Ventura County offers options when it comes to schools

Whether a student is new to Ventura County or has been attending school here for some time, it’s important for families to know their options when choosing a school.

School transfers

There are two types of school transfers: intradistrict and interdistrict. Intradistrict means that you request to go to a school within your home district; interdistrict is a request outside of your home district. As space is available, these transfers may or may not be approved. If approved, transportation is the parent’s responsibility. Some districts begin the request process early in the calendar year for the next school year.

If a family is requesting an interdistrict transfer, it must be approved by the school district of residence who will be “releasing” the student and the school district accepting the student. Any family who thinks they may want an interdistrict transfer, the time is now to begin the process for next year since it must go through both school districts. For a family who may be requesting an intradistrict transfer, the priority deadline is typically in February or March.

If a school is placed in Program Improvement (PI) due to the inability to meet Adequate Yearly Progress, a student can request a transfer to another in the school district not in PI, as space permits. In this situation, transportation is the responsibility of the school district. Districts do have deadlines for the request. A letter is typically sent home notifying the family of this option at the end of summer or the beginning of the school year.

Charter schools and magnet schools

A charter school is a public school that operates independently of the school district structure. Each charter school has its own registration process and registration period. Often the registration period is the beginning of the calendar year for the following school year. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent.

A magnet school operates within a school district; however, it tends to have a focus area (technology, science, etc.) while still fulfilling all California state standards. Often, enrollment is based on a lottery; again, that process takes place early in the calendar year.

Private schools

Although cost and transportation are the responsibility of the parent, private schools may offer benefits that some public schools are not able to provide, such as religious education, alternative schedules, specialized instruction or before- and after-school care. There are many questions parents should ask when choosing a private school concerning teacher credentialing, school accreditation and average class size. Private schools are not accountable to the Department of Education to report on student progress.

Home school

This is an option for parents who choose to take the responsibility of educating their child. Often, costs are the responsibility of the parent; however, there are many resources available for families interested in homeschooling, including support groups or “virtual” schools to provide support and curriculum.

Some local school districts and charter schools have added a home study component. This allows the student to do their work primarily in their home under their parent’s supervision. However, there is typically a weekly check-in with a teacher. Curriculum and books are provided by the school.

— For any questions regarding education options in Ventura County, please contact the NBVC school liaison officer at 989-5211 or monica.james@navy.mil.