This study was conducted in a middle-class area where school districts are largely average. The purpose of this study was to better understand how families choose among the options available to their child for entering kindergarten. These options include the neighborhood public school, open enrollment into another public school, homeschooling, or private school. This important decision provides the best possible opportunity for the child to make a good transition into school and to experience success in subsequent years. The overall research question asked how families describe their experience of selecting an early elementary school. Sub-questions asked about parents' perceptions of the neighborhood public school and of the other options, what criteria they used for making the decision, and how they navigated the challenges of selecting an elementary school placement. A qualitative research design was chosen to better understand the meaning of the experience for the parents. Data was gathered in semi-structured individual interviews. Market theory, institutional theory, and rational choice theory informed the study, and educational outcomes are viewed as a public and as a private good. Several themes emerged from the data: Parents described what they want and need, including freedom/flexibility, socialization, control/involvement, and structure. They expressed a preference for smaller schools and classes, with traditional instruction methods. COVID mandates and logistical considerations weighed heavily into parents' decisions, and some of their most strongly expressed opinions centered around social distancing and mandated masks or vaccinations. Overall, parents described the process of choice as difficult, stressful, and awful. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]