4 Steps to Finding the Best School For Your Child

We know that education is important but trying to find the right institution for your child can be a daunting task. We’re guessing the last time you heard a conversation taking place about what school was right for a child you were watching sesame street and you were the topic of the conversation. This isn’t a common conversation but it’s one that all parents must talk through and were ready to be your tutor. We’ve put together a little study guide for those of you making this decision. So, go ahead take a seat at a desk, *Bell Rings* class is in session.

Before we begin some practical steps in finding the right school for your child, it may be best to start this lesson by writing down some of the things that are important to you. These could be values, locations, size, or whatever. Put what’s in your mind down on paper and as we walk through some of these steps and tips, keep that paper next to you as a reminder for what it is you are looking for. Got it? Good.

The US Department of Education recently published 4 steps that parents can take when researching school for their children. These for steps are as followed:

1.) Consider your child and your family

2.) Gather Information about schools

3.) Visit and Observe schools

4.) Apply to the school of your choosing.

Consider Your Child and Your Family

This may sound like a no brainer, but really stop and think about your child and your family for a second. All children are different, all families are different and that’s not a bad thing. Just know that what works for one family may not work for yours. While it’s good to seek out council from other families make sure you apply it to your child’s specific needs.

Your child’s needs are going to be different than other children’s. I’m sure you are already well aware of that. So, think about the kind of environments you’re going to put them in. Does it need to be more or less structured? Does it need to be challenging? Is our child going to need specific attention? Make sure to also take into effect your child’s learning style and what techniques are best when catering to their style. If you are not sure how to do that or what that even is, follow the link here for more information.

Gather Information About Schools

Do you remember buying your first car? You may have had to do some extensive research, or maybe you talked to some trusted friends and family. Do you remember how invested you were? Well, just like buying a car, you’re going to have to take some test drives when deciding on a school as well. If you need a place to start trying checking reliable sites such as greatschools.org and schoolresults.org.

Not sure where to start? Try looking for topics such as the schools chosen curriculum, their approach to learning, behavior policy’s, location, and of course safety. Those are the core of what a school is. Curriculum especially should be something you should take your time when reading through. Aside from these core attributes see what else the school has to offer outside of just the classroom. Their facilities and after school services and even if they have any special offers if you plan on going a private school route. Some schools may also require you to play a larger volunteer role in the child’s school, so make sure you’re able to meet those requirements.

Visit and Observe Schools

After you’ve done your secondary research it’s time for you take step into the shoes of your child and walk the ground of the school. Check to see if the school has any open houses for new students. Meet the principle, talk with the teachers and see what they have to say. Above all, take special interest in the school’s culture. What is it the school values above all else? Researching online is one thing but being able to walk the halls your child will walk every day will help put things into perspective.

Apply to the School of Your Choosing.

Now that you’ve done all of your research it’s time to take the final step, Apply for the school of your choice. Having a hard time choosing between a couple of candidates? Go ahead and look back at those values you wrote down on that paper during the beginning of this process. What school hits most or all of the things you were originally looking for?

Don’t feel like you can only apply to one school. If you’re still having a hard time deciding between a couple, go ahead and apply to them. Make sure to have your paper work finished and turned in by the deadline. Lastly, be sure to follow up if you don’t hear anything back after a couple of days.

*Bell Rings* Alright pencils down class. Thank you for letting us come along side of you during the school selection process. Just know that there is not one right choice. Remember to put your child first in your decision and you will do just fine.

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