If your child attends a college preparatory school, you want them to get the most out of their experience. One of the best ways you can support your child is by becoming involved in a parents’ community. This type of organization can have lasting benefits for both parents and students. Learn more about a college school parents’ community and why it’s worth getting involved in one.
What Is a Parents’ Community?
Image via Flickr by USAG- Humphreys
A parents’ community, also known as a parents’ organization or association, is a group of parents who support a school’s students, faculty, and staff. Parents’ organizations are common at college preparatory schools. These private schools prepare students for higher education. Parents’ organizations at these schools might serve various roles, such as planning schoolwide events, sharing information on school initiatives, or leading fundraising efforts.
Benefits of a Parents’ Community
If your child attends a college preparatory school, there are many benefits of becoming involved in a parents’ association. Specifically, becoming part of a college school parents’ association can allow you to:
- Build an inclusive community: This type of organization creates an inclusive school community. When more parents get involved, they bring different perspectives and viewpoints to the table.
- Be a role model: A parents’ association can show students the value of volunteering. You can be a role model for your young student when you get involved with a meaningful organization.
- Make friendships: You can make valuable connections with other parents and families in the school community. Often, these relationships last long after your last child has graduated.
- Stay updated on your child’s education: Getting involved allows you to stay updated on new developments in your child’s school. You can take a greater interest in their coursework and encourage them to explore different opportunities.
How To Get Involved in a Parents’ Community
Not every college prep school has an official parents’ community or organization. Start by asking your child’s teacher if one exists. You can also ask another staff member or administrator about the opportunity to get involved. If the school has an active parents’ organization, determine who you need to contact to get involved. Many groups have executives or committee members who serve as the point of contact for new parents.
If your child’s school doesn’t have a parents’ organization in place, consider whether it might be worth starting one yourself. Since it can feel daunting to create a new organization, find some other parents who are also interested in starting a parents’ community. Once you have a few people behind you, follow these tips to get started:
- Create a mission statement for the organization.
- Discuss some ideas you have for the group, such as school activities or fundraising.
- Prepare a simple presentation with your mission and ideas. Meet with the school principal to get their support.
- Advertise the organization to other parents and plan your first meeting.
- Grow the organization and start to put your ideas into practice.
Getting involved in a parents’ organization — or starting one from scratch — is a big commitment, but it’s a worthwhile investment of your time. By getting involved in this community, you can make a positive impact on your child’s school experience.