| You have made the decision to give your child a | | | | - Service Staff. What kind of staff does the |
| private school education. With so many options, | | | | school have? Is there a school nurse on location? |
| how do find the right one to fit your child's needs? | | | | Does the school have a psychologist or counselor? |
| The first steps are to consider your priorities, arm | | | | Is there a librarian on staff? |
| yourself with a lengthy list of questions and start | | | | - Principal or Headmaster Turnover. If the school |
| setting up appointments. Your child's education is | | | | burns through principals, the school may have a |
| too important not to take the time to choose the | | | | problem. |
| perfect fit. | | | | - Teacher Turnover. What is the teacher turnover |
| Why Choose a Private School Education? | | | | rate at the school? Typically speaking, private |
| Those sending their children to private schools | | | | schools have higher teacher turnover rates than |
| have a variety of motives behind their decision. | | | | do public schools. In addition, smaller private |
| For some the decision is based on moral values | | | | schools have larger turnover than do larger |
| and religion. Others feel that a private education | | | | private schools. However, a teacher turnover rate |
| offers better academics and want their child in a | | | | of 40% or more may be an indication of |
| smaller class that will offer the benefit of more | | | | problems at the school. |
| personal attention. | | | | Plan a Visit |
| It is important to have a list of education priorities | | | | As you get closer to choosing a private school, |
| before you start looking for a school. For | | | | you should schedule an appointment with your |
| example, if academics are more important to you | | | | candidate schools' headmaster or principal. |
| than religion, but religion is more important to you | | | | - Ask about student attrition. The longer that |
| than extracurricular activities, have academics be | | | | students stay at a school, the more likely the |
| number one on your list, religion be number two | | | | school is to be well-run. |
| on your list and extracurricular activities be | | | | - Ask for names of parents who have children at |
| number three on your list. | | | | the school for references. |
| Private School Considerations | | | | - Are the school's textbooks up to date? |
| As part of choosing the right private school for | | | | - Does the school have enough computers? Does |
| your child, you will have to go through a process | | | | the school use the latest in technology in |
| of elimination to get the number of schools you | | | | teaching? |
| are considering down to a manageable number. | | | | - Does the school have programs for parent |
| You might want to consider: | | | | involvement? |
| - Finances. What can you afford to pay for an | | | | - How does the school feel? Are children |
| education at a private school? Ask if there are | | | | interacting, smiling and participating? |
| any financial aid or scholarship programs available | | | | - How does the school qualify their teachers? |
| to you. In addition, some states, including Arizona, | | | | Does the school offer teachers additional training? |
| Florida and Minnesota, offer breaks on income | | | | - If your child has special needs, what types of |
| taxes if you send your kids to a private school. | | | | programs does the school offer that will help? |
| - Grade Levels. Do you want your child to have | | | | - Look at the grounds and facilities. How new are |
| the option to stay through high school? Not all | | | | the facilities? How well are the facilities and |
| private schools offer grades kindergarten through | | | | grounds maintained? Is the library well-stocked |
| 12. | | | | with books? |
| - Location. You will have to decide how far you | | | | - What type of relationship does the school have |
| are willing to drive. As you get closer to selecting | | | | with local businesses and the local community? |
| a school, you can also inquire if there are any | | | | - When are applications accepted? Is there a |
| other students at the school who live in your | | | | waiting list? If so, how long is the waiting list? |
| area. You may then be able to carpool. | | | | Making the Choice |
| Questions to Ask | | | | You will have to narrow down your choices to a |
| Additional questions to ask include: | | | | select few and then visit each school before you |
| - Accreditation. Is the school accredited? If so, | | | | make a final decision. Do not get discouraged if |
| who is the accreditation body? | | | | the process takes a little longer than you would |
| - Instruction Model. What is the school's education | | | | like. It is important to get an education for your |
| philosophy? Does it have a traditional or | | | | child that matches the your requirements as |
| alternative approach to education? What is the | | | | closely as possible. |
| school's policy on homework, grading and testing? | | | | |