Tuition is an important factor to consider as you compare private programs for your child – but it is not the only factor that matters. You also need to learn about the details of what the program offers and how it is operated. Some of the factors beyond tuition that you should consider as you compare private programs are before and aftercare, enrichment opportunities, educational philosophy, and student to teacher ratio.

Before and aftercare

Before and aftercare are essential for many families. If you need to get to work before the school day starts and finish after it is over, you need to think about before and aftercare. One option is to have your child in a before and aftercare program that is separate from his or her school. That design requires you to deal with some extra logistics because you have to arrange a way for your child to get from before care to school and then back again in the afternoon. In addition, it gives you an extra place to have to think about paying each month. To make things easier on parents and caregivers, some private programs offer before and aftercare. This will streamline everything for you and provide your child with a consistent environment and approach to learning throughout the day.

Enrichment opportunities

Another factor to consider as you compare private programs is the available enrichment opportunities. Private programs have more freedom than public programs to offer unique enrichment opportunities. The red tape involved in bringing in a new program to a public school does not exist in private programs. This means that you can find unique enrichment opportunities for your child if you carefully choose a private program. You can explore available enrichment programs on the school’s website and reach out to the administration of the school to get the latest information about enrichment programs.

Educational philosophy

The educational philosophy of the private program you choose will have a major impact on your child’s experience. Educational philosophy impacts factors such as the design of the classroom, role of the teacher, expectations of the students, and the curriculum. Learn about the educational philosophy at any school you consider to make sure that it aligns with your own beliefs about education and learning.

Student to teacher ratio

The student to teacher ratio is worth considering as you look at private programs for your child. The number of students in the classroom will impact how much individualized attention your child receives. If the classroom is too large, the role of the teacher can shift from instructing students to managing student behavior. A private school that prioritizes keeping the student to teacher ratio small will leave room for more interaction between the teacher and your student.

There is a lot to consider as you compare private school programs for your child. Tuition costs plus the elements outlined above can provide you with a big picture understanding of whether a particular private school is the right fit for your child. If you are interested in learning more about Fountainhead Montessori School, schedule a time to tour the campus and observe a classroom.