate from University.

I am interested in education and have kept up an interest in the local schools. I believe that it is possible for your child to get a good education in most of the schools if you take a very personal interest.

You must find out the good and bad teachers. There may be some bad schools, I'm not certain. There is one teacher in Butte Elementary that I would absolutely turn my kids over to in a heartbeat. There are good teachers in probably all the schools. But there are some to avoid as well.

I think if you get to know the school and the teachers you can make sure you child is with a good teacher. You have to absolutely put your foot down to the point of insisting your child is in a certain class. If it comes to it, pull the child out and home school for a year to avoid a bad classroom.

I do not believe in turning a child over to the school system to hope for the best. Sometimes it will be OK but you are taking chances with your kids. Pay attention to what is going on. Make sure your child is with a good teacher and then make sure your child does her part of the education process as well.

I agree with you 100%, and I am definitely involved with my children and their education. I know that any school will be better than the one they are in now. I have been unfortunate with my oldest daughter to get two teachers (last year & this year) whom do just enough to get by. They don't look into situations and I guess, just figure what ever the problem the next teacher will fix. I didn't say enough last year and this year I am not letting it go any further. I also agree with you on the child making the effort, and my daughter is lacking that as well. I am currently having her tested for learning disabilities and will find out on Tuesday what came from those tests.

It has been a long and hard 2 years and I wanted to home school, however I now I don't have the patience and not to mention my family thought that I could never do it. Sometimes though, I doubted that and felt that I could have, I just didn't want to do more harm than good. She already has social anxiety and by keeping her home might have made it worse. I don't want her to become a hermit and never leave the house. Anyways, thank you for your thoughts, I love reading inputs and take all to heart.

[sassymom97]

Originally Posted by Barkingowl

I understand sassymom. Its very difficult to find forums where parents discuss the pros & cons of the different schools & teachers. I'm sure the information is out there, its just a matter of finding it.

Thanks Barkingowl, luckily I have 4 months until we move. I think that should give me plenty of time to find the right school. I did notice last night, (maybe this will help someone else) when you are on City-Data looking at towns/cities, if you scroll down, it lists all the schools in that town/city, click on a school and it gives you the test rankings for the previous year and how it ranks in the state. Very informative!!!!

[Barkingowl]

Have you seen this site yet?
Matanuska - Susitna Borough Sd - Matanuska-Susitna Borough - Trulia

[quakinator]

The district has an Open Enrollment policy that allows students to attend schools outside their home boundary. Applications for boundary exemptions and the Open Enrollment policy can be picked up at any school. Acceptance in the program is based upon criteria outlined in policy information.

Does this mean that you can choose any school to enroll your child at? Or will there be strict criteria that must be met to consider attending a school outside the boundary?

[JavaPhil]

I believe you would have to reside within the boundaries set for the specific school.

[HighlandLady]

We reside in Colony High School boundary, but my son chose Wasilla High School. He has to walk a wee bit further to catch the bus is all.

[JavaPhil]

Ahh, didn't know you could do that.

[Alaska Deb]

I was told this:

We can pick a different school, but are responsible for transportation. HOWEVER, if there is a bus stop we'd like to bring him to...*and* that bus (to the new school) has room, then he could go on that new bus.

But, no problem for picking a different school.

[Barkingowl]

Do parents in Wasilla stand outside at the bus stop with their children?