By Kim McWilliams and Marcie Power
Families with young children have many choices for private and independent schools on the Coast. These schools offer education via paid tuition as opposed to being supported by tax dollars. With so many options, families can be overwhelmed by the decision-making process that leads to finding the right fit. Here are some factors to consider:
PRIORITIZE
Every family, when starting the process, should identify exactly what is most important to them. Grades served? Small class sizes? Standardized testing or academic benchmarks used? Structured versus individualized learning environment?
Once the family has decided upon their priorities, the next steps include:
- Online research — website and social media presence
- Talking with friends and neighbors
- Calling the school admissions office
- Scheduling a tour
- Attending one of the school’s special events
TAKE SCHOOL TOURS
When visiting a school, in addition to learning about its history, walking throughout the campus and, hopefully, having a chance to speak with the child’s prospective teacher(s), families should have some questions prepared.
These might include:
- What will a school day look like for each student?
- Does the school conduct developmental assessments for prospective early childhood students (toddlers and preschoolers) and academic assessments for elementary, middle and high school students prior to issuing an invitation to enroll?
- How is the curriculum established?
- How often are standard tests administered?
- What do the school’s instruction modules look like: whole group, small-group learning or a mixture of both?
- What role does technology play in everyday academic instruction?
- What are the school’s disciplinary practices?
- Uniform policy?
- Communications processes?
- What specials are offered? This includes art, music, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math)-based activities, Bible or religious doctrine-based studies.
- Is there after-school care?
- Are after-school enrichment classes and intramural sports offered?
- Is there a parent-teacher organization and, if so, how active is it?
- What sorts of fund-raising activities occur throughout the year?
- Does the school offer any financial-aid programs?
- What are the feeder schools? For schools serving students through sixth grade, what middle schools do most of its graduates go on to attend?
- If the school serves students through high school, what percentage of students go on to college and universities, and what colleges/universities do they choose?
Throughout the tour, families should gauge their own reactions.
- Do they feel welcome and comfortable?
- Are questions being answered with authenticity and transparency?
- Do the students appear happy, content and energized?
- Do the teachers appear engaged in and eager about their vocation?
ASSESS THE SCHOOL CULTURE
Private and independent schools can provide a nurturing environment, grounded in the ability to provide customized learning. Smaller class sizes and student bodies enable these schools to create a unique community. Standardized test results are used in conjunction with students’ own abilities, and teachers can foster existing skills while building on areas needing growth. Ultimately, private and independent school teachers can create individualized learning plans to guide how each child will thrive — one of the many reasons families should give them a close look.
Marcie Power is early childhood director, and Kim McWilliams is elementary school principal, for Coast Episcopal School — an independent school in Long Beach. Reach them at (228) 452-9442.