Hi Cameron, PTA voice here... since your group is so small, (you did say 100 total students?)you could definately benefit financially as a PTA unit. You do get a significant discount on insurance for your group and it is likely that you would spend more money on insurance as a PTO, then you would as a PTA paying dues + insurance. ( I believe the insurance rates are low in California through PTA most likely no more than $200 and since CA units are many that amount is probably high.)
In addition, you are also in a state where your PTA is extremely active. Trainings, financial assistance, automatic 501c3 status under the PTA umbrella. You wouldn't have to pay for a 501c3 to start up and bylaws would be automatic and would only need a few adjustments from your group. You will also likely only have to contact the California PTA and they will assist you in setting up.
I disagree with Tim in that you WILL have a hard time should you choose PTA and then change your mind. I know that he has had contact with groups that have a had a hard time but I also know that there are groups that have not. It is likely he would hear from the unhappy ones most often as he is the founder of PTO today and who would want to tell him and why would they, that the PTA was actually pretty ok. If you would like more information regarding what PTA is and does, for both National and California(There is a lot of local focus out of the CA PTA), www.pta.org and www.capta.org
You can also call them and ask that they send you some information at (213) 620-1100. There is also a webform at the CA PTA site but calling is quicker.
Contrary to KJ's belief, I think PTA is perfect for small schools like yours because you actually save quite a bit of money being a PTA, the group still has the same local goals, you just get better perks because of your numbers.

I hope that I have given you enough information for the PTA perspective but I do hope that you do research both and choose the one that you think best fits your group. Either way, any parent involvement is good!

We're a small school too, 150+ kids at the moment, and we're a PTO. I would get your parent group together and organized for a year or so before deciding. The PTA is a wonderful organization with many benefits, but would they benefit your school? Waiting to decide would give your group a chance to see what your needs are, what your goals are, and then see whether join PTA or stay autonomous. Be sure to consider insurance, IRS and taxes, training, and the other costs every group has. :cool:

I agree with Tim. Try the PTO first. Because the school is so small the parents will control every aspect of your fundraising and the funds that go with it. With a PTA you are joined with a National organization that is more nationally focused. I am not slighting PTA's, I just think that for really small schools, a PTO is all that is needed. My opinion only.
Kathie

Cameron,

You've come to the right place to get answers. We are a PTO and I've always been at schools that are PTO - coincidence mostly. While I could write a book (but no one would buy it) on the benefits of PTO - there are others just as/more qualified than I who could make their very valid points for PTA, so I won't bore you with my personal beliefs.

What I will say is that whichever avenue your school chooses, you are always welcome here - as are all parent groups. We all share the same common goal - the best for the kids. Good luck in your very worthwhile endeavor.

Always for the kids,

Cathie

Hi Cameron -

Good luck with your work. I think the best bet for you guys is to read the various articles and links about the debate, figure out what your group is trying to accomplish, and then decide which is a better fit. No matter which you choose, 95%+ of your work at school will be the same.

One related note that's come up only after hearing from so many PTAers who get a hard time "going PTO":

If you're looking to try one acronym out first, you might be best advised to try PTO first, because -- should you later decide to "go PTA" -- there'll be absolutley no one trying to make that change difficult for you. On the other hand, if you try PTA first and then decide to "go PTO" -- you'll be told/threatened/cajoled to jump through all kinds of hoops to make that change.

Good luck with your new group.

Tim

Well to start off with, we are a small school who has about 95 kids with a home school program attached. We are currently tring to decide which parent program we will be considering. We have a parent meeting this next week on the 17th of this month. If there is anyone out there that might beable to give some pro's and con's about both PTO and PTA it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance for all of you help! :confused: