What to look for in a private school

[connorlevismom]

Well, I cannot believe it is time to start looking at schools for my son. We have gotten TONS of information on schools in the area and have narrowed it down to 7. We tour the first one on Friday.

What should I be looking for? What kinds of questions should I make sure I ask? I am so nervous about this and DH is so calm about it!

Kristine

 

[Aliceacc]

How old is your son?
Are you looking for religious schools?

 

[connorlevismom]

He will be 4 in February and we are looking at Catholic schools.

Kristine

 

[Aliceacc]

OK, that helps a lot.

I teach in a Catholic HS, and I can tell you some of the things that "sell" our school at open house-- comments I've heard from parents (in no particular order.)

1. They're impressed by the feeling in the school- the general religious atmosphere. Our kids pray before every class, stop dead in their tracks at noon to say the Angelus, and say the 3 o'clock prayer together. None of that is a deciding factor in and of itself. But it does add up to a school where our faith is important.

2. They're impressed by our kids. Talk to the kids you pass in the halls as you tour the school. Watch how they interact with each other. Our kids (admittedly much older than the kids you'll be seeing) are very vocal about why they love their school. They're proud to wear their school jackets (a bit less so about the uniform) But they can see the school community in action.

3. Academics. This one is easy. For us, it's reflected in the fact that 100% of our kids go on to college. For an elementary school, you would want to look at the local Catholic schools they're getting admitted into. See how they do on the standardized tests.

4. Teacher qualifications. Depending on where you are, not all Catholic school teachers are required to be certifed. (In NY, there are so few teaching jobs that schools can easily require teachers to be certified.) Certification doesn't automatically mean a great teacher, but it does set the bar at at least a minimal level.

5. Class size. (OK, we don't score points here- our classes are large.) Frequently, small class size means more attention to individual students.

6. Extra curricular. Kids love school a whole lot more when there's something do do after that 3 pm bell.

7. Extra help. Our teachers are required to be available after school for least 20 minutes every day. How does the school handle it?

8. Extra fundraisers. You have no idea what a pain they are until your son or daughter brings home the third or fourth one. We have one per year: the yearbook ad drive.

9. School safety. Should be a no-brainer but sometimes isn't. Are the doors locked during the day to keep intruders out? Are visitors required to sign in or wear a pass or something?

10. Your gut. The most important. Take notes and list impressions.

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

As far as fundraising, look into the diocesan policy for where you are, to. My kids go to a Catholic school, and according to the Maine diocesan regulations, only a certain amount of school operating expenses can come from tuition and parish subsidy. The rest has to come from fundraising, which for us is upwards of $60,000 a year. My kids have a new fundraiser every month, it seems like. We deal with it because we LOVE the school.

Another big seller for us is the on-site before and after care. They open at 7 and close at 5:30. Granted, the kids are rarely there, but its great to have in case of emergency, and they only charge $4 a child.

 

[SmallWorld71]

OK, that helps a lot.

I teach in a Catholic HS, and I can tell you some of the things that "sell" our school at open house-- comments I've heard from parents (in no particular order.)

1. They're impressed by the feeling in the school- the general religious atmosphere. Our kids pray before every class, stop dead in their tracks at noon to say the Angelus, and say the 3 o'clock prayer together. None of that is a deciding factor in and of itself. But it does add up to a school where our faith is important.

2. They're impressed by our kids. Talk to the kids you pass in the halls as you tour the school. Watch how they interact with each other. Our kids (admittedly much older than the kids you'll be seeing) are very vocal about why they love their school. They're proud to wear their school jackets (a bit less so about the uniform) But they can see the school community in action.

3. Academics. This one is easy. For us, it's reflected in the fact that 100% of our kids go on to college. For an elementary school, you would want to look at the local Catholic schools they're getting admitted into. See how they do on the standardized tests.

4. Teacher qualifications. Depending on where you are, not all Catholic school teachers are required to be certifed. (In NY, there are so few teaching jobs that schools can easily require teachers to be certified.) Certification doesn't automatically mean a great teacher, but it does set the bar at at least a minimal level.

5. Class size. (OK, we don't score points here- our classes are large.) Frequently, small class size means more attention to individual students.

6. Extra curricular. Kids love school a whole lot more when there's something do do after that 3 pm bell.

7. Extra help. Our teachers are required to be available after school for least 20 minutes every day. How does the school handle it?

