How to Choose the Right School
for Your Child
by Catherine
T. Washburn
Director
of Admission
Rocky Hill
School
East Greenwich,
RI 02818
The right school will
have an enormous impact on your child's future. It is therefore
crucial that parents identify the school that is the best fit for
their child. Finding a school where your child will thrive, however,
is no easy task.
As each child is unique and different, so are the schools here in
Rhode Island. They offer different academic and extracurricular
programs, diverse missions and cultures, and a wide range of facilities
and environments. Here are ten important recommendations to consider
as you weigh your alternatives:
- First and foremost, it is important for you to know your child's abilities, talents, interests, and learning style. The "right" school is the one that works best for your child. Look for a school that best matches your child's abilities and personality, and addresses both strengths and needs.
- Examine all the schools that are available within a reasonable geographic area. If you are interested in a school, you should call and ask for an information packet to be sent to you. Browse the school's website, arrange to take a tour of the school, speak with an admission representative, and have your child spend a day at the school.
- Visit the school. Is the property welcoming and safe? Does the setting help create an environment that makes you and your child feel secure? Do the classrooms seem stimulating?
- Ask administrators and teachers about the mission and educational approach embraced by the school. Look for a school that has visionary leadership. A good school will have a clearly defined mission and approach, and tangible examples of how they are fostered in the school should be evident.
- When talking with administrators at a particular school, be sure to ask about the credentials and experience of the teachers. Narrow your choices to schools that employ high quality and committed educators who are experts in their subject area and demonstrate a genuine dedication to their students.
- Look for a school that is the optimal size for your child. Class size should be small and the student-teacher ratio should be low. Only select a school where students have ample opportunities to participate and connect with teachers on a variety of levels.
- Children benefit when parents and school are working together. Ask if parents are expected to be involved, to volunteer and to reinforce the values of the school community.
- Look for a school that is committed to diversity and focused on community service work both internally and externally.
- Look for a strong school spirit. Are the students excited and motivated about learning and are they involved in their school?
- Does the school foster a culture of achievement? Are students
required to participate in sports, arts, community service, and
other extracurricular activities. Does the head of school or principal
clearly articulate his or her means of measuring student and school
success? What percentage of students continue on to college and
how successful are their graduates?
Finding the right school for each individual
child takes time, but having your child thrive in school is well
worth your effort!
Collegiate
Series Articles
The
Grass Was Not Greener: One Student's Journey to Boarding School
and Back
Why
Your Child Will Benefit From a Small School Community
Senior
Projects: Is Your High School Student Ready?
The
Value of an Independent School Education
How
to Choose the Right School for Your Child
A Model for Student Success
Strategies
for the Year-end and Summer Months
Visit Our Exemplary
New Academic Center
|
