Selecting a School

Other Ideas

• Attend a local PTA meeting.
• Contact state associations for the gifted and inquire about local parent chapters.
• Ask your real estate agent for information relating to local school systems.
• Contact local visitor's bureaus.

What criteria should be considered?

While many individuals use standardized test scores in order to rank individual schools, these numbers are too often a reflection of the socio-economic level of the community in which the school is located, and not a reflection of the quality of instruction.

Other important factors to consider include:

• The quality of curriculum;
• Teacher training;
• Available programs; and,
• Facilities (i.e. library, technology)

Additionally, you must also take into account your child's academic and social strengths and weaknesses. An educational program that may be perfect for some children may not be the right one for your child.

What questions should be asked?

• What services and/or programs are offered for gifted and talented students? Are there Advanced Placement (AP), honors, or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs?
• What criteria are used for selection/participation in such programs?
• Does the school feature any other special programs, focus themes, or outside resources (i.e. mentorships, job shadowing, service learning)?
• Does the school/district require that Individualized Education Plans (IEP) be developed for gifted and talented students?
• What is the school's policy on acceleration (i.e. grade advancement, dual enrollment, early admission to college)?
• What are teachers and other staff doing to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date?
• What is the average class size?
• What is the school's purpose or mission?
• What methods (formal and informal) are used to assess students?
• What resources or services are available regarding college and/or career counseling?

"One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child." —Maria Montessori

Resources

Web Sites

• State Departments of Education
• Information on Public Schools and School Districts in the United States
• Private School On-Line Directory
• National Coalition of Girls' Schools
• International Boys' Schools Coalition
• National Center for Educational Statistics

Books

• Leana, F.C. (1998). The best private high schools and how to get in: The A-Z guide to the private school admission process.
• McEwan, E.K. (1999). 10 traits of highly successful schools: How you can know if your school is a good one. Harold Shaw Pub.
• Unger, H.G. (1998). How to pick a perfect private school. Facts on File.
• Unger, H.G. (1999). School choice: how to select the best schools for your children. Checkmark Books.

Journal Articles

• Hellerman, S. B. (Ed.) (Mar-Apr 1994). "Getting the Best Precollege Education." Imagine…Opportunities and Resources for Academically Talented Youth, 1 (4), (ED375539).
• Howard, R. D. (Oct.1988). "Moving? How to Choose the Right School for Your Child." PTA Today, 14 (1) p20-21.
  Kelble, E.S. (1991). "Overview of Private Schools for the Gifted." Gifted Child Today, 14 (5), p2-4.