If you want to have your children go to public school, there is not much you need to do in order to find the right fit. The public school your child will attend is dictated by factors that are controlled by the district. In most situations, students attend the public school that is closest to where they live. However, if you are considering private school, it is completely up to you to evaluate the options. Choosing the right private school for your child requires you to evaluate each program on a number of factors. Three of the most important elements to consider are educational philosophy, availability of enrichment programs, and your in-person classroom observation.

Educational philosophy

The educational philosophy of a private school is the element that dictates the design of the classroom, the development of the curriculum, and the availability of extra programs. For example, in the Montessori classroom, you will find stations set up around the room for individual and group learning. This design is a direct result of the Montessori Philosophy of education. The educational philosophy of a program is the most important factor to evaluate when trying to choose the private school that is best for your student. If you do not agree with the educational philosophy of a program, you should take it off of your list for consideration. Finding a private school that aligns with your beliefs about learning and education is the foundational element for a high-quality school experience.

Availability of enrichment programs

Another element to consider when evaluating private schools is the availability of enrichment programs. What opportunities do you want for your child outside of the core subjects? Enrichment programs allow students to explore new topics and develop skills. Private schools have the flexibility to offer unique and valuable enrichment programs. You can evaluate the quality of each private school you consider based on the enrichment programs that are offered.

Classroom observation

An in-person classroom observation is one of the best ways to assess the quality of a private school. There are some things you simply cannot learn about a school from reading a brochure or browsing a website. Class observation is a way to see everything you learn about a private school put into action. You can see how the educational philosophy of a program is applied in the classroom. You will also get the opportunity to watch the teacher interact with students. Once you have narrowed down your options for a private school, schedule a class observation at your top picks to help with your final decision.

The private school you choose for your child’s early education will have a lasting impact. It is worth your time to thoroughly evaluate each program you are considering. Fountainhead Montessori School has campuses in Dublin, Danville, Livermore, Pleasant Hill, and Orinda. If you are in any of those areas and are exploring private school, be sure and put FMS on your list. We will be happy to answer all of your questions about private school in general and Montessori school in particular.