So many choices, which one is right for my child . . . and me? For many schools, re-enrollment season occurs yearlong but at this particular moment, budgets for the coming year have been set and words like retention, attrition and the to’s and from’s of relocation begin to make the “game” more interesting. And this is just from a school’s perspective.
To you, the parent, your perspective is even more important and probably the only thing that is worth being concerned about. The question for many who are just beginning to navigate the landscape that is populated by many public and private options is, “Which school do I choose.”
Well, the first thing that any good school head, admissions director or teacher should do is encourage you to look around and go observe, everywhere. While you might think that I would suggest that you only look at The New School Montessori, I know that there are many good options available and to assure yourself peace of mind and your child what you believe is best, I suggest you shop.
To this end, I encourage you to do the following:
1) Attend an Open House at whatever school(s) you’re considering.
2) Schedule a visit.
3) Prepare a list of questions about each school before you visit. Don’t wait until you get there, you will undoubtedly forget something.
4) Observe. While observing, take notes so that you can get answers to things that you question. When discussing your questions, don’t rush and don’t feel rushed. You should be afforded whatever time YOU need.
5) Ask questions about the following too:
a) The school’s mission and philosophy.
b) The teachers’ tenure and qualifications.
c) Staff to child ratios.
d) Professional development opportunities afforded and taken by staff and the school head.
e) The school’s written curriculum.
f) Enrichment programs, fine arts instruction, the lunch program and recess.
g) Field trips and student programs that enhance the opportunities presented regularly within the classroom setting.
h) Accreditations. Is the school accredited? By whom? What does it mean to be accredited?
i) Parent participation and the school/parent community.
j) Consider cost. Why do I put it last? It’s important but it shouldn’t be your only deciding factor. Many schools offer tuition assistance even to those of you who think you wouldn’t qualify. You just have to ask. And trust me, for more information about this one, see the article entitled “Private Schools ARE affordable” in the most recent edition of Cincinnati Parent magazine. Each school truly is affordable!
All of these things are important and necessary so that you can learn the most about the schools you are considering, whether it be The New School Montessori or any other. Making the decision and committing to a particular program is important because once you commit, you should plan to fully engage and support the efforts of the school so that your child, and you, can be best assured consistency and routine going forward until it’s necessary to make a move, whether it be at the end of a 3-, 6- or 9-year cycle. Certainly, remaining for the long haul ensures that each of you reap the greatest benefit.
So, happy hunting and best of luck to you. If you have questions or additional thoughts, please comment. We can all benefit.
posted by Eric Dustman