How to Choose a Private School – Part Two

There are thousands of private schools in the US, these are sometimes referred to as independent, fee paying or even public schools. The terminology can be confusing as the word ‘public’ implies the school is open to anybody and is funded by the government. It’s a daunting figure when it comes to choosing the right school for your children. Hopefully, this article will show you how to narrow it down.

Meet the parents

Often at these open-days the Parent Teacher’s Association (or equivalent of) will be present. Speaking to parents of current pupils is a great way of collecting first-hand reviews. Sometimes, parents are alumni students of the school themselves and know the place inside-out - use these people!

Parents can be much more honest than teacher’s too when it comes to discussing fees and value for money. Some may have other children in different private schools because of a character difference between their kids – which could lead to them suggesting a more appropriate school for your own child, based on their individual interests etc.

Remember, just because a parent thinks one particular school has done wonders for their child, it doesn’t mean all children will benefit from attending. By figuring out what type of pupils this school deals with as a majority, you can judge whether or not your own child will fit in.
It could be that athletic students tend to excel at this school and your own child, who could be a mathematical enthusiast (for example), would be overwhelmed by the sporty mentality of everybody at the school – underachieving as a result.

Gather the information but don’t just take anybody’s word for it – sit in on classes and directly review the school yourself.

Sit in on classes

Most private schools should accommodate any parent who shows an interest. By sitting in the class you can immediately judge things like class size. If there are relatively few pupils in a classroom, this could mean the subject is unpopular or more positively – the subject is specialist and by operating with a small register, the teacher can adopt a more personable approach to pupils in lessons.

Note: Listen to the roll-call, have all pupils attended the lesson? If a considerable amount are missing, then this could mean either the lesson is poor or there’s a high truancy rate at the school – both of which could have a damaging effect on your child.

Does the teacher adopt a personable approach? Are they strict? Are the pupils well behaved? Do they interact with each other in a manner you would want your child to interact? This is the place where your child will spend most of their academic life, all questions are valid.

While you’re there check out the facilities (again this is extra important if you’re considering boarding school). For example, are there sufficient special needs facilities?

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