When looking for childcare or preschool for their children, most people do extensive research to find the best program for their family. In many cases, the same process can be followed when searching for elementary school programs. There are more choices now than ever before and finding the right one may be the secret to school success. Here are some details on the different types of schools you may come across in your search.
District Public Schools—In certain school districts, there are choices beyond an assigned neighborhood school. You may have curriculum choices outside of the traditional neighborhood school curriculum: arts, language immersion, Montessori, open, fundamental (back to basics), or others.
Public Charter Schools—Charter schools are available in some areas of the country. They are public schools chartered by the state or district and run by a variety of organizations: non-profit or for-profit, founded by parents, religious groups, entrepreneurs, or corporations. These schools may be tailored to a particular population (e.g., employees, ethnic groups), educational approaches, or content.
Private Schools—Private schools range from long-time established schools to brand new schools established by religious groups, for-profit organizations, or entrepreneurs. When most people think of private schools, they typically think of country day schools, academies, and independent schools. Most private schools are run by non-profit boards, some are founded and run by individual owners, and a few are run by educational corporations. Their approaches range from very progressive (learning based and child centered) to very conservative (instruction based and teacher centered). The name of the school may be part marketing and part intent. “Academy” connotes serious academics. “Country Day” is often associated with a broad liberal arts approach, probably progressive (individualized and experiential), and perhaps a place for higher status families.
Parochial Schools—The majority of parochial schools are Catholic schools and run by a diocese, but there are also Lutheran and other Christian parochial school systems in some areas. Parochial schools typically emphasize the basics, respect for authority and traditional values—some focus more on religious instruction than others. Tuition is usually less than most private schools and there is often a discount for parishioners.
Christian Schools—These schools are the fastest growing segment of private schools and are usually run by a church, an organization, a group of parents, or an entrepreneur. Christian schools are typically more conservative and tuitions tend to be lower than other private schools.
Montessori Schools—Montessori schools are private schools that provide an individualized Montessori curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning. Unfortunately, the term has become a “brand” and some schools use the name without having a real Montessori approach (check for Montessori teacher certifications). Tuition cost is usually comparable to lower priced private schools.
Determining Which School Is Right for You
Every family has different priorities when choosing a school for their child. You may want a rigorous academic curriculum or a strong science curriculum for your budding inventor. Perhaps a top music program or Spanish or French language immersion is what you’re after; or simply a school with an enthusiastic faculty and strong leadership. It’s important to spell out your interests and your child’s particular needs before you set out to find the right school. Develop a simple profile. The questions below may help you get started:
- What are your child’s educational needs? Are they purely academic? Do you prefer a curriculum that is structured, child initiated, or a combination of the two?
- What do you want the school to achieve for you and your child? A certain level of academic preparation? Discipline and respect? Greater appreciation for natural resources and environment? Appreciation of the arts? Certain social status and acceptance? After-school activities?
- Are the ideology and values of the schools compatible with yours?
- What size school are you looking for? Some children may do better in a smaller school while others may benefit from a larger school with more options and more children to interact with. How important is class size to you?
