Public School Newbie - little help please?

[linuxangel]

I am unfamiliar with how MoCo public schools work. I went private and I am really unfamiliar with how the system works and how to get off on the right foot.
I see from the web there is cut off age for kindergarten. If it helps, I think we'll likely land in Wood Acres.

Any advice out there on the following questions:

When to enroll - any advantage to early enrolling?
My kids are going to be going into pre-k/K - is it too pushy to contact the principal or PTA?
When does the school day end? Do I have to arrange for after care?
Do public schools offer any sports or arts? How can I find this out?


Any info would be helpful, I am calling the school and searching the web site too, but thought it would be great to get any tips from actual parents of kids in the schools.
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Join the school's PTA yahoo or google group. Tell them you have an incoming K (they won't have pre-K) and they will let you into the group.

See if they have a tour listed on the website.

Go in to register (bring a driver's license, birth certificate, and a copy of your property tax bill, available online from the county).

When you go in you'll see some lists posted about afterschool activities (yoga, sports, arts, whatever). This varies school by school. THey will also get weekly PE and art class.

You must register for aftercare, there will be a long waitlist, so get on the list ASAP.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I think a lot of schools have open houses for incoming families?