What to Look for During Private School Visits to Make the Right Choice

Picking the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. That's because a school plays an integral role in setting up a child for future success. If you're looking for a good private school to send your child to, here is a list of the most important things to check during school visits:

Do They Encourage School Visits?

First off, does the private school you're interested in encourage school visits? Encouraging school visits is a sign of a reputable school because it shows they understand that parents want the best for their children. Seeing the campus in person can help parents determine whether or not the school is a right match for their child.

Does the School Follow a Student-Centered Approach?

While you're on a school visit, ask yourself if they follow a student-centered approach. Some schools claim that they do, but the reality is different. Several indicators of a student-centered approach that you can check for are students working at their own stations based on which works best for them, student work on display in the hallways, and a high level of student engagement or excitement. Also pay attention to whether or not the faculty treat one another with professionalism.

Is the administrator available to answer your questions?

After you've walked around the campus, an administrator should be available to answer any questions you may have. Take advantage of this opportunity to ask important questions. Is there a lot of involvement in club activities at the school? How well does the school incorporate real world learning? What are the school's methods of disciplining students? These are just some of the questions you should ask the administrator.

Three of the most important things to look for in a private school is a student-centered environment, a good community, and respectful staff. During your school visit, you should see enthused or passionate students. If they look bored, then the learning environment is probably not ideal.

Sources:
Evaluating and choosing a private school, PrivateSchoolReview.com
Is Your Child’s School Student-Centered? A Checklist for School Visits, HuffingtonPost.com