Considerations for Choosing a Private School
Knowing what you and your child need from a private school is the first step in narrowing down your options. Remember the following as you read on. Each will be discussed; however, some may receive greater attention from certain institutions than others. In addition to considering institutions in light of these criteria, you should also choose which of these factors should weigh most heavily in your ultimate selection. Put it to your kid: “Which of these things are the most important to you?” Which ones do not matter? Identifying your top priorities as a parent and those of your child may greatly assist in the decision-making process.
Perhaps the first thing you will have to decide is whether or not your kid would be better off attending a day school or a boarding school. While some families may have the luxury of choosing between several excellent private schools within reasonable driving distance, others may be limited to day schools in their area. More choices will be available to you if you are willing to consider boarding schools. Your child’s academic and social experiences may differ greatly if they do not board a school that offers both boarding and day options. Do you have a lot of options for nighttime entertainment? Have you thought about whether or not your child will be able to stay up with their peers if they have to commute? Find out the truth about the boarding and day school experiences.
You could be considering the smaller student body at a private institution over a public one. With fewer students per instructor and lower class sizes, kids at private schools may expect more individualized instruction. Also, not all private schools are the same size, so it is important to consider this factor as well. While students at very tiny schools may receive extensive one-on-one instruction from instructors and support personnel, such institutions may also provide fewer extracurricular opportunities. While the sense of community could be diminished at a larger private school, kids usually have more extracurricular options. Once again, knowing your child’s priorities can help you decide whether to apply to large or small schools.
When looking into many private schools at once, they might tend to appear the same. Yet many of them aim to reach out to a wide variety of pupils and employ radically distinct pedagogical approaches. Understanding your child’s learning style and preferences will help you locate a private school that is a suitable fit. Pay particular attention to the structure of their classes and the methods they use to instruct as you investigate different institutions. Do they encourage students to think outside the box and try new things? Rigorous scrutiny? Doing things to learn, or learning via projects. Your tour will also provide you with a glimpse inside a normal classroom, which can aid in your search for the ideal learning environment for your kid.
When applying to a school, extracurricular activities are also a major factor. Students can demonstrate their leadership skills by participating in extracurricular competitive groups like Math Team and Model UN. Your child’s participation in community service projects can be documented as part of his or her application by joining a community service club. You should always give your kid a chance to try new things and expand their horizons by enrolling them in a wide range of organizations and activities.