8. Extra fundraisers. You have no idea what a pain they are until your son or daughter brings home the third or fourth one. We have one per year: the yearbook ad drive.

9. School safety. Should be a no-brainer but sometimes isn't. Are the doors locked during the day to keep intruders out? Are visitors required to sign in or wear a pass or something?

10. Your gut. The most important. Take notes and list impressions.

Excellent list!
My kids go to a very good public elementary school that we are very happy with. However, just for fun, I ran down all of the things on your list and we did very well on all except #1! Point is, I think you hit the nail on the head - no matter what type of school you decide on, what's important doesn't change.

 

[lesliewitt]

I would also consider busing and how close the school is to your home. My DD and DS's school is about 10-12 minutes away. I do spend a lot of time at school volunteering, and it seems like once a week, I am running something over to school that they forgot. Some people at our school have to drive daily because they are outside the busing district, which means two trips a day (although some have the option to bus for an additional cost, about $500.00 per child). Busing to me is very important because it eliminates about an hour out of my day (even at 12 minutes a day, that is 12 minutes each way, twice for a total of an hour).

One other thing that I would look at is parent involvement. Some schools require a certain number of volunteer hours, some don't. I would ask about volunteer opportunities and ask the percentage of parents that do volunteer. It is a great opportunity to really meet and develop friendships with the families with whom your children go to school and a good, informal way to get to know the teachers and administrators at your school.

I would also ask about enrichment or special education programs. For example, we discovered right before kindergarten that my daughter had hearing loss (not a surprise, family trait). They have been wonderful to work with in class selection and working with the district DHH teacher. Also, we discovered that my DS is somewhat advanced in math (although no child prodigy). He is now in math enrichment so that he has a little bit of challenge in that area.

Because technology is so important in today's world, I would also ask in which ways it is being used in the classroom. Does each class have a computer, do they have tech classes, are some tests done on the computer, do the teachers have smartboards, etc.

Good luck!

 

[kiddisney]

the list is really on the mark -

but the best is the feeling that you get in the school -

my kids are in catholic school and we compete against both public, catholic, and private schools, and we have found that the best schools are the ones that make your kids feel like a family - remember - school is a five day a week - 6-7-8 hours a day - and you really want your kid to feel comfortable and wanted -

as you're researching schools - the academics will fall in place - but the family feeling needs to stand out -

 

[shelly3girls]

I would also ask about curriculum (does it meet state standards, can kids work at their own pace, etc). I would also ask about enrichment. If your child excels in one particular area is there an accelerated program? Are children grouped by ability (reading and math groups, I prefer them and think children make out better with them). How much pressure is there on the younger grades? We left a school that gave numerical grades to Kindergarteners. My DD felt a lot of pressure seeing %'s and getting letter grades that young. In my opinion it was too young.

Good luck deciding, I know it is difficult. Please know though that this decision is not permanent. We moved DD in 2nd grade when we felt the school was not right for us and she adjusted easily. Do your best in deciding but don't obsess over it.

 

[disneyjunkie]

sorry

 

[disneyjunkie]

The DIS is going wacky again

 

[disneyjunkie]

Well, I cannot believe it is time to start looking at schools for my son. We have gotten TONS of information on schools in the area and have narrowed it down to 7. We tour the first one on Friday.

What should I be looking for? What kinds of questions should I make sure I ask? I am so nervous about this and DH is so calm about it!

Kristine

When we moved back to NY (almost 8 years ago) I looked into enrolling my son in faith-based schools. (Catholic or Protestant). The schools looked great. The kids, staff and parents were all quite happy and loved the schools.

I went with a public school for two reasons.

Certification and class size.

The Catholic elementary schools in my area have huge teacher-student ratios. It's not uncommon to have a class with 30 (close to 40 ) students and one teacher.

The Protestant schools all had small class sizes.

Both schools had a large number of teachers who were not certified. When I asked about certification, the principals would tell me what great Christians their teachers were. They would go on and on about how many years they've been members of the church or how active they were in the Church.


Now my son attends a Catholic high school. When I asked the dean of admission about the teacher's background she went on and on about their levels of education (all are required to have an MA/MS in their area ) and their years of experience. They won’t hire teachers who are not certified.

The class sizes are small, I believe no more than 20-22 students per class.

