What is the “right” school?

You’ve thought long and hard, and you’ve come to the decision that your child will attend a private school. Now you just need to select the right school. Because if you don’t pick the right school, your child’s future is over before it even begins. Right?

The reality is that every school is not for every child, but there is a school out there where your child will thrive academically and socially. I encourage you to NOT focus on finding the school that will lead to the next right school, college, graduate school, career and ultimate success in life. Instead, I encourage you to focus on finding a school where you and your child will be an active partners in the educational process, and where your child will develop a lifelong love of learning. In short, finding the school that is just the right fit for your child and your family.

Tips on Finding the Right School

• Don’t be trendy. You know what they say – one year a school is in and the next it’s out. While listening to the opinions of other parents can be valuable as you collect data about a school, be careful to not get caught up in the hubbub surrounding the school to which everyone just has to get accepted. Stay focused on your child’s strengths, needs and learning styles, and look for the schools that will work best for your child.
• Plan for the financial future. When looking for the right school, keep in mind that tuition at private schools can range from the thousands to the tens of thousands annually, and the tuition will go up every year. On top of that, you may be responsible for additional out-of-pocket expenses such as annual fund and capital improvement contributions, lunch, books and uniforms, after-school enrichment classes, summer camps, and more. However, don’t let the costs of attending a private school deter you from your search. Many schools are committed to a diverse student body, so ask about financial aid.
• Commit to the commute? You’ve found the right school. You can picture your child in class and you at the parent association meetings. It’s perfect… except for the fact that it’s across town and you’ll be fighting rush hour traffic for an hour to drop your child at school before getting back in your car to make your way to work. While no obstacle seems too large when you’ve found the perfect school, the reality is that a nightmare commute will be hard for everyone. You’ll live with the commute not only on school days but also on special event afternoons, evenings and weekends. And that’s not even considering how you will reach your child in a timely manner when she becomes sick during the school day.

If you are interested in learning more about An Educated Choice and how we can help you select a private school in the San Diego area, please contact us at info@aneducatedchoice.com or complete the form on our Contact Us page.