How To Evaluate Prospective Schools for Your Child
Choosing your child’s school may seem like an overwhelming task. However, this choice is largely based on where you live, your income and your values, as well as your child’s needs, personality and interests. Consider the following tips for evaluating prospective schools for your child.
Gather Information
You may consider searching “child education Parker CO” as a first step, but rather than relying on what is on a school’s website to make your decision, gather information from multiple sources. For example, you can look for online information from parents and students about the school. You can also search for any outstanding complaints. Look at the schools’ ratings and success rates, particularly graduation rates and how many of their graduates go on to colleges. You should also ask friends and neighbors you trust about the schools their children attend.
Personal Considerations
Create a list of what you are looking for in a school. For example, do you want a public or private school and why? Would you prefer a religious or secular education? Also, are you willing to teach your children at home? You may also have a specific budget for school tuition or other expenses, especially if you are interested in private school. Finally, consider your child’s aptitudes and challenges.
Educational Considerations
You should speak with your prospective institutions about their student-to-teacher ratios and how their teachers are trained. Find out how many students are in the child’s grade, classroom and the entire school. Ask about the resources available to help students succeed. This is especially important if your child has any learning or other disabilities. Review both the school and teachers’ academic performance. You may also ask for the school and your child’s prospective curricula. Find out the schools’ educational priorities.
Parental Involvement
Choosing a school isn’t the end. You should be involved in the school so you experience it firsthand. For example, you may volunteer in a classroom every so often to observe the teachers’ styles and what they teach. Do they stick to rigorous academic lessons, or do they teach opinions? Are they teaching your children to think for themselves, or do they tell them what to think? Also, does the school have an active PTA? Learn about the kinds of events and activities the PTA is involved in.
Contact Other Parents
To get valuable first-hand information, consider contacting other parents. You can ask the front office for references, meet parents at sporting events, or attend a few PTA meetings to find a wide range of reviews. You may also speak with parents in your neighborhood about their children’s schools.
Your children’s schools set them up for future academic and career success. A little research will ensure your children attend the best school for them.
