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Reconsidering By Dana Deleray Vargo
Which school will you choose for your child? This question is one parents will research and revisit several times during a child’s education, from pre-kindergarten to college. And right now, the economic climate has even more parents reconsidering where they want to make that morning drop. In fact, almost one in four parents is thinking of changing their child’s school, either from public to private or vice-versa, due to the economic climate (according to a GreatSchools/Harris Interactive Poll conducted at the start of this school year). A child’s education is so important to current and future success. Luckily, our community offers a range of academic choices. In addition to public programs and charter schools, Sacramento supports many excellent parochial (faith-based) educational options as well as some independent, college-preparatory schools worth considering. The following tips will help you ensure that your child has the best possible chance to meet his or her potential, whether you're picking a school for the first time or looking to make a switch: Tips for
Tuition, Campus Visits and More When you develop a short list of schools you’re interested in, the best and most important step you can take is to visit. An hour or so spent on campus will be invaluable in helping you determine whether a good fit is in the works. Ask the standard questions (How many students in a class? What is the student-to-teacher ratio?), and try these tips for making the most of a school visit: 1. When you call to arrange a tour, ask to come at a time that works well for you. You should be able to see what happens on a typical day at any given time, and this kind of transparency should be readily offered. A school with restricted times for visitors is hoisting an early red flag. (That said, make a good first impression yourself by not asking to come as school is ending, after-hours or during vacation breaks.) 2. As soon as you arrive, pay close attention to the general mood or “flavor” of campus. Outside the classroom, are students and teachers at ease with themselves and each other? Do members of the school community greet students by name? Are people smiling? 3. In class, focus on the interaction between students and teachers. The best tours are “unscripted,” meaning that you’ll pop into classes unannounced. Look to how teachers and students relate to each other. Positive communication and effective classroom management are encouraging signs. Most important of all: Are students engaged? 4. Do what you can to know the teachers. The faculty is the heart and soul of any school. Ask about average length of tenure of all faculty members and specific tenure of your child’s would-be teacher, as well as minimum requirements for being hired. (This is also a good time to ask about a school’s accreditation.) Chatting with teachers may or may not be possible on a tour, but upon request the option of talking further with a faculty member should be made available to you. 5. Look for links between stated philosophy and practice. Does the school’s literature and what you’ve heard from admissions personnel match what you witness on your tour? A watchful eye may spot examples of how minor disciplinary issues are handled or how students interact without direct supervision. Major gaps between publicity and reality are cause for proceeding with caution. Knowing your educational options and keeping an open mind as you explore them may mean the difference between a frustrating school experience and stellar success for your child—come graduation day and beyond.
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