In American there are 33,619 private schools, serving 5.4 million PK-12 students. How do you know if you’ve picked the right one? How do you find the right one for your child to be the most successful, and the most prepared for the future?
Your child’s early education is one of the most important aspects of their life. It will define how they learn, help them develop the learning habits that will carry them onward through middle and high school, potentially into college. You want to make sure that they develop the right ones early on, to avoid issues down the line.
You also want to make sure that their getting prepared for the future as soon as possible, especially in a world where a college degree is like a high school diploma.
So, how do you pick the right private elementary school? First, you choose your preferred private elementary schools, and then you have to ask questions and consider a few things about each.
Some examples of things to ask are:
1. What Is The Student-Teacher Ratio?
When assessing a school, it’s important for parents to consider how much individual attention their child will receive. Private schools will generally have a much lower ratio than a public school, which is good. More individual attention means a better chance of stopping bad habits, and a better student-teacher relationship.
2. How Are Behavior Issues Handled?
Every school should have an articulated disciplinary policy. But you should make sure you know more. Is it strict, or lax? Do they have a more punitive approach, such as giving children several demerits and then an eventual suspension? Or do they follow a more “positive discipline,” with first a warning and then a consequence, like missing recess or similar extracurricular times?
It’s important that you’re comfortable with the disciplinary policies at the private elementary schools of your choice.
3. What Are The After-School Activities
Knowing what activities are offered by the school can make a difference when choosing private elementary schools. You want to nurture your child’s passion, and making sure that they get the best possible education in those passions is important. Some schools specialize in things like arts, sports, or other activities.
Be sure you have an idea of what you want for you child when you start looking.
These are just some of the questions to ask when considering private elementary schools for your child. If you have any other suggestions, leave them in the comments below, we’d be interested in hearing what you have to say.
