Are you one a parent who is currently in the middle of deciding where to enroll your child for school? If so, you are not alone. Thousands of parents weigh this exact same scenario every single year. Whether you are looking for preschools, elementary schools, prep schools, or private schools, it is never a decision to take lightly. You want your children to be challenged and exposed to every opportunity possible so that they can become a well-rounded adult someday soon. Below are just three of the things to keep in mind when choosing the right school for your child:
Public vs. Private – Twenty-five percent of all schools in the United States are private, and as of 2016 nearly 3 million students were enrolled in them. Public schools and private schools each have their benefits and should be given credit accordingly. For instance, some students thrive in smaller classrooms settings which private schools can provide, but other students need tons of extracurricular opportunities which public schools typically can provide. Ask the parents of students in both public and private schools in your area about the pros and cons of each experience.
Finding A Good Fit – Most schools in America are day schools, which is essentially the opposite of a boarding school. Instead of living at the school full-time, day schools only have classroom time during the day and allow the children to go back to their own homes afterwards. So how do you narrow down to find the best day schools in your area? It will truly depend on the child you are searching on behalf of. Do you see a passion for fine arts or athletics in your child? If so, you may want to be searching for schools that capitalize on those talents. The best day schools are the ones that empower their students to enjoy learning and want to continue to do it well after the doors close at the end of the school day.
Preschool Quick Facts – If you are a parent of a young child then you may be more focused on the question of whether or not to send them to preschool or to just jump directly to kindergarten. Again, there is no magic formula for making this decision and it must be based on the individual child. In 2015, over half of the children attending preschool were using a full day program, and the rest were using partial days. Preschool can be incredibly beneficial for some children who aren’t quite ready to jump into a full classroom day when kindergarten starts and can prepare them for working with classmates for the first time.
The best day schools and preschools are not the ones with the latest technology and up to date buildings, they are the ones where the teachers are devoted to creating an environment of learning and safety for their students. When you begin the search for your child’s first school or next school, remember to keep them as your number one priority. When you meet with potential administrators or teachers ask questions that pertain to your child. Finding a good fit for them is the most important step of this whole journey!
