The variety of choices available today can make this choice seem complicated. Your child probably has more school options to attend than you did while growing up. Many neighborhoods have local neighborhood public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and even hybrid online/brick and mortar schools. Knowing where to find out information about these schools can help your family make a good choice. While attending new parent nights and open houses can give you a starting point to learn about a school, they often do not give a complete picture. Teachers and staff have prepared to give a good impression to the public at these events. You see what teachers and staff are most proud of—not necessarily what your child will see on a day to day basis. Here are some other ways to gather information. Keep in mind that during events for incoming families, teachers and staff have prepared to give a good impression to the public at these events. You see what teachers and staff are most proud of—not necessarily what your child will see on a day to day basis. To get a complete picture, call the school and find a time to visit. The ideal visit would be at a time when you can see the school in session on a regular day —the same type of day that your child would come to expect if they become a student at that school. If possible, schedule a time to come to the school where you can:
Breaks such as lunch/recess for elementary students or transitions between classes in middle and high schools Meet any teachers, counselors, or specialists that would be spending significant time with your child Observe classrooms your child may be placed into See any after-school clubs, sports or other extracurriculars you child is interested in See the school parking lot as students arrive at school or leave at the end of the school day
It may not be possible for you to see the school in session if you are finding a school over summer break and plan to have your child start immediately during the new school year. It helps to get as much information as you can to make your decision. You may not need to know the answer to every question offered to find the best school for your child. Is the school inviting and warm? Does the school lend a busy and structured tone to itself? Is it regimented and orderly, or free-flowing with a creative spirit? Do students seem happy and engaged, or rude and checked out? Each school has its own unique culture and charm. You can gain a sense of this right away from the moment you walk into the school. Throughout your time at the school, notice this sense of feel. Think about how your child or teen will do in this environment. Watch how the students treat one another. Are they kind and respectful? Playful and creative? Rude and hostile? Are student projects displayed in hallways and classrooms? What kind of assignments does the school choose to display? How do teachers speak with students and one another? Does the school principal warmly greet students they see in the halls, or does the principal have a formal demeanor? Even children who do not experience disabilities may still have other unique needs. Keep these needs in mind when you visit the school to get an idea of what your child’s daily experience will be. If your child has allergies or asthma or requires medication to be available during school hours you will want to know if there is a full-time nurse at the school. If the school doesn’t have one, find out how your child’s needs are met at this school. Schools with rigorous standards are teaching the level and depth of skills necessary for children to get an education that will be competitive in the future. While CCSS has generated some controversy, the shift to these standards has created a level of rigor that is now expected across the country. Some states have adopted similar standards to the CCSS, opting for some minor differences that are preferred by that state. This effort by the states to adopt rigorous standards is an attempt to ensure that regardless of which state a child grows up in, they will be provided an education that teaches the same skills.
Why Standards and Curriculum Matter
High level, rigorous standards are important. A good curriculum and quality teachers are necessary for effective teaching of the standards. Ask the school what standards they are using, and how they compare to CCSS. CCSS is the new benchmark. If a school does not teach to standards that are at least as rigorous as the CCSS, your child risks falling behind or learning less than children attending most public schools across the nation. If you don’t have a teaching degree you can still get an idea of how well the school is teaching high standards. Look at the work and assignments that students are doing at the school. In particular, look for assignments that emphasize thinking and analyzing more than just memorization of answers. Some schools choose to provide extra emphasis on art or STEM skills. Other schools may choose to focus on place-based education and to make a strong effort to use their surrounding community in school lessons. Still, other schools may choose to follow a particular educational philosopher’s methods, such as Montessori or Waldorf education. It’s important to keep in mind with these special focus schools how well your child would do in a school with that particular focus. A child who shows little interest in STEM subjects may lose interest in a school that goes beyond regular STEM expectations to teach more STEM skills. Children who like or benefit from a lot of structure may struggle to learn in a Montessori or Waldorf school, as both of those philosophies place emphasis on child choice rather than rigid classroom structures. Public schools may not provide busing to students who live near the school, believing that those students can walk. While some public schools may accept students living outside of their normal boundaries, these students are rarely provided busing. Check to see what transportation is available to your family, and how it would work with your daily schedule. It is a good idea to make sure that you have a backup plan in case your child’s main mode of transportation cancels out. If the school does not have a library, you may find that you will need to spend more time helping your child locate books and resources needed for school reports and projects. Expect to take your child to the city library to find books, or to spend more time at home helping your child find resources on the internet. Some questions you can ask are: What is the lunchroom like? What about the school’s food? Do school students all go to a lunchroom together where all students get to mix and eat lunch at the same time, or do students stay in their classrooms and eat lunch as a class? The condition of the building combined with the way the people in the school treat the building will let you know if the students and staff respect and care for the school. If a school is older and in need of updating, asking about the efforts being made to repair the building will let you know more than just what the current appearance will tell you. If you feel that the school your child will be attending needs improvement, there are ways you can help. Above all, continue being an involved parent so your child will have the support they need to be successful.
