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Articles - Education
Private School Checklist General * What kind of classroom environment would my child work best in: a traditional, teacher-directed program or an interactive, exploratory program? * Would my child take advantage of the opportunities of a larger school or prefer the individual attention available in a small school? * Does my child have special interests, needs or abilities to be considered? With a clear vision of what is desired from a private school, parents can better evaluate their choices. * What are the school hours? * How long is the school year? * What amenities (swimming pool, library, tennis, school nurse, subject specialists, speech therapist, etc.) are available? * What qualifications do the teachers need to teach in this school? * Do aides and parents assist in the classrooms? * What does the school provide for the needs of gifted students or slow learners? * What is the economic and social mix of the families here? * Do the majority of the families in the school share similar family values and lifestyles? * Does the school do well on standardized achievement tests? * Is the school accredited? By whom? * What is the school’s philosophy of education? * Is the location practical for the family? Money Matters * Is the school financially solvent? * What is the tuition? * Is there a discount if two or more children from one family attend? * Are there expenses in addition to tuition? * Large testing or registration fees? * Is there a cost for bus service (if available)? * Is there a required donation such as church contributions, building fund, endowment fund? * Fees such as those for insurance, books, trips or sports participation? * Are scholarships available? On what basis—hardship, academics, etc—are they awarded? * Are there payment plans? * Are parents required to participate in the classroom or in fund-raising events? Can they donate money instead of participating? In the classroom * Are the students working contentedly on meaningful activities? * Are the students orderly, even during recess, lunch and break times? * Are the teachers positive toward and responsive to the students? * Do the teachers engage the students in a combination of group and individual activities? * Do the teachers address individual student needs? Outside the classroom * Is there before- and/or after-school daycare? What are the hours? How much does it cost? Who runs it? * Is there an after-school sports program for both boys and girls? * What extracurricular activities and clubs does the school sponsor? * What is the school’s community involvement? During your search, ask the school for names of parents you can talk to—and call them. Observe several classes at any school you are seriously considering. The best private school is one that is a good fit for both the children and their parents. Parents who determine their family needs and who are informed consumers of private school services can be confident that the private school they choose will be the right one for their children. v Also see the Private School Directory |
