Most parents spend more time selecting clothing for their children than selecting the right school. Which choice will have the greater impact on the well-being and educational development of your child? With greater school choice than ever before, it’s time to talk about going school shopping.
There are several factors to consider in determining the best fit for your child; the most important one being your child’s unique needs. Are they extensive enough to require specialized instruction? If so, who would be best qualified to provide it? If you need more information on assessing your child’s needs, click here.
Do you see your child thriving in a mainstream setting? Would your child be best served in a setting that allowed for greater flexibility? Does your child need more rigid structure? If you are not certain of the level of care your child will need, are you looking for a school that will adjust as needed?
How closely should their schooling match your own parenting style? Most parents would like to have a close fit between how their child is disciplined at home and how they are at school. Certainly, it will be important that you and your child’s teacher are on the same page when it comes to meeting the best interests of your child.
Next, you need to be aware of the options available in your area. What is the neighborhood public school like? Are you comfortable having your child attend there? Are there any charter schools or private schools in your area? What are other parents in your neighborhood or circle of friends doing? What experiences have they had? It will be useful to list all the educational choices available to you. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and consider nontraditional options such as home school, online school, or a parent cooperative.
Consider your personal resources. Do you have funds to send your child to a private school? Do you have time to drive them across town every day for a charter school? How much time and energy will you be able to spend on your child’s education? There will be no greater investment you will make in your life than the education of your child.
The most important part of your child’s education will take place in the home. You will teach them to believe in themselves, establish values, set goals, and plan for a life of purpose and meaning. How involved do you want to be in the continuation of their education outside the home? Do you desire daily involvement? Would you prefer a school that allows parents to be actively involved in school activities, maybe even volunteering in the classroom? Are you working outside the home and know that your time will be limited? Would you prefer a school that did not require a set number of volunteer hours from parents?
To what extent do you want to be involved in the decision-making process for your child’s education? Do you want a voice in the curriculum and its presentation? How involved do you want to be in the selection of teachers and other staff that will be working with your child? What about the time your child spends in school? Do you want the option of pulling them out for family vacations or educational trips? You might prefer a school with a more flexible attendance policy. There are private schools that meet this requirement.
These factors need to be considered in selecting the best school for your child. Consider carefully and objectively your child’s needs. What will be best for them? Make a list of the school choices in your area. Think about the level of involvement you desire and can provide. Write out a list of the requirements for the perfect school for your child. This is a brainstorming activity. Include all ideas, even the impractical ones. Later the list can be narrowed down based on your resources, but start out with the ideal. This is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding the welfare of your child. Click here for personalized information.