Searching for the Perfect K-12 School

When you are trying to find the right school for your child, there are several questions you should consider. Use this as a checklist in order to compare and contrast the school choices you have set on the table.

K-12 Academics

Academics are the foundation of a school, and the set apart sub-par schools from excellent, top-ranked schools. You want to make sure your child’s school has a solid academic curriculum to engage your child and let them excel to their fullest potential.

• • Are the teachers and staff willing to discuss the curriculum? How does the curriculum compare to state guidelines?
• • How does the school utilize technology? Are the teachers familiar in technology within the classroom?
• • In addition to basic texts, do teachers incorporate outside classical literature?
• • What does the school’s funding look like? Are the textbooks up-to-date?
• • How does your student’s progression get measured? Are there tests, journals, or portfolios? Is mathematics being stressed? Remember, children learn in different ways.

K-12 Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities will highlight your child’s interest and give them a preliminary well-rounded education for college. It’s important that your child’s school offers more than the basic subjects.

• • Does your school have a library? Who staffs it? Do they allow parents to volunteer?
• • Are computers available to the students? Do the computers have Internet access?
• • What does the school’s music program look like? Does the school have a band, orchestra, and choir? Do they perform for the community?
• • What kinds of sports does the school have? Do they have significant outdoor space and/or a gym? What teams do they have? Coaches?
• • What other after-school activities are there? Who supervises these activities and makes sure that they are organized?

School Spirit in the Classroom

The school’s attitude needs to mesh well with your child. Consider the school spirit and how the faculty addresses you when researching the school.

• • Is the staff welcoming? Do they seem irritated with your interest in the school?
• • Does the principle communicate with families?
• • Have any teachers received awards or classroom grants?
• • Can you get written information comparing the school of choice to other schools in the district?

A school that is ideal for your child will communicate this information to you. If a school seems reluctant to offer you information, look elsewhere. Ideal schools are eager to discuss their merits.