3 Tips to Finding the Right School for Your Child

Choosing the right school is one of the most critical decisions in your child's development. As hard as it is to admit, your child will spend more time at school with teachers and classmates then at home.


First you will need to decide Public or Private School

There are many things to consider when deciding "public or private":

1 - Consider both Public and Private School Options

Public School Option

The state education system is always under fire. That doesn't mean all public schools are bad. Do some simple research and see what you think about the school(s) in your area.

- What is the local public school like?
Tour the public school during school hours. This can be arranged with the admissions office. Look at the children who attend. Are these the friends you would like for your child? Peek in the class room(s), if allowed. Does it seem organized? Meet the teacher who would be teaching your child. Ask about schedule for school and class room size.



Private School Option
When choosing a private school a couple things to consider are:
- Does the schools religious or ethics and moral instruction fall in line with how you want your child to be raised.
- Is it within reasonable commuting distance from your home
- Can you afford it?
Although this is definitely not the most important point, it must be evaluated. Private schooling is not cheap. Prices normally range from $3500-$8000 per child per year. Most schools offer payment options generally structured to include an enrollment fee and then 6-12 month payment plans. Some private schools offer scholarships based on the child's academic performance and/or the parent's income. If you decide to enroll your child in a private school long term affordability is important. You do not want to have your child transferred due to lack of tuition payment.

2 - Do Your Homework on the School(s)

Before deciding on a school you should do the following:

- Call the school and ask for a brochure or packet on the school
- Tour the school(s) you are considering
- Meet the teacher(s) that will be teaching your child
- If possible, view a class while in session
- Ask questions, any and all questions you may have
- Find out about class size
- Know about the school schedule. Does it work with your life schedule?
Once you have narrowed the search down to one or two schools have your spouse (if applicable) and child tour the school(s). Often you can schedule a tour with the school or attend an open house or parent meeting night.

Talk to your child and spouse about the school:

1 - Do you like the school? Do you feel comfortable there?
2 - Does your child like the school and feel comfortable there?
3 - Was the curriculum up to your standards?
4 - What was the education level of the students in the class?
5 - Was it clean?

3 - ENROLL

Once you have made your decision enroll your child. This is particularly important with private school. Space is limited and will fill up. Kindergarten classes are notorious for this. You can enroll your child as early as a year ahead of time to ensure they get in to the school of our choice, and waiting lists exist at private schools that are full, meaning the class you are trying to enroll your child in has reach maximum enrollment. You can put your child's name on a waiting list. They will call you if a space becomes available. Make sure to ask what number you are on the waiting list. You may have a chance is you are #1-5, but even then it is only a chance. Do not rely on this waiting list. Find an alternative school and if they call in the meantime, GREAT!