The group Parents for Public Schools Hawaii is urging parents whose children are moving up to middle school to check out public schools in the Honolulu area firsthand by taking a tour.

"So many parents choose a school for their child based on stereotypes and old reputations, but many of our public schools have wonderful programs to offer and we wanted to give people a chance to see for themselves," said Lois Yamauchi, chapter president of the nonprofit group. "We hope the middle-school tours will help parents to make informed decisions about their children’s educational future."

Parents will have a chance to visit the schools while they are in session, learn about academic programs, tour the campus and talk with teachers, staff and parents whose children attend that school. Honolulu has a high rate of private school enrollment that increases as students move to middle school.

Morning tours are planned at Kaimuki Middle School on Nov. 30, Kawananakoa Middle School on Dec. 13, Stevenson Middle School on Jan. 25 and Washington Middle School on a date to be announced later.

Registration is required for the tours and closes four days before each tour, except for Kaimuki, which has a Nov. 21 deadline. To register, visit www.signupgenius.com/go/middle150. For more information on Parents for Public Schools Hawaii, visit www.ppshi.org.