How to Choose a School
The most important decision you will ever make for your children.
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Families are fortunate to have a wide variety of choices when they are considering
the best schools for their children to attend. When choosing a school keep in mind there is no one right school for all learners.
Each child and family has preferences for the kind of educational environment they want. Since the options can be overwhelming,
it is important to narrow them down.
- Look at the location of the school. How close is it to where you want to live
and/or work? It is an important consideration if both parents work outside the home, or if the students are young and will
need supervision.
- Consider your children's learning and social needs. What kind of school atmosphere
do you want for them at school? Do you want a structured or non-structured environment, graded or non-graded, taught by one
teacher or many teachers? What subject matter and/or skills do you want your children to learn? Will the current situation
be the same next year?
- Think about ways you would like to be involved with your children's education,
both at home and at school. Some things to consider are: What kinds of communication exist with the principal, teachers and
other parents? How frequently are the forms of communication used? Are you able to contact the teachers, principals, or counselors
when you want to? Is the process formalized?
- Narrow your choices to 3-5 schools. Review these schools or related districts
in Schoolhouse Magazine® and make a list of specific questions about concerns or terms you don't understand.
Call these schools and make appointments to visit. Be sure to visit the school during a normal day so you can see the school
in action. Visit with as many of the staff as possible and observe the students in their activities.
- Use the contact names and numbers you'll find in your copy of Schoolhouse
Magazine® for written information about individual schools that interest you. For information about district
schools, a call to the district office should get you the materials you want. Charter schools, alternative schools and private
schools will need to be called directly.
If you visit a school and come away with a good feeling because you received satisfactory
answers to these questions; and you liked the way you were treated, you will have found the right school for you and your
children.
Congratulations! You have done your homework, and will have made the most important decision in your child's educational career.
--- Teresa Woodward, Publisher |
