Elementary schools: things to consider when choosing a school
How to Choose an Elementary School for Your Child
Believe it or not, there is a myriad of choices when it comes to finding the right elementary school for your child. Just as no two children are the same, neither are their learning needs. If you are wondering how to choose an elementary school for your child, read our list to help you get an idea of what you are looking for.
Top Considerations When Choosing an Elementary School
Can the school meet my family’s basic needs?
It may be tempting to go for the top-ranked school in your country, but you will need to find a school that works for you and your family’s lives.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
This is an important topic for many parents. The smaller the class size, and the bigger the teacher count, the more personal attention your child will receive. Take the student-teacher ratio with a grain of salt, as many schools take other staff members – such as the school librarian – into account. Find out how many students are in each classroom, and then ask about teacher’s aids or parent volunteers.
How are discipline, bullying, and social-emotional development handled at the school?
Whether you take an authoritarian approach or a free-range parent, you will want to know the school’s approach to discipline. Each school should have a clear disciplinary policy. Do they take a punitive approach, with demerits and suspensions? Do they support a more relaxed environment that offers warnings before a consequence, such as missing recess? Discipline varies greatly between schools, so it is important to know what to expect at your child’s school before putting them in the classroom.
It is also important to know – and agree with – the school’s bullying policy and approach to social-emotional development. Do they promote empathy and kindness? Does the staff receive anti-bullying training and teach kids about bullying and social-emotional health?
What is the physical environment like?
On the surface, it may seem silly to suggest you ask yourself “Does the school have a good vibe?”, but it is also an important question to ask. This building will be the place your child spends about 180 days of the year. Does this space feel clean and safe? Do the classrooms feel crammed and militant, or is there a creative flow that can inspire – and encourage – engaging interaction and learning experiences?
What is the school’s learning philosophy & does it cater to different learning needs?
Does the school follow an educational program based on the work of educators? Some models support play-based learning in the early years, some introduce reading and mathematics early on, and many schools incorporate a mix of philosophies. Some schools base their programs on specific educational methods, such as the Montessori Method, the Reggio Emilia approach, or the many other learning styles.
Are there after-school activities available?
Is your child a natural-born performer? Does she/he have an interest in chess, art, music, or sports? Find out what kind of after-school programs are available at the school. While you’re asking, learn about the approach taken for these extracurriculars. Is transportation offered for practices and games? What are the requirements for joining a team? And how much practice time is expected? This is an important question to ask before homework and fatigue become a challenge.
How balanced is the school’s curriculum?
Many experts suggest parents look for schools that offer a nice balance for students. One rule of thumb: Look at the three as: academics, athletics, and the arts. Find out how much time is devoted weekly for gym and arts classes – such as music, painting, drama, etc. – and what the kids are doing in these classes.
School is an important decision to make, especially at the elementary level. Choosing the right elementary school now can help set your child up for long-term learning success.
