Family mobility

The average American family moves every three years

School choices are important factor in the neighborhood in which the family will purchase a house

No two families have exactly the same definition of an ideal school system

What do parents want?

Only one school characteristic seems to have universal appeal to parents--low pupil-teacher ratios. Parents believe that small classes lead to better schools

Most parents indicate that the best school for their child is one that is average to above average in pupil performance on scholarship examinations

Parents want...

It is more important to parents that their children are successful than that the school earns the highest marks. Parents look at opportunities for the child to succeed

Parents are more concerned about class sizes in elementary schools versus secondary schools

Parents want…..

Family-oriented communities are important to parents

Parents tend to avoid very large and very small school systems

Exemplary school facilities, guidance and counseling, high salaries, and vocational programs are not important to many parents

Parents want…….

Parents are becoming more interested in extended-day programs, extracurricular activities, programs for the gifted, school safety, computers, and tax-support issues

School choice within a district is important to a growing number of parents