Tag Archives: Elementary School

Welcome Back To School!

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It’s been a minute since I posted up here, so I figured it was time to reconnect and say, Hello, Los Angeles. How are you?

I have been working exclusively on Zoom for consultations as well as group talks, and have met some incredible families. I really enjoy meeting all of you and making a strategic admissions plan specifically catered to each child and each situation. From new parents trying to decide if they should adopt a TK program or wait another year, to tweens worried about finding the right middle school, to supporting our surly teenagers through those challenging high school years wondering if they will find their footing… and with everything going sideways over the past couple of years and our world continuing to churn, I have met with and supported so many of you and your children. I feel honored to be able to, in my small way, connect and assist families, by bringing clarity and a way forward through one of the most confusing systems during one of the most tumultuous time periods.

With another fall admissions season quickly approaching, I have announced a new lineup of fresh LIVE webinars. Just click over to my GoMamaGuide webinar series for all the details and to grab a ticket.

Weds, August 27, 2025 at 12p *LIVE*

Weds, Sept 3, 2025 at 12p *LIVE*

Weds, Sept 10 at 12p *LIVE*

Weds, Sept 24 at 12p *LIVE*

View the whole GoMamaGuide webinar series in more detail, and purchase tickets HERE.

If all of this stresses you out and you just need immediate one-on-one assistance, let’s set up a Zoom Consultation together and create a personalized admissions strategy just for your child. Please note that Fall Admissions season is my busiest time of year.

I recently made the decision to retire my GoMamaGuidance newsletter – which started out as a monthly 15 years ago, then went to a quarterly, then eventually went dormant. To be honest, I just couldn’t keep up with it, and respect that you probably enjoy one less thing in your inbox.

Looking backwards, I realize I am coming up on the 20th anniversary of the launch of GoMamaGuide, which, frankly, is just astounding to me. 20 years! It was all quite by accident.

My daughter – who was the impetus for learning all of this – successfully navigated K-12 public schools in LAUSD (there was no TK back then), launched her way to college during the Covid lockdowns, graduated with honors from a top east coast university, is halfway through grad school, and has signed with a top firm for next summer. Bravo to her for finding her grit, her passion, her work ethic, and a way forward.

I’ll wrap up here for today, but more to come in this space as I reflect forwards, and backwards.

GoMamaGuide Webinars Now Available!

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We’re heading into the final few weeks of the on-time LAUSD Choices lotteries, due Friday, November 17, 2023 for the 2024-25 school year.

Many of you have been asking about my webinars, and yes, all of them are now available on demand to watch at your convenience. These are content-dense LIVE recordings with the latest info. Just click on the webinar you want, purchase a ticket, and I will personally email you a special link and passcode to access the replay. Each ticket comes with a 14-day replay so you can watch and review at your own convenience.

View the whole GoMamaGuide webinar series in more detail, and purchase tickets HERE.

All webinar tickets come with a 14-day replay. 
View the whole GoMamaGuide webinar series.

If all of this stresses you out and you just need immediate one-on-one assistance, let’s set up a Zoom Consultation together and create a personalized admissions strategy just for your child. Please note that Fall Admissions season is my busiest time of year.

Last LIVE Kindergarten 101 Webinar This Fall! Weds October 25

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New Date Just Added!

Many of you have been asking about my webinars, so I am adding a final fall LIVE date for my most requested webinar, Kindergarten 101, just in time before the LAUSD Choices deadline hits. This talk will have all the latest information, including the new and expanding age eligibility for Transitional Kindergarten (TK), and what that may mean going forward.

Announcing, Kindergarten 101: Know Your Public Options
*LIVE* Weds, October 25, 2023
12p
$35
TICKET
After you purchase your ticket, you will be sent to Zoom to register for your unique login. (Don’t skip this step or you’ll miss out!)

This is a LIVE webinar, where you can ask me your questions in person, and/or watch the replay afterwards at your own convenience.

Stressed about choosing a Kindergarten?
For families just getting started, in this 90 minute webinar we’ll go over how (and when) to begin the elementary school admissions process, the new TK/K age eligibility changes, Magnets and “That Point System” demystified, Charters and other tuition-free options, what to look for in a school, and more! This is chock full of info and my most popular talk. Parents will walk away with a solid understanding of what public school options are available to them, how and when to apply, and the tools they need to make a choice they can feel good about, especially given our large and complicated public school system *Recommended for parents of 3-5 year olds. Each webinar comes with a 14-day replay so you can watch on your own timeline.

If all of this stresses you out and you just need one-on-one assistance, let’s set up a Zoom Consultation. Please note that Fall Admissions season is my busiest time of year.

New Fall 2023 Webinar Lineup! Launching Thurs, Sept 14!

