How important is cutting-edge technology — wired classrooms, laptops, smart boards, and so on?
Which extracurricular opportunities are important to your child’s happiness? (If necessary, can you arrange those activities outside school?)
How important are facilities like a modern building, wireless Internet access, playing fields, a gym, an auditorium?
What kind of environment would be best for your child? Which are most important: diversity among students and teachers, recognition and display of all students’ achievements, firm discipline policy, school’s philosophy or mission, a conflict-resolution program, an anti-bullying initiative?
Which opportunities for parent involvement are most attractive to you? For example, would you like an active PTA or PTO, volunteer opportunities, a well-established parent communication system (e.g., newsletters, web-based programs, regular and easy contact with teachers), the expectation that parents will be deeply involved in their children’s education?
Top of the List: Your Child’s Needs
What your child needs from school is probably more important than any other factor. Consider what you know about how your child learns best, what her or his major learning challenges are, any social issues that get in your child’s way, your child’s interests and passions, and teaching techniques or strategies that help your child succeed. If you are transferring your child from another school (rather than looking for a preschool or kindergarten), talk with teachers and administrators who know your child best. It’s also crucial to talk with other parents of children with learning disabilities, both at your current school and at other schools. How satisfied are they with their child’s school?
A Challenging, Rewarding Task
Changing schools can seem like a daunting project! It does take time and effort to identify the best fit for your child. But nothing is more important, and that will motivate you to take on what will ultimately be a highly rewarding search. For information on your options, see “Choosing a School: Understanding Your Range of Options.” For a worksheet of questions to ask and things to look for when you visit a prospective school, download “Visiting a School Worksheet: What to Ask, What to Look For.”
Bonnie Z. Goldsmith has worked in the field of education throughout her professional life. She has wide experience as a writer, editor, and teacher.
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