Finding the Right School For Your Child

Have you ever wondered what teachers look for when considering a school for their own children?

Consistently, teachers agree it is important to visit a school on a typical school day when students are present. No surprise...these teachers also feel you should do your homework. Start with a list of questions that are relevant to your child’s development. After all, you know your child best. Here are some of the questions they suggest: 

Classroom observations

• Is the curriculum flexible, allowing teachers to customize it to student needs?
• Do you see happy children and teachers?
• Are the classrooms welcoming?
• Are the children engaged in active learning?
• Are the classrooms child-centered, creative, and organized?
• Is there appropriate use of technology, such as computers, smart boards, or tablets?
• Are the children interacting and having conversations with each other?
• Do the students interact with you? 

Curriculum

• Does the curriculum have a solid research foundation for success?
• Is there a world language program? When does it start?
• How is technology integrated into the curriculum to enhance student learning?
• How frequently do the students attend special classes, such as art, music, PE, and technology?
• What is a typical amount of nightly homework? At what age does it begin?

Faculty

• What is the level of faculty education?
• Are there professional development opportunities to keep faculty current in their fields?
• Do teachers have organized meeting times to collaborate with one another?
• What is the teacher turnover rate?

School Environment

• What is the level of parental involvement?
• What is the cultural and ethnic diversity of the school?
• How does the school handle discipline?
• What opportunities do children have to spend time outdoors?
• Do the children have opportunities to apply what they are learning to real-world situations?
• How is the after-school program structured?
• What is the school doing to stay relevant to the changing world, ensuring that students are equipped to meet the expectations of colleges and future employers?