Free Programs Help Local Parents Choose a School for Their Children

Selecting a school is one of the most important decisions a parent will make, yet myth and misperception often cloud conversations about public schools. As more families consider Pasadena Unified public schools, the Pasadena Education Network (PEN), a network of nearly 1,200 parents who send their children to and support the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), presents a series of free programs to help parents understand their public school options in Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre.

PEN’s series of programs offers an overview of PUSD options from kindergarten through high school, including tools for evaluating educational options and an opportunity to meet parents of students who attend schools across the district. The fall parent programs kick-off with “Choosing the Right Elementary School” on Tuesday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, Sweetland Hall, 132 No. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena. Dr. Mikala Rahn, the president of Public Works, a non-profit organization that evaluates schools throughout the state, provides parents of pre-school aged children with valuable information about what to look for when evaluating an elementary school for their children. Parents whose children attend schools throughout PUSD will be on hand during a reception following the presentation.

PEN’s other programs include “Myth vs. Reality: Middle School Parent Panel” on September 28 at Norma Coombs School and “High School Options” on October 18 at McKinley School. The series concludes on November 29 at the Pasadena Central Library with a program devoted to understanding the district’s open enrollment process whereby families can apply to attend a school other than their assigned neighborhood school. Complete program information and times, school information, and school tour schedules are available at www.penfamilies.org.

All programs are free. Spanish translation is available upon request. Please contact info@penfamilies.org.

The Pasadena Education Network (PEN) is an independent, grassroots nonprofit organization that promotes family participation in public education to ensure a quality education for all students in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. PEN provides services to help parents explore, evaluate, and engage with our community’s public schools. For more information visit www.penfamilies.org .