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Just in time for the Fall LAUSD public school Choices or “Unified Enrollment” lotteries, I’m rolling out a fresh new series of live webinars with the latest information, breaking down exactly what you need to know, in order to successfully navigate the complex menu of public school options here in Los Angeles. These are live, interactive webinars with Q&A. If you can’t make the live, or want to review the material again, each ticket comes with a 14-day replay, so you can watch and review when it’s convenient for you.

Click on the webinar ticket link you want to purchase. After checkout you will be taken to Zoom to complete your registration. Don’t skip that step or you will miss out. To view the whole GoMamaGuide webinar series in more detail, visit: https://gomamaguide.com/store/webinars

Navigating the School System:
The Overview
Thurs, Sept 14, 2023 
12p
$35
TICKETS


Kindergarten 101: Know Your Public Options
Weds, Sept 20, 2023 
12p
$35
TICKETS
(Yes we’ll cover the new TK/K ages)

Middle School Madness
Weds, Sept 27, 2023
12p
$35
TICKETS


Mastering Magnets:
(Those Points!)
Tues, Oct 3, 2023
12p
$35
TICKETS

All webinar tickets come with a 14-day replay. 
View the whole GoMamaGuide webinar series. 

If all of this gives you a headache and you just need one-on-one assistance, let’s set up a Zoom Consultation. Please note that Fall Admissions season is my busiest time of year.

New Fall 2022 Webinar Lineup! Launching This Weds, SEPT 14!

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Just in time for the Fall LAUSD public school Choices or “Unified Enrollment” lotteries, I’m rolling out a fresh new series of live “Lunch and Learn” webinars breaking down exactly what you need to know in order to successfully navigate the complex menu of public school options here in Los Angeles. These are live, interactive webinars with Q&A. If you can’t make the live, or want to review the material again, each ticket comes with a 7-day replay, so you can watch and review when it’s convenient for you.

Click on the webinar picture you want to purchase. After checkout you will be taken to Zoom to complete your registration. Don’t skip that step or you will miss out. To view the whole GoMamaGuide webinar series in more detail, visit: https://gomamaguide.com/store/webinars

Navigating the School System:
The Overview
Weds, Sept 14, 2022 
12p
$35
TICKETS

Kindergarten 101: Know Your Public Options
Weds, Sept 21, 2022 
12p
$35
TICKETS

Middle School Madness
Weds, Sept 28, 2022
12p
$35
TICKETS

Mastering Magnets:
(Those Points!)
Wednesday, Oct 5, 2022
12p
$35
TICKETS

All webinar tickets come with a 7-day replay. 
View the whole GoMamaGuide webinar series. 

If all of this gives you a headache and you just need one-on-one assistance, let’s set up a Zoom Consultation. Please note that Fall Admissions season is my busiest time of year.

New Fall Webinar Lineup! Launching This Friday OCT 15!

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Just in time for the Fall LAUSD public school Choices or “Unified Enrollment” lotteries, I’m rolling out a series of webinars breaking down exactly what you need to know in order to successfully navigate the complex menu of public school options here in Los Angeles. These are live, interactive webinars with Q&A. If you can’t make the live, or want to review the material again, each ticket comes with a 7-day replay, so you can watch it when it’s convenient for you.

Click on the webinar picture you want to purchase. After checkout you will be taken to Zoom to complete your registration. Don’t skip that step or you will miss out. To view the whole GoMamaGuide webinar series in more detail, visit: https://gomamaguide.com/store/webinars

Mastering Magnets: Everything You Need to Know (Those Points!)
Friday, October 15, 2021
12p
$35
TICKETS


Kindergarten 101:
Know Your Public Options
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
12p
$35
TICKETS

Understanding Gifted Options
SAS, GHA, HG, HGA, IHP…
Thursday, October 21, 2021
12p
$35
TICKETS

Middle School Madness
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
12p
$35
TICKETS

All webinar tickets come with a 7-day replay.
View the whole GoMamaGuide webinar series. 

GoMamaGuide Launches New “LUNCH & LEARN” WEBINAR Series!

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Just in time for LAUSD’s new 2019 eChoices application period (which opens Monday, October 1st – due Friday, November 9th), I’m launching my new GoMamaGuide “Lunch & Learn” Webinar Series featuring live interactive online classes to help you get schooled in the essentials of public school choice. These are the classes I’ve been teaching to stressed out parents all over Los Angeles for over a decade!

Many of you have been asking for more seminars and rather than try to hit every neighborhood in LA, with these online webinars no one has to deal with traffic, or find parking, or book a sitter, or even agree on a date. I will be running them at noon so we can still schedule in-home visits in the evenings. So join us from the comfort of your computer, get savvy while you lunch, and if you can’t make it, or want to review it, you can catch the replay for another 7 days afterward.

