It's better to ask good questions before enrolling your child, rather than finding out the hard way! My husband and I recently decided which of the private schools in Boulder County, Colorado, is best for our child. In speaking with other parents, school administrators, and teachers, I have found there are common questions that parents ask to choose their school. Choosing the right private education is important, and this will make it easier.
Top 10 Questions Parents Ask to Choose a Private School
1. What does the school do to keep kids safe? One of the big reasons parents want a private school these days is safety. It's our job as parents to keep our children away from violence and drugs. So, you might want to ask each private school how they take care of the safety of the children.
2. What philosophical or theological beliefs are espoused by the school, and how does this effect the children's classroom experience? A school may be based on a belief system about how children learn best, and/or it may be based on a theology. It's a good idea to make sure you agree that a school's philosophy will have a beneficial--or at least neutral--effect on the children.
3. What are the qualifications of the teachers? In many states, private school teachers do not have the same state requirements that public school teachers have. However, some private schools require that their teachers have even more training or experience than public schools require! Teacher credentials are certainly worth asking about.
4. How many students are there per teacher? Many children in private schools benefit from a smaller class size, but there can be a huge difference from one school to the next.
5. When does the school day begin and end? When is recess and lunch? Are there after school sessions? Finding out the schedule of a typical school day may give you a sense of how the day-to-day rhythm would work for your family.
6. How can parents get involved? Your involvement with your child's school can really enhance your child's learning experience, because it helps your child feel that he and his family are part of a community. In addition, the more involved you are, the better you understand what your child is experiencing at school. Plus, you may find that being involved in some school events is just plain fun!
7. How do your teachers help children learn who have varied learning styles? Every child is a unique individual. How does the school approach different learning styles so that everyone can learn?
8. How does this school honor diversity? Depending on where they are located and how they are structured, some schools are required by law to have a policy of non-discrimination, and others are not. In addition, some schools have a philosophy of embracing diverse people and viewpoints.
9. How established is this school? More established schools may have a more fully-developed curriculum and facilities, while newer schools sometimes have smaller class sizes and lower tuition.
10. What about the money? What is the tuition, and is financial aid available? How do you pay? If you're like most parents, it will be important to know how much this great education will cost.
These 10 questions will give you important basic information about the schools in Boulder or in your town. However, to really decide if a private school will be the very best possible for your child, it's useful to keep asking questions. I have created a list of 12 additional questions that I think are important to get to the heart of the matter, yet most parents don't ask them--or at least, they don't ask them all. You might create your own list. By gathering enough of the right kind of information, you will have the best chance possible to make the right choice for your child.
Top 10 Questions Parents Ask to Choose a Private School
1. What does the school do to keep kids safe? One of the big reasons parents want a private school these days is safety. It's our job as parents to keep our children away from violence and drugs. So, you might want to ask each private school how they take care of the safety of the children.
2. What philosophical or theological beliefs are espoused by the school, and how does this effect the children's classroom experience? A school may be based on a belief system about how children learn best, and/or it may be based on a theology. It's a good idea to make sure you agree that a school's philosophy will have a beneficial--or at least neutral--effect on the children.
3. What are the qualifications of the teachers? In many states, private school teachers do not have the same state requirements that public school teachers have. However, some private schools require that their teachers have even more training or experience than public schools require! Teacher credentials are certainly worth asking about.
4. How many students are there per teacher? Many children in private schools benefit from a smaller class size, but there can be a huge difference from one school to the next.
5. When does the school day begin and end? When is recess and lunch? Are there after school sessions? Finding out the schedule of a typical school day may give you a sense of how the day-to-day rhythm would work for your family.
6. How can parents get involved? Your involvement with your child's school can really enhance your child's learning experience, because it helps your child feel that he and his family are part of a community. In addition, the more involved you are, the better you understand what your child is experiencing at school. Plus, you may find that being involved in some school events is just plain fun!
7. How do your teachers help children learn who have varied learning styles? Every child is a unique individual. How does the school approach different learning styles so that everyone can learn?
8. How does this school honor diversity? Depending on where they are located and how they are structured, some schools are required by law to have a policy of non-discrimination, and others are not. In addition, some schools have a philosophy of embracing diverse people and viewpoints.
9. How established is this school? More established schools may have a more fully-developed curriculum and facilities, while newer schools sometimes have smaller class sizes and lower tuition.
10. What about the money? What is the tuition, and is financial aid available? How do you pay? If you're like most parents, it will be important to know how much this great education will cost.
These 10 questions will give you important basic information about the schools in Boulder or in your town. However, to really decide if a private school will be the very best possible for your child, it's useful to keep asking questions. I have created a list of 12 additional questions that I think are important to get to the heart of the matter, yet most parents don't ask them--or at least, they don't ask them all. You might create your own list. By gathering enough of the right kind of information, you will have the best chance possible to make the right choice for your child.
About the Author:
Do you want the best questions to ask Boulder private schools (or private schools in other areas)? Read more from Ms. Andreas at www.privateschoolsboulder.com. Plus, you'll find out about the private school she chose!
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