How to choose an elementary school for your child
The school year is fast approaching, and it’s time to pick the perfect elementary school for your new student. Elementary school is an exciting time as your child will begin learning more about themselves and the world around them. However, in order to facilitate proper and complete learning, it is important to choose the right elementary school for your child.
In these early stages, your child will learn foundational skills that will ultimately be built upon for years to come. Foundational skills in critical thinking and comprehension are essential to conveying and receiving critical information all the way through adulthood.
Additionally, according to the Center for Development and Learning, elementary school is not only a place where children learn introductory subjects. Children develop social and communication skills that determine how they interact with their peers and elders.
We know this is a hard and stressful decision, but it doesn’t have to be. We compiled our top three tips for how to choose an elementary school for your child.
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Consider Your Child’s Unique Needs
To start a search for a good elementary school, it is important to first consider the child. In this case, it is important to take into account factors like their personality and learning style. A child with an independent personality may learn best in an independent study environment. In these environments, students are encouraged to be self-starters and learn at their own pace. On the other hand, your child may like group learning or may desire more one-on-one instruction.
It is important to take these factors into consideration because a school may be reputable, but if the student doesn’t learn in that environment, then they likely won’t thrive as they should. Assess your child’s unique learning needs, then find a school that fulfills them.
Research Academics
Above all, academics is one of the most important factors when it comes to selecting a school. Your child should be challenged academically to think critically, develop integrity, and to become a lifelong learner. Likewise, research the teacher’s experience an average classroom size. An experienced teacher should know how to create lessons that are stimulating, invigorating, and wide-ranging. Also, classroom size can determine how much-individualized attention a student gets during classroom instruction.
In addition to a solid education foundation, search for an elementary school with wide-ranging academic opportunities. Electives beyond the traditional programs like chemistry, engineering, robotics, or sign language explore a child’s interest for future endeavors.
Attend a Parent Tour
In our last step, we highly recommend scheduling a parent tour with the school’s administration. Once you’ve researched a school that satisfies your child’s needs and academic demands, it is important to verify this research in person. Unfortunately, everything on the internet is not true. By touring the campus you are able to get an idea for the campus culture, teacher communication, and administration proficiency.
In addition, it is worthwhile to ask the administration if your child can also tour a classroom. In the end, it is up to the child to determine if they can thrive in the selected school.