one more off topic question for y'all, what to ask at private schools?

[nicurn]

Hi again, as most of you know, 3rd grade has put me over the edge in public school, between becoming a title one school and having achievement tests suddenly sprung on the kids.... Anyhow, we are now looking into private schools. What kinds of questions should I be asking? thanks, maggie

 

[campinggal]

Bummer your local school hasn't been meeting your needs.

I think with private school- first start with what their mission and philosophy are and how their program supports both. This will give you an idea of their program and focus.

For example- the school my DD (1st grade) attends- their mission is: "integrates high expectations for achievement, creativity, self-discipline and social responsibility. We cultivate in each student a lifelong enthusiasm for learning and a desire to contribute constructively to society. Our program provides students with an excellent academic, artistic, athletic and ethical foundation".

This is demonstrated in how their curriculum plays out- focusing on the academics but also integrating Art & Music into the curriculum. The 'social responsibility' comes through with each grade having a community service connection that they work on through out the year. Athletics is a focus as demonstrated by the whole school (K-8) doing XC Skiing twice a week for the entire winter in addition to other sports in the other seasons.

Matching your child to the school is as important as you finding what you want from the school too.

Also consider class size. One would hope that going to a private school would allow for smaller classes than what you would typically find in a public school.

Another question is where kids go after they complete all the grades of this school- and even further with success in college.

I don't know what your financial situation is, but don't be deterred by the cost- many private schools have financial aid available. My DD's school has about 30% of the population receiving some kind of aid.

Good luck with your search! It is really exciting when you find a school that you and your child really get excited about.

 

[saturday97]

Campinggal put it really well.

You also might ask what associations they are members of/accredited by, and then find out what the standards are for that organization and see if that meets your needs.

My DS is at a Montessori and we LOVE it. The Montessori method, especially at the elementary level, is really great for my DS. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about it!

 

[Cruise04]

My daughter goes to a parochial (private) school. The one thing that has caught me this year (and she is in 8th grade) that I would want to know if I was coming in new or researching the school - discipline. How is it handled in school and how are things that happen outside of school handled - do they keep their noses out of it or do they get in the middle of something that doesn't happen in school at all and doesn't effect anything in school.

Also - what are THEIR expectations of YOUR child. Very important to know.

Sorry, I keep thinking of things after I hit submit.....

Do they have any mandatory fundraising and any mandatory volunteering that they expect and if they do mandatory fundraising - where does the money exactly go.

 

[Swan]

Depending on the age, I think play time is important. My children's school is a Blue Ribbon school, but they are lucky to get 20 min. to play a day. Some days it is less. I feel our children need to be children.

 

[Allie322]

I would also inquire about the credentials of the teachers. Are they certified?
Most private schools around me do not offer any sort of special help for students who are struggling, nor do they offer programs for gifted children. This may be something that affects your situation so it might be helpful to ask.
Good luck with what I'm sure will be a tough task!

 

[JulianneP]

Maggie is there a certain school you are looking at. I may have some scoop on a few in your area or even know a few teachers there. I helped with addmissions at my school in Fairfax and I did a little bit of research on others in the area as well as a know alot of teachers.

 

[nicurn]

hey julianne, just sent you a PM. I would love to hear about any schools you know about. I'm going to see the congressional schools of va today over in falls church. maggie