Maybe you think your child’s special needs aren’t being met, or the school budget doesn’t have room for music classes. Whatever your concern, there’s a lot you can do, even with a busy work schedule. 

Befriend the classroom teacher. Make sure your child’s teacher knows you and is aware that you want to work with her to maximize your child’s experience, says USC professor of education Dr. Margo Pensavalle. If possible, offer to help with field trips and classroom projects.

Join the PTO. Parent organizations can do a lot for a school when they generate enough money and volunteers. If you’re concerned, for instance, about new textbooks or field-trip funding, encourage your president to organize a fund-raiser—on the weekend, so you can volunteer.

Attend school board meetings. Even better, run for the board. Full-time working moms can be members of school boards, which usually meet in the evening, and have real input about a district’s direction. “It’s probably the most empowering way to make a difference,” says Sarah Lawrence’s Sara Wilford.

Work toward a solution. Meet the teachers and principal with an eye to solving any problems together, and be receptive to their points of view. Says Wilford: “You’re going to have a better experience—and your child will have a much better experience.”