How to Choose a Private School

STAFF
Published: April 17, 2008

Stuart Hall School
   
An Investment in Your Child’s Future

    Private schools strive to produce academically wellprepared students who possess a love for learning and who work to reach their full potential. Choosing a private school that gives the nurturing you want your child to have is an important decision, both for the parent and child, and one that requires a great deal of decision making. Research demonstrates many tangible benefits related to opting for a private school education. In general, private schools have a higher graduation rate, a higher percentage of students who continue their education and a higher overall academic performance.

    A good first step is to identify your child’s needs. Arc you looking specifically for academic criteria? What about sports, social climate, ability to meet special needs? Think about any factors that would definitely eliminate a school from consideration.

    A school visit is the best way to learn if a particular school is the right one for your child. While visiting the school, ask the following questions:

    What classes instructional program? The curriculum should be broad-based and balanced. Does it have a reputation for academic excellence? What are the school’s core classes? What is the average size of the classes?

    What is the school’s educational philosophy and mission? Are they truly interested in the students?    How docs the school track student progress toward achieving grade level standards? Is the school equipped to handle your child’s needs?
   
 

 
HOW IS DISCIPLINE HANDLED?

    Are all teachers certified in the areas they teach? Does a majority of the current teaching staff have postgraduate hours or Masters Degrees?

    How are teachers evaluated? (The principal, or headmaster, should conduct annual evaluations of teachers.)

    Pay attention not only to the classroom, lab and arts, but also the cafeteria and athletic facilities.

    What student services are available? At a minimum, a guidance counselor, and librarian.

    How does technology fit into the curriculum? What classes form the instructional program? (The curriculum should be broad-based and balanced.) Is the school accredited and what certifications has it earned? How does the school support students with academic, social, or emotional problems?

    Are there educational travel opportunities, as well as foreign language classes, music, drama and art? Does the school offer programs in sports and community activities? Community service programs are an important aspect to consider.

    Are there pre-school or after-school programs offered by the school?

What kind of parental involvement does the school allow? Is there an active Parent-Teacher Organization?

    Involve your child in the choice of a school right from the beginning, liven though you may be making the decisions, you will not achieve success unless your child buys into the idea completely and enthusiastically. Visit with parents whose children attend schools you are considering. Find out what their child’s experience has been and what the benefits have been.

    Last, but certainly not the least, is the cost of enrollment at the school. Does it fit your family budget? What types of payment plans are available (monthly; quarterly)? Are there scholarships available? What other costs are involved besides tuition? Does the school have a refund policy?

    You should rate the factors in order of importance, and consider this in making a school choice. Identify schools of interest. Many schools have web sites and others can be found listed in commercial directories. Write or e-mail the schools for catalogs, videos or other information. When you and your child have gone through all the material, eliminate the schools that do not meet your needs. You should end up with a short list of three or four schools. Take a tour of the schools. Observe the facilities, the students and the atmosphere.

    Once your decision has been made, inquire about the admissions package that normally includes a catalog and an application form. Begin your search process in April for the following January application submission. Organize your search files, mark deadlines and appointments with the school - encourage and support your child through this transition.