Moving your child from public to private school is a big change. There are a number of factors to consider as you try and make a move. Two of the biggest factors you need to consider include: the private schools that are available in your area and your goals for your child’s education.

The private schools that are available in your area

If you are unhappy with the education your child is receiving in public school, you may be considering private school. Your child’s education impacts his or her life now and will impact future opportunities. It is important to do all you can to make sure your child gets a quality education. If public school isn’t working, you may think that any private program will be an improvement. The reality is that one private program can be drastically different from another private program. The details of the program will impact your child’s transition from one to another.

You can help your child with this in two ways: choose a high-quality private program and talk to your child about the things that will be different. For example, Fountainhead Montessori is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The WASC has a list of standards that a program must meet in order to receive accreditation. Looking at accredited schools is a good place to start the process of choosing a program.

Once you choose a private program for your child, talk about the ways that private school will be different. At Fountainhead Montessori School, for example, your child will find stations that allow for hands-on learning set up around the classroom. This is a different design from many public school classrooms that have rows of desks facing the front of the room. Even positive change can be difficult so it is a good idea to learn about the major differences at the private school you choose and talk through some of those differences before that first day at school.

Your goals for your child’s education

Your goals for your child’s education are something to think about as you consider a move from public school to private school. How you view education will impact which private program you choose. Are you focused on academic success in the classroom and the immediate future? Do you think that education should be focused on long-term goals? The way you answer those questions will impact which private program you choose. For example, in the Montessori Philosophy, the purpose of education is to prepare students for success in life. If your own beliefs about education are similar, then you should consider transitioning your child from public school to a Montessori program.

Transitions can be difficult, but moving your child from public school to a private program is one transition worth making. A great way to really see the differences that a private program can provide is to observe a class. At Fountainhead Montessori School you can schedule a time to tour the campus and observe a class to help you with your decision-making process.