MDE - Choosing a School

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Choosing a School

Important things to consider when selecting a school

Understand your options -- How much choice do you really have? Which schools can you choose from?
Identify your needs -- Every family has different priorities when choosing a school. Maybe you want a strong science curriculum for your budding inventor. Perhaps a top music program is what you're after. It's essential to spell out your child's particular needs before you set out to find the right school.
Research schools in your area.
Visit your top choices -- No amount of reading or research about a school can tell you as much as you'll learn by actually visiting the campus. The School Visit: Things to Look For, Questions to Ask (Great School Net)
Apply and enroll -- Ready to make the big decision? Check with the schools and districts where you're applying to make sure you know their application deadlines. Once you've applied, stay on top of the process and check with the school or district to find out when you can expect an answer.
Support your child and get involved -- Be the best advocate for your child's education and the education of all children in the school. Check out our Get Involved (Great School Net) section for all kinds of ideas about how to help your school.

MEAP Scores

The Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) is a measurement to determine if students grasp the concepts and can use the information contained in Michigan Content Standards. The content standards are sets of learning expectations by subject developed by parents, educators, business people and university professors that identify what students show know and be able to do to be successful in the 21st century.

School Locator

Public school locator

Charter schools map
Private school locator

Great School Net

Award-winning schools

Michigan Blue Ribbon Schools

Transitioning

Making the Transition

How the Your Local School System Works (From Great School Net)

Michigan Schools: Key Facts and Resources

What do I need to know about education in Michigan? Who’s in charge? How does the system work? Start here to become more informed about education in your state and connect with key organizations.

What Does the State Superintendent and Michigan Department of Education Do?

Learn about the important role the State Superintendent and Department share in improving children's education in Michigan.

What Does the State Board of Education Do?

The State Board of Education provides leadership and supervision over all public education. Find out more.

What Does a District Do?

Districts are not just geographical groupings of schools. Read on to understand the many important responsibilities of the district office.

What Does the Principal Do?

A principal's days are filled with appointments, emergencies and a great deal of decision-making. Read on for a glimpse into the many responsibilities of the school principal.
What Does the School Secretary Do?

At most schools, the secretary is a key player in communicating with parents and community members about what's happening at school.
What Does the School Board Do?

Those monthly meetings make a difference for your school. Here's a summary of how school boards operate.


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