If you're like most parents, you've probably heard some talk about school choice, but aren't quite sure how it applies to your child. What are your options? What are your rights? And how do you figure out what the best choice is? This guide will introduce you to the possibilities.

Even though school choice is a relatively new concept in Arizona's public education system, the state is considered far more choice-friendly than many states. In the past several years, the options available to parents have increased dramatically, in line with a growing national consciousness that promoting competition in public education might spur schools to improve. Choice advocates believe that if schools operate on the free-market rules that govern the business world, the result will be better schools that respond to parents' needs and concerns.

Charter Schools
One of the most significant changes in Arizona public education in recent years has been the growth of the charter school movement. Charter schools are public schools that are liberated from some of the traditional school regulations required by the state. These schools are bound by charter agreements granted by local school boards. If they don't meet the requirements of their charter, they can be shut down. Charter school enrollment is voluntary and is not governed by neighborhood boundaries, which means you can choose to attend any charter school within your district, or outside your district, that has space.

Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is another school choice option in Arizona. Since 1994, every school district in Arizona is required to have an open enrollment policy that allows students to request enrollment in any school in the state, regardless of location. In some cases, this has forced school principals to figure out how to sell their schools to families in the community. In other cases, it has sent parents into all-out battles for precious spots at schools with great reputations.

Space limitations often make transfers difficult, and each district's process has its own twists, but the important thing to know is that you do have options.

Magnet Schools
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
These 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."

Private Schools
Private schools are schools that do not receive funding from the state and therefore do not have to follow the state's 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
Another option is for parents to 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

Additional Resources
For specific information about the rules and realities of different options, consult these guides on GreatSchools.net:
Charter Schools Offer an Array of Choices
Open Enrollment: Beyond Your Neighborhood School