Visiting public elementary schools

[Anonymous]

DD is slated to go to K next year and we're having trouble deciding between private and public. We've toured the privates, but how do I go about visiting my local public ES. I've been leaving messages since November with the school with no reply. Is there some sort of process I'm not aware of?

[Anonymous]

My local ES has open houses for parents of incoming Kindergarteners in the spring. But also think you can set up a time to walk through. No idea why they aren't calling you back - have you tried calling at different times of the school day to try to reach a real person?

[Anonymous]

I visited our public elementary school before my child started K. Just sat and observed in the back

[Anonymous]

As mother to another prospective K, I am in your shoes. I would find the lack of response from the public school troubling (I Bet the privates called you right back! That said, you do need to tour before making the decision - I was pleasantly surprised by the "feel"of the school.

There shouldn't be a process for visiting the school though. Find out who the school counselor is (most schools seem to have decent web pages) and call her directly. If that doesnt work, just show up. Even if they can't show you around right then, you'll at least get a response.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Can you ask a neighbor who has a child at the public school who handles such requests?

I do like PP's suggestion to "just show up." Your voice mail won't be ignored that way.