grade levels , such as preschool and K – 12 , with more stability ?
• Consider the instructional model . Do you want a traditional program , or an alternative approach to learning ?
• Do you want a school where parents are expected to be involved with activities and decisions ?
After answering these questions , make sure you prioritize your desired elements . Then examine your extracurricular requirements which are those nice-tohave aspects that probably will be more important to your child than to you . They ’ ll help your child decide between two schools that made it through your practical requirements filter , and have otherwise equal academic programs . Be sure to include your child when deciding extracurricular requirements . Consider what music and art programs are important to you . Are sports important ? Which ones ? What clubs would your child like to attend at school .
Step II :
Survey Schools
Now that you ’ ve worked out what you ’ re looking for in a school , you need to go ahead and find out as much information about
your short-listed private schools as possible . For every aspect that is important to you , make sure you get all of your facts and numbers about each school on your list :
• Read the underlying philosophy of the school ; ask about the beliefs that guide the school ’ s program and teaching styles ..
• Check the services available at the school such as counselors , an on-site nurse , librarian , and a secretary .
• Look at the school year . Does it follow a traditional school calendar ?
• What is the background and qualification of the teachers ?
• Examine the school discipline policy to see if the rules seem fair and consequences seem appropriate .
• Look at the school curriculum and find out the homework and grading policies .
• Find out about the facility in case of an emergency . How are parents notified in case of an emergency ? What is the school ’ s policy on guns , knives , and other hazardous items , towards bullying etc .?
• Does the school have any special program and policies related to parent involvement .
• What type of relationship does the school have with local businesses and community groups for guest speakers , financial support etc .? This relationship can contribute to the quality of the school and the support that it enjoys in the community .
• Is this school accredited ? If so , how ?
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Step III :
Visit the School
The National Association of Elementary School Principals ( NAESP ) recommends that parents consider the following when visiting a school ; it will help them to observe the school more closely :
• Look at the school ’ s facilities and infrastructure . Basic features which a school must have include a well-equipped library with good collection of books and periodicals , a separate lunchroom , auditorium or large classroom for meetings and presentations , and adequate physical education facilities .
• How often are textbooks and classroom materials reviewed and updated ?
• What is the school homework policy ?
• What is the school ’ s discipline policy ?
• What is the school ’ s safety policy ? What are the rules for outdoor time and strangers on school property ?
• What about school ’ s extracurricular activities . Does the school have student
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