Intradistrict and interdistrict transfers
Students who do not attend a low-performing public school can transfer to another school either within their present district (an intradistrict transfer) or outside of their district (an interdistrict transfer). However, the districts must agree. More>>>

Charter schools
A third option is to enroll your child in a charter school. Charter schools are public schools that are formed by indiviuduals or groups and that do not have to follow all the state regulations that govern traditional schools. Many charter schools offer smaller class sizes, have a specific curriculum focus and incorporate innovative teaching methodology. More>>>

Private schools, homeschooling and more

• Private schools are schools that do not receive funding from the state and therefore do not have to follow the Texas Education Code. Families of the students pay tuition or, in some cases, students receive scholarships to attend. The teachers, principal, board of directors (and sometimes the parents and students) decide upon curriculum, teaching methodology and enrollment requirements. More>>>
• Homeschooling is another educational option. Parents teach their children at home instead of sending them to a public or private school. Each state has different laws governing homeschooling. Many communities have organizations that assist homeschooling families with curriculum and opportunities to meet other homeschoolers. More>>>
• Magnet schools are another option offered by many school districts. Magnet schools generally have a particular focus, such as art or technology, or follow a different structural organization, such as mixing different grade levels within one classroom, or operating on a year-round schedule. Magnet schools are not governed by neighborhood boundaries; they draw students from throughout the school district and must accept students on a nondiscriminatory basis.
• Alternative schools are generally schools whose educational philosophies are different from traditional programs. Typically, alternative schools have small classes, social and emotional development curriculum, and self-paced academic curriculum. This title is used officially as well as informally to describe a wide range of schools, so it's important to ask specific schools why they are classified as alternative.

Not all districts have these options available. Students are generally not assigned to these schools, but can apply if interested and are selected through a lottery. Check with your local district to find out what choices are available for your child and how to enroll.

Additional Resources
To learn more about school choice in Texas, visit the GreatSchools.net School Choice Center.

Updated November 2005