Letter from the school district

clp1027

I got a letter from the school district stating that DS's school had scored poorly on the FCAT for more than 5 years and that we were being given the option to transfer our children to another school (they gave us 2 options) right away or keep our kids where they are. The school is going to be "restructured" and most of the staff, if not all, are being replaced.

DS is doing very well in school and even made principal's list last year. I don't feel like the school is a problem for him, but I'm wondering if the curriculum is behind and maybe that's why he's scoring so well with little effort. WWYD?

DandelionMom

I don't think that the standardized tests are the best way to measure a school's performance but that sounds like they're doing really badly.  And "restructuring" sounds very disruptive and probably things are going to be a mess for a little while. 

I'd probably seriously consider the other school.  You may even want to consider some kind of tutoring center for your DS, just in case.

Sammysu

My DD's school was like this the past two years. I kept her in it because she was doing fine. But... There were tons of issues with the other kids. This year we made enough to put her in private school and she loves it and is more challenged there.

I think it is up to you and how well it is soo far working for your child.

shouldbworkin

DandelionMom:

 And "restructuring" sounds very disruptive and probably things are going to be a mess for a little while. 

I'd probably seriously consider the other school.  You may even want to consider some kind of tutoring center for your DS, just in case.

That is what I was thinking.  I'd switch now, early in the year, and stay at the new school for awhile.  Kids have enough going on, they don't need ongoing disruption at school.

sweetsurrender9

Restructuring sounds like it could be disruptive to the kids that stay at the school DS is currently at.  I'd probably transfer him out to prevent any future problems.

mhwood

That sounds like a horrible situation.

Do you speak to any of the other parents in your son's class, particularly his friend's parents?  What are their plans? 

clp1027

I just got the letter on Saturday, so I haven't really had a chance to speak to anyone. I did some research on the 2 schools they offered us and both are about a 45 minute drive. That's not going to happen. I think I'll contact the school board tomorrow about transferring to a closer school. I wish they would have let us know this before the school year started. I hate to transfer him now that he's been there for a month, but I guess the sooner the better.

GinandTonic

I think I'd jump at the chance to get my kid out of that school...

jamie.renee

I got a similar letter only a week or so before school started.  I decided to switch my kids.  We didn't have much invested in their school anyways since we just moved here in March.  I was not all that thrilled with their school from the start but my second daughter (was in kinder last year) had a really good teacher.  My oldest daughter's teacher was just so so.  My daughter came home a lot telling me how her teacher was doing her college work and other things.  So far they LOVE their new school and I am very happy as well.  They both made friends very quickly.  My kids also do very well with change.  They are in 1st and 3rd grades and this is their 3rd school already (husband is military so it isn't by choice).  

It is tough to make this kind of decision.  For me it was not solely based on the scores but that was a huge thing for me.  When I first went to register my kids there (old school) I just didn't like the vibe from the school but some of the staff was great.