Years ago, there were only public schools and everyone went to the school(s) assigned to their neighborhood. Fast forward to today, and we have public schools, charter schools, private schools, Christian schools, homeschool, and probably a few others. That can be overwhelming! So how do you choose the best option for your family? Here are three things to consider:
Location
Location makes a difference as far as the convenience of traveling to and from, but also in terms of how convenient it would be for your kids to make friends they can see outside of school, if that is important to you. It’s definitely worth considering. It’s one of the benefits of attending the local public school, but kids can still make neighborhood friends if they attend a different school as well.
Joy
What brings your child joy? Do they love art, science, literature, sports, dance, robotics or something else that is embraced at a particular school? That can be valuable when you think of the fact that learning should be enjoyable and can be fun. Working towards their dreams can also be a great motivator for getting up in the morning. A school that fosters joy and speaks to a child’s heart is a true gift; keeping in mind that no matter where they go, there will be things they do not enjoy.
Values
It’s important to know what values will be taught at the schools you are considering. What are their rules around behavior issues? Do you agree with these values and rules? Are they fair? Do they make sense? You don’t want to assume that because they are a certain type of school, they line up with your family values, parenting style or discipline/consequence choices. Be sure to ask questions and clarify details. Your child spends a lot of time at school. You want to find a good fit between school and home.
This is not an exhaustive list of considerations. Cost and preferences as to K-5, K-8 and K-12 options also require some thought, as well as time and homework requirements, etc. Just remember that, while you are attempting to plan for the future, things have a way of changing along the way. Prepare to be flexible. You may end up making changes sooner than you thought. It doesn’t have to be one school forever. Find the right fit for each season.
One Last Thought
In working with families in every school setting, I have come to realize that all schools tend to struggle with the same issues of drugs, vaping, sex, bullying, social media, mental health, etc. The key to avoiding those issues is not necessarily in picking the “perfect school”, but instead having a good solid relationship with your child that includes open and honest communication. Kids need to know they are safe in trusting their parent. They also need to know you have their back and you love them unconditionally. That relationship is built at home, so choosing a school is only part of the equation. If you would like to explore school options, improving communication in your family or any other area of concern, feel free to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. I would be happy to assist!
Traci Williams is the CEO of A Loving Way to Parent. She is known for her practical and intuitive parenting style. She can be reached directly at 951-240-1407 or traci@alovingway.com.