 

[GatorGirl]

Wow that is a great list aliceacc-- TY! We are starting this exact same process this month as well. Our public elementary school is average, test scores are not the best but by far not the worst either in our area either. But the 4th and 5th grade scores have dropped in the last couple of years and that concerns me enough to look to private schools as an option.

The current private preschool we attend is exactly the "family"/wanted child type environment kiddisney was talking about in his/her post and that we are looking for in an elementary school. I am also probably looking too hard at the academics which is something I can see I have a tendency to push on DD and I need to be careful about that. Class size would be another deal breaker, if I am paying for school then I definitely want the smaller classes and for whatever reason the catholic schools do seem to have the larger classes.

 

[Aliceacc]

OK... I know I'm going to get slammed for this.

The Catholic HS in which I teach is not noted for its small class size. Right now my classes range from 27 to 33-- large compared to the local public schools.

But I've got to tell you: discipline is a non issue. If I have a 38 minute period. I can teach for 38 or sometimes 39 minutes. Interruptions are minimal and minor. Kids who are disruptive are dealt with by the administration. Kids who continue to make trouble tend not to stay. And our kids are grouped by ability level, so that the scenario where one kid doesn't understand and holds up the class-- it rarely happens. So, in all honesty, I can say that the biggest disadvantage to that larger class size in my case is that I have more tests to grade.

When parents question the class size, the normal response is that it is how we can afford to keep the wonderful teachers we have. (Our pay is competitive with some of the local public schools.) Smaller class size would mean either a tuition increase or pay cuts, with the accompanying flight of incredible teachers who have bills of their own to pay.

So, sure, small class size is great. But be careful about making any one factor (other than safety) a deal breaker.

 

[Mkrop]

Yeah Catholic school! I am a big proponent of faith based education.

I think Alice gave you a very comprehnsive list. I love the family atmosphere of our school. I can volunteer as much or as little as I have time for. The kids are very well mannered and well behaved. Our class size can not go above 30, DS10 has been 25 from Day One. I did Catholic school my whole life with some large class size. I never saw the big deal and we were separated by ability for key things like Math and Reading. I think this large class size prepared me for some of the lecture type classes in college.

All of our teachers are certified, and Sister does emphasizes this when she does her open houses.

A friend of mine when trying to decide where to send his daughter went to each school at recess time after lunch to see how the kids interacted (he got permission), the kids at the public school were swearing (K-5) and even a fight broke out, went to the Catholic school, the kids were playing great, a little rough in the foootball game, no swearing and when a teacher spoke, the respect was there, something that I feel is lacking these days, respect for adults esp teachers. He said it was a no brainer bc everything else in regards to academics and enrichment was the same.

Good luck!

 

[GatorGirl]

OK... I know I'm going to get slammed for this.

The Catholic HS in which I teach is not noted for its small class size. Right now my classes range from 27 to 33-- large compared to the local public schools.

But I've got to tell you: discipline is a non issue. If I have a 38 minute period. I can teach for 38 or sometimes 39 minutes. Interruptions are minimal and minor. Kids who are disruptive are dealt with by the administration. Kids who continue to make trouble tend not to stay. And our kids are grouped by ability level, so that the scenario where one kid doesn't understand and holds up the class-- it rarely happens. So, in all honesty, I can say that the biggest disadvantage to that larger class size in my case is that I have more tests to grade.

When parents question the class size, the normal response is that it is how we can afford to keep the wonderful teachers we have. (Our pay is competitive with some of the local public schools.) Smaller class size would mean either a tuition increase or pay cuts, with the accompanying flight of incredible teachers who have bills of their own to pay.

So, sure, small class size is great. But be careful about making any one factor (other than safety) a deal breaker.

aliceacc -- TY you again. I know class size shouldn't be a deal breaker and just for the record DH went to an awesome Catholic HS, very very afforable (it still is very affordable and we give them $$$ every year too) and his class was the biggest graduating in school history at that time. I agree, especially since I was in the local public high school at the time, that discipline in DH's school was a non-issue. You think I should focus more on how they group the kids than on the class size itself? I will probably be peppering you with questions as I go through this process this month if you don't mind. I am considering 3 religious school -- catholic, lutheran, and presbyterian -- mostly because they are affordable and a fairly decent commute from my house. We have several large private schools here (Atlanta) but they carry college plus size tuitions and DH and decided we could definitely find an affordable private school for DD that doesn't break the bank. You guys keep the advice and suggestions coming, I need all the help I can get!

