Family Roadmap

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In the United States, schools and families can work together to help children learn and grow. There are laws to make sure every child gets a good education.

The same public school rights and protections apply to all students and families. Students who are learning English as a new language have protections related to receiving language supports and being able to participate in all school activities.

Schools can help families understand their students' rights so they know what to expect and help prepare students for a bright future. 

Learn more about education rights.

This resource will help you learn about the various school options available for you and your family in the state of Ohio. It includes information about traditional public schools, charter schools, and private schools. Ohio has eight school options, as well as options for students with disabilities.

Children are more likely to do well in school when their parents or caregivers are involved.
To be involved in their child’s education, it is helpful for parents or caregivers to understand how schools are organized. School systems can be different. It is helpful to know what options families, parents, or caregivers have to support their child.

Explore the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center’s Choose a School Tool to help your family choose the best school option for your child.

Enrolling Children in Ohio Schools

Before your children can start school, you must enroll them. During enrollment, you will learn about many programs and what the school has to offer students and families. It is also the start of new relationships with friends and teachers and a time when your family is becoming a part of the school community.

Learn more about enrolling your child in school.

Understanding School Attendance

Children who go to school regularly are more likely to do well in school. Students who attend school every day are nine times more likely to graduate high school. They are also six times more likely to achieve reading success by the third grade. For this reason, children are expected to attend school as much as possible. In Ohio, schools keep a record of the number of hours that children attend school.  

Learn more about school attendance.

Understanding Your Child’s Academic Progress

Understanding your child's academic progress is crucial for their success in school. By knowing how well they are doing in their studies, you can support and guide them effectively. There are various ways your child’s school may assess their learning, such as exams and assignments. These provide important insights into their education journey.

Explore more about academic progress and grading.

English Language Supports at School  

Ohio schools and educators want children to take advantage of opportunities for them to communicate well in the world. This includes providing English language supports to the students who need it.
Schools have specific steps and supports to help students improve their English skills.

Learn more about English language supports.

Working Together with the School for Your Child’s Success

No one knows your child better than you and your family. You can contact the school when you want to learn about how to support your child’s education or when your child needs help. You can also contact the school to make sure your child is on track. 

Learn more about working with schools.

How to Participate in School Committees and Teams 

When families and teachers work together, children are more likely to be successful, attend school every day, and feel connected to their classmates and teachers. Parents and caregivers who are involved with school feel like they are part of the school community. One important way some families choose to participate in their child’s school is by joining a school team or committee. Parents and caregivers are able to meet other families in and work with teachers and administrators to make decisions about the school or district. 

Explore more about participating in your child’s school.

Supporting Your Child’s Graduation 

High school graduation is an important first step for young adults to explore their college and career options. To make sure students are prepared for future success, Ohio schools have requirements that students must complete to graduate. You can help your child graduate and prepare for their future. Review the graduation requirements and the different ways you can support them. 

Explore more about graduation.

Preparing Your Child for a Bright Future 

Your family plays an important role in preparing your child for the future. No matter what path your child takes, you can support them by helping them explore their options for the future. You can ask them about what paths or careers they are interested in. Or you can start by asking them about their dreams and goals. You may also explore what help is available at your child’s school and in your community.

Learn more about college and career options.

Helping Your Child with Virtual (or Online) Learning

Virtual learning is a way of learning using technology and has changed the way we learn in school. It provides children of all ages the opportunity to quickly grow their understanding of the world around them. To make the most of this technology, schools use virtual learning to help students with their learning. The way schools use virtual learning can be different at each school and grade level. It is important to understand how to support virtual learning at home.

Explore more about virtual or online learning.

Programs for Students Outside of School Time

In Ohio, there are programs students can join outside of school time. These programs can be before or after school. Some may be during school breaks. Some programs can provide extra support to students who need help with school. They can help kids do better in school by giving them a quiet place to do homework and access a computer and the internet. They also can provide extra help with schoolwork or have fun activities that teach new things. In these programs, children can make new friends and learn from others. Families may need to register their child or meet certain criteria. These programs may be free or there may be additional costs. Some may give kids food or help with transportation.

Learn more about programs outside of school.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

In Ohio, schools work to support the whole child. This means that schools care about the academic success and wellbeing of each student. For this reason, schools provide resources to support studentsʼ mental health. Families can also access the Family and Student section of the Supporting School Wellness Toolkit.

Learn more about supporting your child’s mental health.

Using Interpreters for Communication with Schools

In Ohio, schools and families work together to help children succeed. They may do this by talking and sharing important information with each other. Schools must share information in the languages families prefer. Your family can get help from interpreters to ask questions and share your ideas or concerns with the school.

Learn more about using interpreters.

Resources in Ohio

These organizations focus on helping families who are new to Ohio and speak languages other than English.

Download a copy of the organizations list to your computer or device’s Downloads folder.

This glossary is designed to provide you with simple definitions and explanations of common terms about school and education. This resource will help you better understand your child's education. 

Explore the glossary.