While PTA is the most widely known acronym for parent-teacher groups in schools, it might be surprising to find out that they aren’t the only ones.
The National Parent Teacher Association was established over a hundred years ago, providing support for school PTAs such as resources for fundraising and advocacy, insurance and community to connect PTAs across the country. But some schools have parent-teacher groups that aren’t affiliated with the national PTA or any other national organizations. These are typically called PTOs, or parent-teacher organizations.
“Our estimates are about 25% of groups are PTAs, so [are associated with] the national PTA association,” says PTO Today CEO Charles Field. “That leaves about 75% of the groups that are independent.”
What’s in a name?
PTO Today, a media and services company that serves PTOs and PTAs, estimates there are roughly 60,000 PTOs in the United States among K-8 schools. Those who are in PTAs pay dues to the national PTA, a formal membership organization, and to their state chapters. They also abide by the state and national group policies.
Any non-PTA group is considered to be a PTO, however the acronym is a generic term for parent-teacher organizations. Schools can choose other acronyms like PCC (parent communication council), PTG (parent teacher group) and HSA (home and school association).
So, what’s the difference? Field says at a community school level, there isn’t much. Both PTAs and independent parent teacher groups typically have the same goals, just a different reach.
For example, parents who are part of the National PTA can vote on PTA policy priorities and advocate for those priorities by sending messages to their members of Congress — which can be found through the National PTA.
Which is best for my school?
When the National Parent Teacher Association was first introduced, it provided a community of like-minded people who could support each other and provide information and resources. But according to Field, as information became more available and with the boom of the internet, the need for a national organization changed.
Parents are able to form their own groups more easily, obtaining insurance on their own or becoming a 501(c)(3). If they choose to have dues, they are able to keep them and any dollars fundraised within the school. Even so, being affiliated with the national PTA still has its perks.
PTAs offer trained staff and volunteers to help school PTAs secure nonprofit status, file government paperwork, create bylaws, train leaders and more. The national PTA also lobbies at state and national levels for change that goes beyond just one school.
Field says the most successful groups are those with close relationships to their school.
“One of the things that we’ve seen is that when there’s very good alignment between the principal, the PTO and the teachers, it succeeds better at a school community,” he says.
How Do I Get Involved?
First check if the school already has a PTO or PTA for you to join. If not, here are a few steps to get started:
- Meet with other parents to garner support; this isn’t a task to take on alone.
- Write a clear mission statement.
- Brainstorm a preliminary list of activities to build parent involvement.
- Brainstorm fundraising ideas and adopt a fundraising policy.
- Meet with your school’s principal.
The process of joining an existing PTO can vary by school. Some schools consider all parents, teachers and administrators part of their PTO automatically, while others may require a small membership fee. In some cases, a school may open up membership to extended family or community members. To become a leader within the group, an election may be required. Volunteering for activities is typically up to the member and not required.
For those looking to become affiliated with the PTA, check the National PTA (pta.org) to find your state’s PTA chapter.
After K-8
When students enter high school and parents pass the baton to the next generation of parents, parent involvement doesn’t disappear. As families get closer to high school, PTAs and PTOs turn into booster clubs, supporting specific clubs or teams within the school.
“We believe that there’s good things that both groups are doing and at the end of the day, it really is about making sure that schools are successful and the students are successful,” Field says.
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