How to Choose the Right School for Your Child

Many parents today cringe at the thought of sending their children to public school. Why is this? What exactly are they afraid of? Deciding where to send your children for most of their waking hours is a big decision. Here are some topics you can explore to help you make the right decision for your family.

If you are considering a private school, is it accredited? If so, which accreditations does it hold? Is it the same, or higher, than the local public schools? If it is, you will have confidence that the school's staff, cirriculum, and policies have all been scrutinized to make sure your children are getting a great education. Also, you should not encounter any issues when it comes time for college applications.

What are the teacher qualifications? Some private schools have lesser requirements for teachers than public school districts. Some may not even require that its teachers be licensed at all. This does not necessarily mean they do not hire "good" teachers, but it certainly gives a parent more peace of mind to know that his or her child's teachers have been appropriately trained, screened, and licensed by the state.

The teacher makes all the difference. Whether public or private, a child's teacher will have a direct impact in their academic and social development during the school hours. If your local public school has a less than stellar reputation but your child's teacher is one of the exceptions, you will probably still feel confident about your decision. On the other hand, even the best private schools have a bad apple now and then. Much like working for the worst manager at the best company, it is your child's daily comfort level that will determine his or her happiness and success in school.

Size does matter. One of the most reassuring feelings as a parent is that your child has adequate supervision. Compare the public school to the private school(s) you are considering. What is the teacher-to-student ratio? How large is the school overall? Whether a public or private school, a smaller environment can help detect problems earlier on. Changes in your child's behavior, or those of a group of children, are more likely to draw attention. You and the school staff are therefore more capable of getting a handle on problems, large and small. Also, your child may feel more accountable for his or her actions when they feel part of an extended school family and not just another fish in a sea of students.

What extra-curricular activities are offered? Some private schools are so small, there are few, if any, sports teams, music, or art classes offered. If this is something that you think will be important to you and your child, make sure you find out what is available. Unfortunately, even many public school districts have had to cut these extra programs out of their budget to make more funding available for the academic basics. If your school does not provide what you are looking for, find out what your local community organizations have to offer. Extra-curricular activities may not be the deal-breaker you once thought they would be.

Stay involved. YOU are the most important influence in your child's life. Whether a child attends a small, private school or a large, corporate-feeling public school, it is the parents who make the biggest impact. Your child should know that you communicate with his or her teacher and the office staff regularly. Your child should know that you will find out if they misbehave in class. Talk to your child's teacher and let him or her know that you are committed to raising a bright, respectful child. They are your partner in this adventure. Demonstrate teamwork for everyone's benefit.

Keep in mind that choosing a school for your child is not a permanent decision. You may decide to start him or her at one school for all the right reasons only to find out that in reality, it falls far short of your expectations. If you are not confident that your child is attending in the best place for them, by all means possible, find out what other alternatives are available. Talk to the parents who have experienced the school for a significant length of time. No school is perfect, but you should go in with your eyes wide open.