Teaching Your Kids At Home

Are you looking for a private school for your child? That could be a wise decision. Depending on your area, private schools may be a better option than the local public school system. Private schools often offer more rigorous academic instruction, a wide range of extracurriculars, and stronger preparation for college. Choosing the right school for your needs can be difficult, though. Many families start their private school search a year or more before their child will start at the new school. Below are a few steps you can take today to start finding the right school for your child.

Narrow your list. A search on the internet is a great place to start. You can likely create a deep list of options from a quick search of private schools in your area. From there, narrow the list to five to ten options that fit your needs best. A quick glance at the school's website should provide enough information to eliminate some options quickly. For example, some schools may not offer the religious curriculum you want. Others may not have a college admission record that aligns with your goals. Some may be too far away from your home to be feasible. Word of mouth and recommendations from friends and family can also be helpful. Once your list is narrowed, it's time to reach out to schools.

Visit schools. The next step is to visit the schools on your shortlist. This is usually done during the school before your child's first year at the school. It's normal for people to visit a school a full year before their child is scheduled to start. You'll want to do this while school is in session to get a feel for daily life and how children are instructed. Use this time to meet with specific teachers in your child's grade or area of interest. You can also talk to coaches and club instructors. It may be helpful for your child to do a shadow day where they come to school for the day as a visitor. That way, they can interact with students and teachers and learn firsthand if the school is right for them.

Schedule placement tests. Nearly every private school requires placement tests to determine if a child is a good fit for the school. The tests are usually based on the child's age. For example, the test for incoming kindergartners may be a quick meeting with a teacher. Middle school and high school students often take traditional standardized tests. You probably don't want your child to take an excessive amount of tests. Schedule tests at your top three to five schools. You want to take tests at multiple schools if your first choice doesn't work out. Schools often hold these tests in the prior school year, sometimes a full year before admissions. Reach out early to your top schools to get your student scheduled.

Ready to find the right school for your child? Contact private schools in your area today.