 

[Mkrop]

aliceacc -- TY you again. I know class size shouldn't be a deal breaker and just for the record DH went to an awesome Catholic HS, very very afforable (it still is very affordable and we give them $$$ every year too) and his class was the biggest graduating in school history at that time. I agree, especially since I was in the local public high school at the time, that discipline in DH's school was a non-issue. You think I should focus more on how they group the kids than on the class size itself? I will probably be peppering you with questions as I go through this process this month if you don't mind. I am considering 3 religious school -- catholic, lutheran, and presbyterian -- mostly because they are affordable and a fairly decent commute from my house. We have several large private schools here (Atlanta) but they carry college plus size tuitions and DH and decided we could definitely find an affordable private school for DD that doesn't break the bank. You guys keep the advice and suggestions coming, I need all the help I can get!

Gator Girl

Good luck in your search. I too graduated with a very large class in HS (800 kids). We had our share of issues but when I talk to DH who did public they were not on the same scale. We were tracked during grade school (graduated with 80, 40 in each class) and tracked during HS so I was always challenged (sometimes too much but then I was dropped down a track in one area science ugh and all was good!)

Another plus if the school is K-8 is not all the middle school drama. These kids have been together forvever, there are cliques but it isnt as bad from what I am told. The kids are also encouraged to interact and act as mentors to the younger kids so I think this helps keep them on their better behavior as well, they are reminded that the little ones look up to them.

If you have friends or if you can ask families who kids have been through the program, that will give you wonderful insight. Our school gives you a host family that you can call with questions, so see if they have something like that.

 

[connorlevismom]

Wow - thanks so much for all the great information and things to think about.

All the schools that we are looking at have a max of 25 kids in a class and most of them hover around 16-17 kids in a class.

The #1 reason we are sending DS to private school is because of the discipline and respect that is taught and expected of the kids. I think that public schools just don't have the authority to discipline the kids and that is unfortunate. Besides that, the schools in my area are NOT good at all so public is just not an option.

I do have a concern but it will be one of the first questions I ask the school. I grew up catholic but am now lutheran. So we are not catholic and I am a little bit concerned about sending DS to a school that is not our faith. But those just happened to be the schools that I liked the best, on paper.

It is great that there are so many different views on here. From parents, to teachers, to parents that are just starting the search like we are.

Kristine

 

[brymolmom]

One caution for Catholic schools - depending where you are - they MIGHT not get the funding they need for certain programs. Public schools get way more funding (depending) for 'special' programs - whether they be things geared toward the advanced student or geared toward a student needing extra help.

I went K - 8 to a very good Catholic school in a great, 'high end' suburb and when I got to the public school in 9th grade I was WAY behind my peers. Granted, I had areas that I had way more knowledge than they did (I could graph the heck out of a sentence but had read very literature like everyone else). And, most important to me at the time - I was not offered the advanced, year-ahead courses that the kids in the public schools were. So - advanced kids my age were taking their 10th grade Math and Science and I was stuck taking the 9th grade level since the Regents exams weren't available in my 8th grade.

There are a lot of aspects I love about Catholic schools (I'm a huge proponent of uniforms for ALL schools), but because i was set so far behind in my own education by attending one I have opted to send my own kids to public.

So watch out for this type of situation - it can happen!

 

[Aliceacc]

For what it's worth, I must 'fess up: My kids go to public school.

I was home for 6 years, and we simply don't have the money for Catholic Elementary school. (I'm hoping we can swing it in a few years for HS... time will tell.) Neither my school nor my husband's give any sort of a break in tuition for kids of faculty members.

And I DO love the school my kids attend. My son's current teacher is the only one I haven't been totally thrilled with; she has an infant at home and changed grades the week before school opened, so she's understandably a bit overwhelmed. (But everyone LOVED her when she taught Kindergarten.)

So not all public schools are "bad" or even the bad choice. My youngest goes twice a week for speech, so it will be easier for her to get speech services next year in the public Kindergarten anyway.

As to the question of a school that's of a different faith: Last year, when I was interviewing to re-join the work force, I had one interview at a wonderful Luteran HS near here. (They DID offer free tuition for kids of faculty members.) Had I not gotten the job back at my old school, I would have gone there and that would have been the HS my kids attended. The differences between the Catholic and Lutheran faiths aren't huge. My kids attend church and know the basics of their faith. For us, it wouldn't have been the end of the world.