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CHOOSING SCHOOLS: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
 One of the most important elements of the Cambridge Desegregation Plan is the Controlled Choice Policy, which is designed to provide maximum choice for parents in selecting the schools and programs their children will attend.
We have learned that sensitivity to the wide range of students and family needs is crucial. We believe that offering choice builds confidence in public education, helps to develop home/school partnerships and ultimately improves education for all children.
While the choice of schools and programs that Cambridge parents make is varied, so are the reasons. Although choosing a school and/or program that is close to home is popular, other considerations should be taken into account.
To tour a school, please contact the Family Liaison at each school.
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CAMBRIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SCHOOL TOUR CONTACTS
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| Amigos |
Lillian Rater |
617-349-6315 |
| Baldwin |
Susan Tiersch |
617-349-4377 |
| Cambridgeport |
Shirley Harvey |
617-349-6317 |
| CRLS |
Joanne Ackman |
617-349-6660 |
| Fletcher-Maynard Academy |
Phyllis Newton |
617-349-6588 x112 |
| Graham & Parks |
Judy Amendola |
617-349-6577 x115
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| Haggerty |
Madhavi Patel |
617-349-6558 |
| Kennedy-Longfellow |
Sharon Fernandes |
617-349-4865 |
| King |
Claire Koen |
617-349-6454 |
| King Open |
Elena James |
617-349-6451 |
| Morse |
Denise Sullivan |
617-349-6679 |
| Peabody |
Theodora Guthrie |
617-349-6530 x1031 |
| Tobin/Tobin Montessori |
Mary Frawley |
617-349-6610 |
Below are some questions that we hope will help you make your decisions.
Good luck and happy school visiting!
RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN VISITING A SCHOOL:
- What is the philosophy (belief) of the program?
Is it in writing? Is it posted? Do staff members easily articulate it?
- Is their philosophy (belief) visible and throughout the school?
If respect of each other is a belief...how does that appear in the school?
- How are subjects taught? Math? Science? Reading? Social Studies? Music? Art?
Is there a curriculum to look at? Is it described on your tour?
- How do teachers manage their classrooms? Is the teacher engaging?
Does the teacher have good control of the class? Are students listening to him/her? Can you tell what topics they are studying? Are there displays of student's work...lots of books?
- Can parents participate in the classroom?
Do you see parents in classrooms? If not...why not?
- How does the school support families from other countries with language difficulties?
What kind of multi-lingual resources are available in the school?
- Does the school feel welcoming?
Have you been greeted warmly? Do staff members seem welcoming? Does the school act like your presence is important?
- Does the School location and hours fit the needs of your family?
Take a dry run if you are driving or walking your child to school. Find out what time a school bus would pick your child up.
- Is this a school you can visualize your child in?
Can you picture your child sitting in a classroom here? Is this a school that will work with you as a family?
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