Are you trying to navigate LAUSD’s school choice process? We made you a guide

In Los Angeles Unified alone, there are more than 400 elementary schools, plus hundreds of specialized programs and dozens of charter schools run by separate nonprofits.

Families say the process of choosing a school for their child is bewildering, overwhelming and anxiety-driven.

And even if you’ve already chosen a school, there’s a lot to learn about a school system: how to be an involved parent, how to ask for a school repair, how to petition the school board and advocate for change.

That’s why, over the past year, we launched a series of guides, collectively known as School Game Plan, designed to help families understand how to get a “good education” and define what that means to them.

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And now we’re putting the series in your hands — we’ve created a print version!

It includes:

• School options, application processes and timelines.
• What to consider as you’re making your choice.
• Real parent experiences.

The “right” school will look different for every family. Our workbook can’t make that decision for you — but it can help equip you with information to navigate the options available with confidence.

It also includes questions to help you reflect on what education means to you and your family.

The workbook is focused on elementary and middle school but, like our online version, also includes a lot of information that’s relevant if you’re looking for a high school or at another district.

We hope that it helps ease some of the stress families feel as they begin to navigate this process, whether they’re enrolling a child in transitional kindergarten for the first time or looking for an alternative to a school their child already attends.

School Game Plan: Bring it on a school tour!

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Ross Brenneman

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LAist

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And because we know this process is a lot, our workbook also has some words of encouragement.

“If you care about your kids’ education and you put time and energy into it, they’re gonna get a great education,” says Northeast L.A. mom Audrey Diehl. “Don’t overly stress about getting into some perfect school. ... There’s probably a couple of different options that’ll work great for you and your family.”

How to get a copy

With major thanks to engagement producer Sabrina Sanchez, LAist has partnered with the Los Angeles Public Library to distribute several thousand guides across its 73 locations.

Not sure where your local branch is? Find it here.

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