Here are the first three webinars in the lineup. More will be announced soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tanya Anton is the creator of GoMamaGuide and author of a series of guidebooks helping parents navigate the daunting array of K-12 public school choices throughout greater Los Angeles. A frequent guest speaker and public education consultant, Tanya has appeared on NPR’s “Which Way LA” seven times, presented on motherhood and social activism in NYC, lobbied against school budget cuts up in Sacramento, and also appeared before the LAUSD School Board on several issues. Having spoken to literally thousands of stressed-out parents about to enter the LA school system, Tanya has inspired many to not only reconsider their public school options but also become a vital yet interconnected agent of change within them. Visit GoMamaGuide.com.

 

 

 

 

 

GoMamaGuide to LAUSD: Elementary Edition has arrived!

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Hey folks,

I’ve been promising to write this guidebook literally for years, and now, HERE IT IS!

Packed with information yet delivered in easily understood bite-sized pieces. Get the Big Guide to LAUSD. Covers every region within LAUSD: North, South, East and West!

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**Just Released! Biggest Guide Yet!

GoMamaGuide to LAUSD – Elementary Edition
LA Public Schools Demystified
By Tanya Anton

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* Offers a thorough understanding of ALL your LAUSD public school options
* Outlines how (and when) to tackle each type of application process
* Magnets and “The Point System” demystified
* How Charters work and who is eligible
* Dual Language Immersions, GATE, Open Enrollment, and other options
* Permitting in and out of District
* How to tour: what to look for in a school and more…
* Learn how to expertly navigate schools in LAUSD!
.* Covers how to navigate all of LAUSD!
Includes:
* Complete List of all LAUSD Public Elementary Schools (broken down by category and region)
* Handy month-by-month Application Timeline
* Evaluating Your Priorities Exercise
* Bonus Materials, Charts and Resources
* Nearly 70 pages!
* All this for only $30 –about what you’d spend on a pilates class!
* No need to leave home — Guidebook shipped to your door!
Note: Individual schools are not ranked or profiled. For individual assistance, and to find the best fit schools for your child, please consider booking a consultation with me.
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GoMamaGuides have already helped thousands of LA parents.
About the GoMamaGuidebooks:
“Best $$ I’ve spent in a long time!”

“I purchased your guide last year. It was the single most helpful resource I found to assist with our search.”

To order, click Buy Now!  
Only $30 plus $3.99 s&h via Paypal.

Please verify your shipping address with Paypal before finalizing purchase. All sales are final.

Upcoming Charter Application Deadlines (Elementary)

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Speaking of charters, we are now fully ensconced in what I refer to as “Charter Season.” The time to tour and get your charter school applications in before their deadlines and lotteries.

While not exhaustive, here’s a select list of some of the upcoming elementary school charter application deadlines and lottery dates around town. Most applications can be downloaded online on the school’s website and either mailed in or physically handed in to their office.

CharterFeel free to peruse my color-coded school finder MAPS for individual school contact info and a direct hyperlink onto their websites. All charters are marked in green on my maps.

Remember, independent charters open their lotteries to anyone from any district. Affiliated conversion charters, an LAUSD hybrid type charter, gives first priority to those residing within the school’s attendance area with any remaining seats going up for lottery to non-residents.

All charters give preference to siblings of existing students, and some charters offer other priorities in their lottery structure, such as to founding families, students residing within LAUSD, or students qualifying for Free/Reduced Meal Plan (ie. low socio-economic status.)

Each lottery is independently operated and instituted by each individual charter school. Applications are handled directly with each school site. There are no points involved, thankfully. If you applied and were waitlisted last year, you need to reapply this year.

Ok, here’s that list.

SELECT UPCOMING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHARTER DEADLINES:
(certainly not an exhaustive list and in no particular order)

Pacific Palisades Charter Complex* Schools — apps avail now in each office, deadline March 11th 12p, lottery March 22nd 8:30a *(schools include Canyon, Kenter Canyon, Palisades, Marquez and Topanga Charters)

WISH —  apps avail online now, deadline March 6th 6p, lottery March 15th

Goethe — apps avail online now, deadline Feb 28th,  lottery in March tbd

Ocean Charter School — apps avail online now, deadline Jan 25th, lottery Feb 27th 10a

Larchmont Hwd — apps avail now online, deadline Feb 20th 4p, lottery Feb 23rd 9a

Larchmont WeHo — apps avail now online, deadline Feb 8th 4p, lottery Feb 23rd 9a

Citizens of the World/Hwd — apps avail online now, deadline March 1st 4p, lottery March 21st 6p

Citizens of the World/Silver Lake — apps avail online now, deadline tbd, lottery April 4th

Citizens of the World/Mar Vista — – info Mtg 1/31 in MV, apps avail online now, deadline March 1st, lottery April 11th

Los Feliz Schl of the Arts — apps avail online, deadline Feb 28 (by mail) or March 5th 12p (in person), lottery March 5th

Valley Charter — apps avail online, deadline Feb 8th 4p, lottery Feb 22nd 5p

Chime — apps avail online now, deadline March 8th 3p, lottery March 15th

Ararat —  call 818.994.2904

Our Community Charter — 818.920.5285

Again, please view my school finder maps for more info and links.