HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD

2009 Colorado Private School Directory

How to Choose the Best School for Your Child

These days, parents are faced with many decisions regarding where to send their children to school. Having so many options is a blessing, but it can also be confusing and intimidating. Parents have limited resources as they sort through the choices and work to make an informed decision. The following are a handful of helpful tips to consider when choosing the best school for your family.

1. Weigh Your Options: Denver is fortunate to have many different school options. Denver offers families the choice of charter schools, magnet schools, neighborhood schools, and private schools. During your search process, make sure to gain an understanding of what options are available and what education models appeal to you.
2. Get Started Early: Most admissions offices begin their open houses and tours in September. Most private school applications are due in either mid-December or mid- January, and families are typically informed of school decisions starting mid-March through the end of April. Many private schools require testing and teacher recommendations, and often there are wait lists, so it pays to start early.
3. Don't Worry About the Joneses: Recommendations from friends and neighbors are helpful, but keep in mind that your needs, values, and expectations may differ markedly from those of your friends and neighbors. The most important aspect to consider is choosing a school where your child and family will thrive.
4. Clarify Family Values: Sit down with your partner and clarify what values are most important to you. Doing this will help you choose a school that is in alignment with your goals, your dreams, your educational philosophy, and your parenting style.
5. Know Your Child: Trust that you are the expert when it comes to your child. Spend some time writing down his/her strengths and areas where he/she may experience challenges. Consider if your child is a visual, kinesthetic, or auditory learner. If your child has special needs, or has tendencies towards "giftedness," expert advice can be critical in choosing the best school. A qualified educational psychologist can provide insight into processing any behavior issues your child might be experiencing.
6. Balance Family's Needs with Child's Needs: It is important to consider the whole family when choosing a school. The school becomes a second home for the child and the parents, and both need to feel comfortable and aligned with the culture of the school. Know that you will likely spend hours participating on committees and attending school events. Consider the transportation logistics and commute times when looking at schools farther from home. Is your preferred school able to meet the needs of younger siblings? If not, are you prepared to drive and participate at different schools for the next six to nine years?
7. Ask Effective Questions: Do your homework and be prepared to ask good questions on your tour or interview. Parents often focus on being interviewed and forget that they are interviewing as well. There are many questions you can ask that will help you understand schools in a way that goes beyond marketing messages and statistical data.
8. Understand Different Educational Modalities: A blog called "A Better Education" (www.abettereducation.blogspot.com) profiles different educational philosophies and models to give readers a flavor for educational systems. This blog goes well beyond the basics. The author, Tracy Stevens, interviews school directors, authors, and innovators in the field of education to evaluate school options.
9. Know your Financial Options: Money is an important consideration when choosing a private school. Tuition can range from $5,500 to $24,000 per year. There are other expenses in attending a private school too, including annual giving drives, fundraisers, lunch programs, and book fees. All of these "extra expenses" add to the bottom-line cost of a private school education. Many private schools have generous financial aid programs and sliding tuition scales. Financial aid forms can be daunting and require a total inventory of personal finances.
10. Hire an Expert: A qualified educational consultant will save parents countless hours of labor and worry. He or she can assist parents in the admissions process and provide a deep understanding of school philosophies and cultures, and align schools with a family's values and a child's needs. An educational consultant provides values assessments, kindergarten readiness assessments, and school evaluations to carefully narrow the choices to the best few options. The job of a qualified educational consultant is to help parents become experts in their educational choices.