Tips for Finding the Perfect School

Searching for the perfect school is a daunting task for any parent. With charter schools and other alternatives to traditional public schools on the rise, there are more options than ever for Baton Rouge families.

Jennifer Tullier works as a registrar at BASIS Baton Rouge Materra, a tuition-free public charter school for grades K–12. Having been with the school since its opening in 2018, she has helped hundreds of families through the process of enrolling at a new school.

Here are Ms. Tullier’s top tips for choosing the right school for your family.

Start Early

Baton Rouge parents should start researching and applying to schools the year before their child starts school. “Students must be five years old by the end of September to start kindergarten. I recommend that parents begin looking for kindergarten programs the year before, while their child is still four years old,” says Tuiller.

At BASIS Charter Schools, parents can begin applying in the fall for the following school year. “Our Open Enrollment period begins in mid-October and runs through mid-December,” says Tuiller. “Applying during this time period is key. All students who apply during Open Enrollment are placed into a lottery, which is your best chance of securing a seat for your child.”

Talk to Other Parents

Searching for schools can be overwhelming, especially for parents whose children are just now approaching kindergarten age. “One of the best places to start is asking friends and relatives if they know of any good schools,” says Tuiller.

Connecting with other parents during your school search allows you to learn from their perspectives. Ask around in your community and see what your friends and neighbors have to say about the schools closest to you!

Take a Tour

Taking a school tour is a great way to learn what your child’s day-to-day experience could look like. During a school tour, you’ll visit different parts of the campus and learn more about the school’s culture and curriculum. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet staff and ask questions.

“Take advantage of any opportunities you have to visit schools you’re interested in, whether it’s a school tour or information session for new families,” says Tullier.

Ask Questions

Asking questions is essential for making sure you’ve found the right school for your child. School staff like Ms. Tullier are there to make the enrollment process as easy as possible for new families, and are happy to answer any questions you might have!

“One of the most common questions I receive is if there’s anything parents can do to get their child ready for kindergarten,” says Tullier. “My first answer is always to read with their children at home. It’s a great way to make sure your child has the academic foundations for our kindergarten program.”

Tullier says she also frequently receives questions about extracurriculars. “Academics is our main focus at BASIS Materra, but we also offer a wide range of sports, clubs, and other extracurriculars to give students a well-rounded experience,” she says.

BASIS Baton Rouge Materra and its sister school BASIS Baton Rouge Primary Mid City are currently accepting applications for the 2025–26 school year. With an accelerated curriculum, caring and supportive teachers, and exciting extracurriculars, BASIS inspires East Baton Rouge students to achieve at globally competitive levels. Learn more and apply today.