Choosing a good school for your kids is a super important decision that will have a long-term impact on their development. It really falls on us to have good judgment when choosing a school, but it’s also a massive responsibility that is easy to shy away from. Sure, you could just take your kid to the nearest school or even ask your friends and family members where they went.
However, if you really want the best for your child, then it’s important to ask yourself a few very important questions beforehand when picking a school for your child.
1. Is distance a concern for you?
Understandably, not everyone is able to drive their kids to school every morning. Some parents just can’t do that because of their own schedules, or because they don’t have a car. As a result, some might be more comfortable with a school that is within walking distance. This gives them more peace of mind should they need to visit the school for whatever reason, and it also helps to cut down on travel costs and driving.
But of course, if distance isn’t a concern for you, then you’ll have a much wider selection of schools to pick from!
2. What kind of reputation does the school have?
It’s often hard to gauge a school’s ability to assist in your child’s development, but there are often school rankings and ratings that can help you get a rough idea. Just remember that social development and academic development aren’t completely related. Some schools may not offer an exceptional education, but due to their friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere, it can lead to great social development. Likewise, private schools might lead to better credentials in the future, but they can also be harsh on students.
Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to check on a school’s reputation these days. Schools like Learn And Play® Montessori School have websites on the internet, and there are also reviews and testimonials thanks to services like Google. You can also ask online on message boards, or you can speak with friends and family members to get an idea of what a school is capable of.
Recommended reading: Choosing the Best Preschool for Your Child: A Step-by-Step Guide
Recommended reading: How to Ease Your Child’s First Day at School Jitters
3. Have you gone to the school to meet the teachers yet?
Let’s face it, most of us don’t know much about our child’s school teachers, but the last thing we want to discover is that they’re annoying, mean, and hard on our kids for no reason. When picking a school for your child, it’s best to get that peace of mind early by speaking to the teachers, getting to know them, and also establishing some idea of the overall atmosphere. Nobody wants their kids to go to a bad school, so it’s often best to see for yourself first-hand how the school is and what it’s like inside.
This is also a good opportunity to size up the facilities and resources that they have. If the school has a good vibe, then it’s probably a great school. However, if you notice that the school is falling apart and the teachers seem like they don’t care, then you should absolutely stay away from there and go with another choice!
