Parents and Community

Parents are uniquely positioned to catapult their children’s education to the highest levels. They know their children best, and they care the most. And they have an increasing array of options for their children’s schooling, with approximately 15 million students attending schools other than their assigned public schools. Millions of others choose preschools every year.

Yet parents often lack the know-how to make the best decisions about their children’s education and to help improve the schools and preschools their kids attend. Many are intimidated by their lack of expertise, and others who are well-informed need help communicating effectively with school staff. We need a large-scale effort to inspire and equip parents to play their central role in education.

The core of our work in this area is our book, Picky Parent Guide: Choose Your Child’s School with Confidence, published by Armchair Press in 2004, and a set of shorter “Quick Kits” available as downloadable PDFs. We’re also partnering with The Savvy Source, an outstanding new online resource providing parent-gathered information about pre-schools, to offer an e-book to help parents choose preschools.

Articles and Media Appearances on Choosing Schools

Shopping for a School: Here's how to find the right fit for your elementary-aged child—whether you're moving into a new community or simply assessing your neighborhodd options, Ellen H. Parlapiano, Scholastic.com, 2007.

“Parents Take Choice Driver’s Seat, But Few Have a Map,” Education Week, September 2004. Commentary by Bryan and Emily Hassel.

Picky Parent Guide named “Must Read Book of the Year,” PPI 21st Century Schools Bulletin, December 2004.

“School Choice: Knowing What’s a Good Fit for Your Child,” Appearance by Bryan Hassel on National Public Radio’s The Parents’ Journal with Bobbi Conner, May 2005.