School Finding

Today a wide variety of schools are available to choose from. Parents choices are influenced by many factors such as the distance from your home, the activities it offers and its academic success.    Research has proven that good schooling and after care can influence a child’s life in many ways. Most significantly, it helps in making your child confident, knowledgeable and happy.

Tips to find a school of your choice:

1. Read the reports of the school you choose. With the “No Child Left Behind” law, every school has to present a full report as per race, ethnicity, gender and more.  This report will tell you how successful the school is meeting its objectives.

2. Visit the school and see how the teachers and students interact.  The communication should be respectful, yet vibrant.

3. Talk to parents to find out whether the children are happy in school.

4. Look through the prospectus to understand its philosophy, curriculum and activities. 

Find a school that meets your needs:

There are many alternative to teaching styles, content, and learning methods. Choose a school that meets your needs the most:

1. Public School - Most neighborhoods have a public school, which is a part of the school district. Send your child to this school if the reports are positive and show progress.  You could send your child to another public school for a variety of reasons, such as emphasis on specific subject or because of the method of education.  These schools follow the standardized teaching method and tests laid down by the education system.

2. Charter Schools – These public schools have more autonomy.  Parents, educationists, and others have flexibility to offer students different education alternatives.  The state, local and other institutions monitor and sponsor the schools. They are also accountable for academic and financial practices.

3. Magnet Schools - These are for students from diverse economic, social, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. The school focuses on a particular subject, like humanities, engineering, performing, and fine arts. Your child would have to take an entrance test, or show knowledge or a keen interest in the chosen subject to be a part of such a school.

4. Private Schools – These could be a part of a faith based organization, or secular.  Many private schools are reputed for the quality of education they offer.

5. Home schooling - Parents are now increasingly choosing this option. You could design the courseware or use the material specially designed by companies producing home school material.    Some parents could use the virtual school programs and other educational solutions available on the Internet.  As a parent, you need to be fully aware of the demands and challenges of home schooling.

Montessori and Waldorf schools

These follow different approach to learning, designed to be more child friendly.  Schools that cater to special needs could follow these approaches.  Chartered or private schools would offer you the Montessori or Waldorf system of education.

Find After Care that meets the needs of your child:

There are many after care services that are available. Choose the one that suits your and your child the most.

1. Center-Based Aftercare:  Choose an accredited center dedicated to the welfare of the children. It must have enough toys and activities that meet the wide interests of children.  The supervisor of the program must be trained to manage such a centre. You may prefer a center run by a family, as it offers a cozier home atmosphere.  Spend some time in the center and talk to other parents before choosing the aftercare.

2. Tutoring and their extra learning services – Some centers offer additional tutoring. This is a support for those parents who are not able to help their children with homework or further studies.

3. Nanny or Au-pair – You can choose a caregiver at home. You will have to choose a person carefully; do remember to ask for references. Spend some time with the caregiver to understand if he or she understands and meets your needs.

As a concerned parent, you will find the school and after care best suited to your child. The decision may be one taken from the heart and well as the head because in the long run it should benefit you child.