Tips For Choosing the Right School [Top 11 Considerations for Parents]

Choosing a school for your child is not about choosing the best school: it’s about finding the right fit. Seeing as many schools compete with each other in a region or district, each claiming to be the best, what factors should guide your decision?

As a parent, this choice distills to finding the right school for your child and not necessarily about the school. To do this, you will want to consider many factors, including what kind of environment, learning experience they offer, and crucial decisions relating to the family, such as where you live.

The information here will help you narrow down the primary factors that will help your family choose the right school for your child’s social, academic, and emotional needs.

1. Understand Your Child
The first step in choosing the right school is understanding your child; after all, they will be the ones attending school and not you. Always consider the specific needs of your child-this should be the most significant consideration before looking at school features.

Some parents assume if they attended a particular type of school, this must also be the right fit for their child.

To understand your child and how this will impact their school experience, identify their learning style, personal needs, talents, and co-curricular indicators.

Think about your child’s personality and interests. Would they be happier in a smaller class with more one-on-one attention, or can they hold their own among peers at traditional schools?

Do any of their natural gifts indicate that he would benefit from accelerated instruction without missing out on crucial developmental years while still being challenged for intellectual growth?

Another question, does the child have physical difficulties which require special accommodations such as extended time on a task due to medical conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, etc.

2. Evaluate Different Schools
With an understanding of your child’s needs, you can start evaluating specific schools that match these needs by looking at what they offer.

Most schools have comprehensive websites, which you can start by looking at, but it is also good practice to check out the school physically. Many parents visit school fairs and program guides to learn more about what is accessible to the students.

What Are the Pointers to the Right School?

Compare factors like class sizes, facilities, and performance, among others. We will discuss some of these below.

3. Diversity
Diversity in a school points to an element of life skills development.

Schools with a high measure of diversity are shown to be more successful because they provide students opportunities for interaction and understanding of how different cultures work.

Interactions between children from all walks of life teach them about living in a democratic society.

4. Attrition Rate
The turnover rate for teachers is an important measure. It can often indicate how satisfied they are with their job and if the school or district works, which affects the students’ performance. You can learn about the teachers’ tenure by checking their length of service in a school.

5. Class Size
Look at the average number of students in a class, especially if your child has trouble focusing.

In a smaller class, students have more opportunities to learn. They’re also less susceptible to distractions that can take their minds off what they’re doing at school.

Our class size is much smaller than average, meaning your child will have fewer distractions when they need to focus.

6. School Culture
The school’s written and unwritten rules matter and will affect your child’s experience socially, academically, and emotionally during their school years.

Some schools emphasize diversity, others stress discipline, while others take a more open and creative approach. Still, you may find some schools encouraging workforce or professional development.

A simple way to learn about school culture is to explore the yearly activities and focus areas.

7. Graduation Rate and Performance
The graduation rate is a measure of how successful the school has been at graduating students within an expected time frame.

A higher number generally speaks to better education, inspiration from teachers and quality of training.

Another indicator that can help when choosing the right school is student performance. Has the school improved results over the past few years?

8. Extras- Language, Music, Arts, and Sports
Closely tied to your child’s talents and interests are extra-curricular programs. Consider how often children participate in concerts, school trips, and enrichment opportunities.

Sports also matter for many parents, so you may want to find out if this is an option, especially if your child hopes to get an athletic college scholarship.

Other factors relate to family values, preferences and external influences as discussed below.

9. Location
Your residence will also determine the schools you have access to choose from and influence the educational options for your children. In most areas, district boundaries affect the school your child will attend.

But, there are exceptions; you may live in a district that uses lotteries to determine which school your child will attend. To find out, check the schools’ websites- most offer maps on their website showing locality and what neighborhoods are accessible.

10. Family Values and Practical Considerations
Most families also have to consider practical things when choosing the right school, such as the logistics of getting your child to and from school.

Before settling, these questions may help you decide on the perfect fit for your family needs.

Are there options for before and after-care?
Where are your child’s friends going to school?
Is it important that all your children go to the same school?
Are you interested in a particular teaching philosophy – such as Montessori?
What can you afford?

11. School Communication and Parental Involvement
Good parent-school relations are essential to a child’s education.

The more you engage with your child’s teachers, the better they will do in school. Are there opportunities for parental involvement in the school and their child’s education?

We have parent-oriented activities every year to engage the school families and community.

The TakeAway

The bottom line to choosing the right school is that the best school for your child is the one that meets their individual needs and supports them in becoming their best selves.

Consider what is important to you and your family, and don’t be afraid to ask around or visit schools to get a sense of the community.

Are you ready to explore our programs? Click here. We think they would be an excellent fit for your child.

How to apply Montessori principles at home to support your child's development:

Create a prepared environment with age-appropriate toys and activities.
Encourage your child’s independence by letting them dress themselves, pour their own drinks, and choose their own activities.
Follow your child’s lead and allow them to explore their interests and passions.
Foster a love of learning by reading to your child, providing opportunities for hands-on exploration, and encouraging questions and curiosity.
Emphasize respect for yourself, others, and the environment in your daily interactions with your child.

FAQ:

What is the Montessori method?

The Montessori method is an educational philosophy and approach to learning that emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological development. It is based on the idea that children are naturally curious and motivated to learn, and that the role of the educator is to guide and facilitate their learning process.

Joke

Why did the Montessori student bring a ladder to school?
To reach new heights in learning!

Insights :

Montessori education is designed to support the whole child, including their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Montessori classrooms are carefully designed to provide a prepared environment that promotes exploration, discovery, and independence.
Montessori education has been shown to have a positive impact on children’s academic, social, and emotional development, and is often associated with qualities such as creativity, self-discipline, and love of learning.
Montessori education is based on the idea that children are natural learners, and that they learn best through hands-on exploration, observation, and discovery.