Choosing the School That's Right for Your Child

Today, more parents than ever before are exploring educational options for their children.

And with more options available than ever before -- including an increasing number of single-sex schools for girls -- many parents are discovering that choosing the right school requires insight, information, and some good old-fashioned leg-work.

After all, this is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Every child is a unique individual, and finding the right match is essential for ensuring future success.

Here are some pointers to get you started:

1. Know your child.  Match a school's strengths to the unique talents, goals, and temperament of your own child, qualities you as a parent know better than anyone else. The 'best' school for one child may not suit another.
2. Listen to your child.  The 'gut' reaction your child has to a place and its people can provide valuable insights into what constitutes a good school match. Help your child sort through his or her impressions and instincts.
3. Know your options.  Magazine rankings try to squeeze all schools into a few broad categories - big versus small, for example, or urban versus rural --  as if all schools are basically the same. In truth, schools in one 'category' vary greatly in their goals, instruction methods, and overall mission.
4. Collect data.  Call or write several schools to obtain admissions packets. Each packet will include detailed descriptions of the school's mission, curriculum, teachers, and student life to help you decide whether a school is right for your child. Much of this information is available online, so be sure to look at their websites, too.
5. Hit the books.  Not sure where to begin? Traditional reference books such as Peterson's Guide combine years of data and a deep familiarity with the schools they list. These can be a first step in developing a 'feel' for a school.
6. Consider a consultant.  The guidance counselor at your child's current school can be a valuable source of information. Also, independent educational consultants make it their business to know the culture and other "intangibles" about a wide array of schools. They can suggest good matches based on your child's personality, dreams and goals.
7. Don't mistake statistics for science.  Although magazine rankings may appear to be scientifically neutral, numerical comparisons often reflect an editor's opinion about what is important or relevant. These are value judgments best made by parents and students. Also, many schools choose not to participate; some excellent schools may not appear on the list at all.
8. Inquire about financial aid.  Never cross a private school off your list because the tuition seems high. Many schools have strong, need-based financial aid programs, granting qualifying applicants thousands of dollars to help students defray costs. Parents should feel free to discuss financial aid possibilities with a school's admissions staff early on in their school search.
9. Visit several schools.  Once you've compiled a list of promising schools, arrange to attend a class and observe how well-prepared students are and how they interact with teachers. View samples of student work. Arrange time to speak with students and teachers.
10. Meet the school community. Contact a school's alumni organization, and arrange time to speak with one or more recent graduates. Do the same with the school's parent organization. All can share their reasons for choosing a particular school, and judge how well it has met their expectations.