Selecting a School

When choosing a school, keep in mind that there's no 'best school,' but simply what school is best for your child. Start by identifying your child's specific needs: educational, social and emotional.

The cost of educating your child can vary greatly between public and private schools. Public school usually requires little more than the purchase of school supplies, a few workbooks, and money for field trips.

The issue of discipline will doubtless be an important one in your selection of a school. You'll be concerned, and rightly so, that your child has a safe and ordered environment in which to learn.

Due to a concern with public schools - their decreasing test scores, increasing violence, and what's perceived as a lack of traditional values - some parents are choosing to educate their children at home.

An independent school is one that's not supported by church or tax funds, and is governed by an independent board of trustees. It can still be a religious school, as long as it's not owned or operated by a church.

The most dramatic difference between private schools and public schools is the cost, and the quality of education. Aside from taxes, public schools are free, while private school tuition can be extremely expensive.

Though a school's primary focus should be on learning, you'll also want to take note of the recreation facilities they provide. Children, especially young ones, need some time to burn off energy, or just relax in a less demanding pastime.

Religious schools are private schools, and may be Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish. Within those designations, the school may be parochial, typically meaning it's owned and operated by the church; or it might be independent, usually run by clergy members, but with no legal ties to the church.

Single-sex schools are another option, when selecting a school for your child. Though most public schools are co-ed, some private elementary schools still offer a single-sex environment.

Talking with faculty members can be a good way to assess a school on its most personal level. Ask the principal or other official if he or she can arrange meetings, or even set up a time when you might visit a few classrooms.

When evaluating a school, always pay close attention to the type of library facilities they offer. A good library can encourage your child's interest in reading, and offer valuable assistance for doing reports and homework assignments.