What Should I Consider When Choosing A School For My Child?

According to "The Mom Book Goes To School", you must be an informed consumer when choosing the right school for your child. With so many options, this can prove to be an overwhelming task. The choices are numerous. (Example: public, private, parochial, magnet, charter). A school may have great academics, a beautiful campus, and sound reputation and still not be the right fit for your child. Decide whether the school can address your child's needs and learning style fully. Be sure the school has a philosophy that reflects the educational approach that you feel will be best for your child. Below are some suggestions on finding the best school for your child:

1. Does your school district give choices between public schools?

2. Look at your child's social skills carefully and determine whether he/she makes friends easily. This should determine whether a large or smaller environment would be best.

3. Would you prefer a single-sex or coeducation institution?

4. Would you prefer the school to be religiously affiliated?

5. Explore charter schools or magnet programs and investigate how successful the programs are and will it match your child's needs.

6. How large are the classes?

7. What academics and programs does the school offer?

8. Does the school philosophy and approach to education mesh with your values and goals?

9. How does the school measure individual achievement and progress?

10. How rigorous are the classes?

11. Does the school feel like a community?

12. How diverse are the student body and faculty?

13. What are the average standardized test scores?

14. Make sure your child is a part of the decision making, although the final decision should be yours.

For more information on choosing the right school you can purchase my book, "A Parent's Handbook: How to Get the Best Education Possible K-6 Grades", at http://www.besteducationpossible.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/ .