Selecting a Great School

How do you select a great school for your child? The following sections have tips and worksheets to help as you go through the process of choosing a great school for your child.

Remember, you are looking for a school that will make the educational experience for your child and you as rewarding as possible!

5 steps to selecting a great school for your child

Step 1: 

Start with your child in mind.

Consider the READY About My Learner Questions

Step 2:

Identify what is important to you and your child. It’s a big step selecting the right school. Make sure you take time to write down qualities and learning objectives that are important to you and your child.

Step 3:

Access resources that can help you determine what schools could be a good fit for your child.

• Check out the READY School Finder Profiles
• Look at school websites 
• Attend parent fairs and open houses
• Talk to friends and family

Step 4:

Now that you’ve done your research, it is now time to begin setting up visits to your top pick schools. Contact the schools you are interested in and make an appointment for a visit. If possible, tour the schools during regular school hours and visit a few classes. Avoid visiting schools during the first or last week of a term in order to get a realistic sense of how the school operates.

A good way to have your questions answered is to schedule an appointment with the school principal. If possible, attend an open house, parent-teacher meeting, or other school function that would also provide valuable information about the attitudes of staff, students, and parents.

Be sure to write down your first impressions of each visit. 

Step 5: 

Apply to the schools of your choice 

Check out the school timeline to identify the best time of the year to apply and enroll in school. 

READY About My Learner Questions

Answer these questions about your child. This will help ground you in decision making for what you want in a school for your child.

• What excites your child about school?
• What is your child favorite part of school
• What is the most challenging part of school for my child?
• How does my child learn best?

Questions to Consider When Selecting a School

Your child’s needs

• Does my child need a more structured environment?
• Does my child need a less structured environment?
• Does my child need more individual attention and support?
• Does my child have any special learning needs?
• Does my child need a more hands on learning experience?

Your child’s learning style

• Is my child logical or mathematical?
• Is my child musical or artistic?
• Does my child like to learn through physical activities?
• Does my child excel in smaller classrooms?
• Does my child like to learn in groups?
• Does my child like to do work independently?

Location of school

• Do you want your child to go to school within walking distance of your home?
• How far are you willing to have your child bused?
• How far are you willing to provide transportation to your child’s school?
• Does your child have special transportation needs that must be considered in choosing a school?

Curriculum

• Does the school have a focus or theme for their curriculum?
• Does the school have a strong program of core academics such as Math, ELA, Science, History, and Arts?
• Does the school provide evidence that students are effectively taught to read?
• Does the school provide evidence that students are effectively taught grade level Math?
• Is there an ELL program for children that need it?
• Does the school have a curriculum and the necessary supports to accommodate those needs?

Academic Performance

• How do the schools test scores compare to other schools with similar student makeup?
• What special achievements has the school received?

Behavior Policy

• What is the discipline policy and where is it listed?
• What does the school do to develop character?
• Do school personnel call parents when students are absent?
• Does the school have a dress code?
• Does the school have a program that addresses behavior issues?

Safety

• Is the school safe?
• How does the school prevent and handle violence, bullying and harassment?
• How does the school prevent and handle problems with drugs, alcohol, and tobacco?
• Does the school have an emergency plan for local and national emergencies?
• Are there drills (how frequent)?
• How does the school notify parents about emergencies and how does the school communicate with parents in other languages?

Special offerings

• Are there any extracurricular activities?
• Are there any interscholastic activities?
• Does the school host field trips?
• Are there any school wide events open to family and the community?
• How do families receive information on special offerings?
• Are there before or after school programs offered?
• Are there tutoring programs?

Facilities and services

• Is there a library?
• Do students have access to computers and to the internet in the classroom?
• Do students have access to computers and to the internet in the library?
• Is use of the internet monitored?
• Is there a school nurse on duty daily?
• Is there a cafeteria?
• Does the school provide breakfast?
• Does the school provide a well-balanced lunch?
• Is there an auditorium?
• Is there a gymnasium for activities?
• Are counseling services available to students?

Provided by the National Parents Union.