It's that time of year again! School applications and
re-enrollments are coming due - likely with large non-refundable deposits
causing much fear, headache and anxiety. Fear not! It doesn’t have to be so
stressful! “Shopping” for the school that is going to TRAIN your child for the
next 14,274 hours of their elementary, middle and high school years should be
done with extreme intention. (This is more awake hours with a teacher than with
you by the way) Many people spend more time shopping for what kind of car they
will buy over where they will send their child to be educated. Make no mistake
Moms and Dads, school does not just educate your child in Reading, Writing and
Mathematics, they are assisting in forming their WORLDVIEWS for the rest of
their lives. That being said, my
biggest recommendation is to VISIT each school you are considering – public or
private. Call and make an appointment for a tour with the Admissions Director
or the Principal. It is very common to do this, your right as a parent and not a
bother to them. That is why they are there! When you go on your tour, have a
list of questions prepared reflecting what is important to YOU regarding the
overall education of your child. Here is a sample that you can start with if
you like!
1.
What is your school’s
educational philosophy?
2.
What is the teacher-to-student
ratio?
3.
Are the lead teachers
credentialed? How long have they taught?
4.
Do you take parent requests for
class placement?
5.
What interventions are there
for struggling students?
6.
If my child has a hard time
keeping up, how long would it take to get him/her assessed?
7.
If my child is advanced, how
will he/she be challenged?
8.
What Special Area classes do
you offer?
9.
What Language classes do you
offer?
10. How is information communicated
to parents?
11. How do students perform on standardized testing?
12. What opportunities are
available for my child to express his/her beliefs?
13. Do you have special education resources available?
14. What curriculum do you use and
am I able to “opt out” of it if I don’t personally agree with it for my child?
15. What opportunities are there
for my child to express his/her beliefs?
16. Do you have assistants in the classroom? What are their
qualifications?
17. How much prep time does your staff have?
18. How much instructional time is there during the day?
19. When are core subjects taught?
20.
What types of service
opportunities are there for my family?
21.
What kind of volunteer
opportunities are there for parents?
22.
How do you monitor the
playground? Deal with fighting/bullying?…
23.
How often do you fundraise and
where do the funds go?
24.
What kind of enrichment classes
are available?
25.
What athletics are available
for elementary students?
26.
Do you provide before/after
school child care?
27.
How does your school motivate
children?
After spending time on numerous campus’ asking questions, watching, listening and picturing your child there (or not there!) you will most likely have a sense of peace where you see your FAMILY fitting in. Many of us still have friends from our elementary years and the same will hold true for your little person! What a huge and incredible responsibility we have as parents!
Be anxious for nothing, but by everything with prayer and
supplication let your requests be made known to the Lord AND THEN the Peace
that surpasses all understanding will guard your hears and your minds in Christ
Jesus!
GO SHOPPING!
