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Last week, I shared a few tips on choosing a school for the upcoming school year on Instagram. As always, our Instagram community surprised me with their words of encouragement and additional advice! Since we’re in the middle of the “admission season” for private schools and many families are considering moving to other states and considering different school districts, I thought it would be helpful to dive deeper into the issues you should consider when choosing a school for your children. .
Now, it’s disclaimer time! If you’ve been a reader for a while, then you know that my family has experience in private school, public school, and homeschooling (read my post about our homeschooling experience here!) and I realize what a privilege it is to have. elections. These questions are designed to get you thinking about what is most important to your family, whether your children are public, private, contract, or homeschooled. But most of all, it applies to all of us as parents. I think what we all share is the desire to make the best decisions we can for our children. This can mean anything from the type of school we want them to go to, the types of technology used in the classroom, the curriculum, the discipline, and everything in between.
I said this on my Instagram post, but it’s worth saying again: While it’s good to make an estimate of your child’s education, it rarely turns out exactly as we planned. (God’s plans are always so much better!) When it comes to school, no decision needs to last forever – be flexible and take it one year at a time! If a change is best for your child and family, be open to it.
Read on for my list of top things to consider when choosing a school, and please let me know if you want to add anything in the comments below!
Before you go:
1. Make a short list of the things that are really important to your child’s education and your family. (Faith-based? Sports programs? A school up to 12th grade?)
2. Consider how much time you want to “drive” each day and how close the school(s) are to home and work. If the school meets all your other criteria, a longer drive might be worth it!
3. Follow the schools you’re considering on Instagram. Many public, private, and homeschooling groups may have their pages private, but ask to follow them to learn about their culture and values.
4. Talk to families with older children attending school and seek honest feedback.
5. If a private school is being considered, research fees for tuition costs, scholarship opportunities and, if necessary, tuition intervention. Are the schools you are considering running a major campaign and will you be expected to contribute more? Do they have discounts for enrolling multiple children? The cost goes up every year (and with every kid), so the cost is something to be largely considered.
When you visit:
6. Visit multiple schools to compare.
7. Don’t just go to the open house. Ask to attend classes and notice the teaching style, classroom decor, and children’s participation. Visit old classrooms while you’re there.
8. If your child is being tested or visiting school for a shadow day, watch how they react. Does your child seem comfortable?
Questions to Consider Asking the School:
9. What kind of curriculum do they use? Make sure it fits your family’s worldview and educational goals for your children.
10. What is parent involvement like? Are parents allowed on campus? Are they allowed to visit for lunch or assist in class? How active is the PTA?
11. What is the disciplinary policy of the school or school district? Does this align with your family’s values?
12. What is homework typically like? This varies greatly from school to school, and it’s good to know what to expect as you get older.
13. What is the school’s philosophy on technology? Do they have school-issued iPads? How do they protect students online? How much do they read e-books versus paper books? How much do they write against the writing?
14. Do they learn handwriting?
15. How do they teach reading?
16. Do they offer intervention and/or help if your child is diagnosed with a learning disability? What does this look like?
17. What do standardized tests look like? How much do classes and grade levels prepare for exams? How are they weighted?
18. Do most people at school block kids with summer birthdays? What do they encourage parents to do?
When Deciding:
19. Know that decisions are not permanent. Be open to making adjustments and school changes if needs arise. Get it once a year.
20. Choose a school that is right for YOUR children and family, and may not necessarily be the school your friends go to or the school you graduated from. Consider your child’s personality and be open to different schools for each child.
What would you add to this list?
lee
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