Private schools are some of the best forms of education. Let’s take a look at how to choose the best private school for your child and enhance his or her experience.
Size
Private schools come in all different sizes. Smaller schools are good if you want your child to receive individual attention. Because class sizes tend to be smaller as well, your child will be able to directly interact with the teacher and learn even more. On the other hand, larger schools have advantages too. They have more facilities and resources. If your child is interested in water polo, a smaller school might not have a team or a coach to sustain such a sport. At a larger school, however, your child can pursue his or her passion freely. Size doesn’t always refer to the total population of the school either. The size of the campus also plays a big part in accessibility and resources. Balance is key, and midsize schools often have the best of both worlds. Determine whether your child is particularly outgoing or reserved and make a decision from there.
Rankings
Rankings don’t mean everything, but they can give you a sense of where the school stands. Many states publish a list of the top private schools in the area. Common categories include academics, sports, and social life. Take a look at these holistic rankings and read the accompanying reviews. Many parents share their stories online, and you can probably relate to some of these tales. With the experiences of previous students in hand, you can avoid the same mistakes. A private school with a higher ranking is not conclusive. A school that excels in academics is a promising way to set your child on the right path. In essence, don’t judge a school strictly on its number of stars. Read the reviews carefully, and if you have additional questions, call or email the admissions office.
Tours
Tours are fantastic ways to get a sense of a school. Many private schools offer free tours on the weekend when classes are not in session. You can check out the campus and all its facilities, and afterwards, talk to instructors themselves. A firsthand experience is very useful when choosing a school. These tours are often accompanied by the admissions process itself. When your child goes to the school to take an entry exam and participate in interviews, make sure to join a tour group. They tend to be led by current students who will enlighten you even further about the daily life at the school. These fun facts can range from school lunches to clubs to social groups. Without a tour, you would only have the school brochure as reference, and that certainly won’t include these pieces of trivia.
Location
Finally, the location of the school is a major factor. Think about the number of times you will drive to and from campus. Over the course of four years, this can add up to an immense number of trips. Therefore, a school in close proximity to your home has an advantage. On the other hand, distant schools might have more resources and a better reputation. If your family has a sufficient number of cars, the commutes might not be too bad after all. The bottom line is, unlike public schools, you aren’t confined to the default high school in your neighborhood. It is best to explore all options, even those that are not geographically obvious.
Education is extremely important, and private schools provide great experiences for their students. Further enhance your child’s learning by finding a private school that suits him or her.
