Applying to Charter and Private Schools - Timing of Decisions
We are applying to several private middle schools and one charter school for the 2024-25 school year. The private schools won't announce their acceptance decisions until mid-March, but the charter school will announce its decision in early February. If we get in to the charter school, we have a week to take the spot before they move down the list to the next family in line. We are not at all certain we will get in to any of the private schools we're applying to (we have a complex kid and we've been rejected by a few places in past years; we are not reapplying to any of those schools this time). We also definitely cannot stay at our current school next year.
If we get in to the charter school in February, should we take the spot, so we can be certain we have someplace to go? It is not our top choice, but it might be our only choice. At the same time, I don't want to take a spot from someone else who really wants to go to the school. Curious what other people have done in this situation. I don't want to be a jerk, but I also want to be sure we have somewhere to go in the fall. Thank you!
Parent Replies
Alas, you have to take the spot if you're offered. If you can't stay at your current school, you'll need a spot that can be your safety plan. And then, if you're offered a spot at a private school, you can release your spot and another person will take the spot. That's how the system works out every year for public, charter, and private. We all do this musical chair through the spring and summer and sometimes into the beginning of the school year until the dust settles. You're not being a jerk. If you release your spot in March, you're being very nice! There are a lot of people who don't release their spots because they simply forgot and that is being inconsiderate.
I echo what the other poster said, and recommend you also apply for a spot in your local district because that’s the only system where you are guaranteed a spot (albeit your actual assignment may be via lottery). Some charters have long waitlists and a tough lottery so district might be the only safe backup. Good luck!