Getting the Education You Want for Your Child

We live in a world driven to perfection.

We work out to get the perfect body, to fit into the perfect outfit, to attract the perfect mate, with whom we will build a perfect life.

So it makes sense that when we have children, we try to make their lives perfect as well. When it comes to choosing the perfect school, things can get a little confusing. That’s because schools come in many shapes and sizes and operate from a variety of philosophies.

”I started thinking about schools when Jason was just a little baby,” said Julie, a mother of five school-aged children. “I listened to other families describe their choices and got more and more confused. They all liked their schools, but for very different reasons. Which one was right?”

Setting the goals

Choosing the best school for your child is one of the most important decisions your family can make. Happily, today’s parents have more choices than ever, with charter schools, private schools and public schools of choice. Yet all the variety, and competing sales pitches, can make the choice confusing.

”The best possible educational experience will focus on five fundamental goals,” writes school psychologist Brandi Roth, Ph.D. in her book Choosing the Right School for Your Child. “These will be helpful to keep in mind as you evaluate the different schools available to you.” The five goals:

1. Giving your child a sound learning experience
2. Creating psychological well-being and growth
3. Finding an environment that allows your child to learn socialization skills from classmates, friends and other caring adults
4. Developing skills and interests in activities that will result in physical health and fitness
5. Reaching the child’s potential for the highest moral development and behavior

All families want these things for their children. But the priority given to any one area varies from family to family. That’s why before you begin a school search, you will need to sit down and decide what kind of learning experience you want for your child. To do that, you need to assess your child’s personality and learning styles, your family’s values, and your relationship to your community.

Getting to know your child

Start your school search by thinking about what you want a school to do for your child. After all, you know your son or daughter better than anyone else does.

First, think about your child’s personality. Does he thrive on exploration and responsibility? An open school or alternative school might be best. Does she need close supervision and a highly structured environment? Then a more traditional school may be a better fit.

Another factor to consider is your child’s learning experiences up until now. Do you find that she is easily bored at preschool or religious education because she learns more quickly than others? She may need a very rigorous and challenging academic program to keep her stimulated. Or does she struggle to keep up with her peers? You will want a school with a very strong commitment to helping all students learn, and which has the resources to offer extra help. The best schools will build on your child’s strengths and be able to help with any difficulties.