Sending your child on the right educational path is one of the most critical parts of parenthood.
There are close to 88,000 public and private elementary schools in the United States today. Needless to say, not all of these schools are created equal.
When it’s time to choose your child’s elementary school, you need some solid tips that’ll help you make the right decision. We’re happy to help you get started.
Here’s what you should know about finding the best elementary school for your child’s needs.
Study the Cold, Hard Facts
You’re going to want to tour your child’s elementary school in person to check it out and speak to teachers and administrators. Before you even get there, choosing a school starts with studying the raw facts and data.
Find out when the school was built and opened, and whether it was done with public or private funding. Research the school accreditation and grade, the number of students, and the student-to-teacher ratio.
Pull the numbers on how the kids from this school test on statewide examinations, and where they rank among other schools.
Learn the Style of the School
You’ll find that there are several types of schools you can send your child to. They differ based on styles and philosophies, so consider how your child learns best and where their interests and needs lie.
Montessori schools put children in the lead of their learning environment. The foundation for this style was built in the 1990s and has emerged as one of the most sought-after school styles.
You should read more about Montessori benefits to see if these schools are a good fit for your child’s educational needs.
Other school styles include Waldorf, language immersion, Reggio Emilia, and Parochial Schools. Learn the details of each style so that you can steer your child in the right direction.
Consider Private or Public School
A big part of choosing your child’s elementary school options starts by deciding on public or private school. Each has its pros and cons to consider – start by examining cost.
Expect to pay about $11,000 on private school tuition. Public school is 100% free, thanks to your tax dollars.
Since private schools draw in constant funding through tuition, they’re often able to provide resources and instruction that public schools can’t compete with.
Private schools also have smaller class sizes, so your child gets personal attention. Think about these pros and cons and figure out what works best for your child.
Look Into Special Programs
Choose an elementary school that also has programs that enrich your child’s education. They often have programs dedicated to art, athletics, and school subjects.
Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) jobs have grown at a nearly 80% rate over the past several years. Many elementary schools are putting together STEM programs to build the minds of tomorrow’s professionals.
Give your child the best headstart possible by choosing schools that offer these sorts of special programs.
Find the Best Elementary School
After following these tips, you can find the best elementary school for your child’s education. This is an ever-important first step that shapes the rest of their educational and professional life.
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