Understanding Ohio School Options

There are choices for families when the school (public or private) is not working for their children.

First, talk with your principal and superintendent. Ask for a solution that keeps your child in the school or the district. One consideration is a request to transfer to another school, if one exists, in your district. Your district superintendent must approve this transfer request.

Career Tech schools are an alternative to traditional high schools. The district permits, funds and transfers the student to attend a career tech program. The student graduates from the district, not the career tech center. Students can benefit from earning credentials and associate degrees in addition to the high school diploma so they are ready for a career or a job that will provide money for college.

Credit flexibility is an option for a student to earn high school credit outside of the traditional classroom. The plan for the credit is developed by the student, the school and the family. Start first with your school counselor to discuss the idea that your student wants and what is needed to earn the credit.

Post Secondary Enrollment Options allows a student to attend a college course and earn college credits while in high school. This potentially saves time and money for families in college. Contact your school counselor about this option.

If there is not a solution that satisfies your family, you can explore the following options.

  • Open enrollment – Students can attend school in a district that their parents are not residents. Every school district in Ohio decides whether to allow open enrollment. If it is allowed, the district creates a process, such as lottery or first-come, first-served, so that all students who apply have a fair chance for the spaces available in a grade level. Families must contact an open enrollment district for its process and follow it. This link is the list of all Ohio districts and whether or not they allow open enrollment.

  • Community Schools – Enrollment into this option is the decision of the family and does not require permission from the home school district. These schools, also known as charter schools, are Ohio public schools and are free to Ohio residents. Community schools can be physical schools or online schools. Here is a link to more information.

  • Home Schooling – Families can decide to provide education themselves to their children. This option does require the approval of the district superintendent and must be approved each school year. Here is link to more information.

  • Scholarships – Ohio provides vouchers to private schools for students attending low-performing public schools.  There are also scholarships available for families of students with learning disabilities to schools or programs to meet the student’s needs. Here is the link to available scholarships.

Last Modified: 6/4/2013 1:29:00 PM