Individuals learn in different ways. It is important to consider the way your child learns when choosing a school. As your child’s first teacher, you know more than anyone about how your child learns. These questions will help you focus your knowledge about your child.

¨    Does your child like to draw or doodle while listening to someone talk?

¨    Does your child like to touch things and take them apart to see how they work?

¨    Does your child like things very orderly and in a predictable routine?

¨    Does your child like to think out loud or does your child like to think things through completely before talking?

¨    Does your child need a quiet place to concentrate?

¨    Does your child like many things going on at once or prefer to do one thing at a time?

¨    Does your child prefer to work with others or work alone?

¨    Does your child always need to know why or does your child accept things without many questions?

¨    Does your child like to try doing new things without asking for help?

¨    Can you give your child a general instruction or does your child prefer very detailed instructions?

¨    Does your child need to be active and moving while thinking?

¨    Does your child prefer a highly competitive or a noncompetitive environment?

The opportunity to choose a school allows parents to play a key role in their child’s education. Making good decisions about schools requires careful consideration of your goals as a parent and of your child’s needs as a learner.

First, attend the school’s open house or showcase. If you like what you see, then...

• Call the school and make an appointment for a visit. Do not just "drop by" and expect a tour. School staff are very busy attending to the needs of the students and may not have time to show you around unless you make an appointment.
• As you walk through the hallways, ask yourself these questions.

ü     Is the building clean, attractive and well-maintained?

ü     Is the atmosphere pleasant and inviting?

ü     Do the sounds coming from the classrooms show respect for students, families and learning?

Use all of your senses to be aware of the environment because your child will be experiencing this every day.

• Ask questions about the school’s curriculum and services:

ü     What subjects are offered?

ü     How are classes organized?

ü     What services are there for special interests or needs?

ü     What after-school programs are available?

ü     Does the school philosophy fit your family needs?

ü     Does the school nurture and enhance cultural diversity?

• Consider whether the activities at the school are consistent with the school’s philosophy and goals.
• Look at the facilities for special enrichment classes (for example, art, physical education, music, technology) to determine if they meet your child’s needs.
• Ask questions of teachers, students, administrators, secretaries and custodians. However, always remember that they have jobs to do and may not have time to talk with you at that moment.
• Ask yourself if the school is organized around the many and varied needs of students.
• Put yourself in your child’s shoes and imagine how you would feel going to this school.
• Find out from teachers and administrators what is most important in their school. Is this what is most important to you?
• Attend a parent event and ask other parents what they like best and least about the school. Discuss with other parents any challenges they’ve experienced at the school.

To get started, answer these questions and write down your answers.

What are important characteristics I want my child’s school to have?

List these.

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Check the three things on your list that are most important to you.

What are the most important things for my child to learn? List these.

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Check the three things you want your child to learn that can best be learned at school.

Other factors also play an important role in making a good school choice. Ask yourself the following questions.

¨    What applications or entrance tests are required?

¨    How will my child be transported?

¨    How long is the bus ride?

¨    What about transportation for after-school activities?

¨    How will the distance from school affect our family?

¨    Will the distance affect my involvement (as a parent) in the school?

¨    How will the distance from home affect my child’s friendships and participation in church and other community activities?

¨    Does the school have formal and informal means of communicating with parents?

¨    What opportunities exist for parent involvement in decision making, planning, fund raising and volunteer activities?

Note: Not all special education services are available at every school.

• Physical setting:  Will my child have physical access to all appropriate areas of the building? Can students with special needs move about the classrooms with ease? How frequently do students move from one area of the building to another? How often do they move from one teacher to another?

• Health Support:  Can the school’s health services meet my child’s needs?

• Opportunity for Inclusion:  What is the school’s approach for including students with special needs? Are students with special needs included in extracurricular/enrichment opportunities? What experience do the classroom teachers have in working with students who have special education needs?

• Characteristics of the Student Population:  Does the size of the student population at the school support my child’s learning style? Will my other children be able to attend the same school?

• Transportation/Distance:  Is the proper transportation available? How will the distance from school affect my family?

ü     Trust your own knowledge of your child.

ü     Trust your own feelings about a school.

ü     Remember that your child must be prepared for a world very different from the one you experienced as a young adult.

ü     Include your child in your decision-making process.

ü     Seek many different opinions.