If you have decided that private school is the right option for your child, then you have several options available from which to choose. How do you decide which one is right for your child? The process of choosing a school does not have to be complicated, but it will take some effort. In order to make an informed decision about your child’s education, you need to consider factors such as location, your beliefs about education, the types of schools available, and then schedule a time to observe a class. These steps will help you narrow down the options and choose a school that is right for your child and your family.

Start close to home

The first step in choosing a school for your child is to consider logistics. It is important to think about the process of getting your child to and from school each day. If there is no way to consistently get your child to a particular school, then there is no reason to consider that school as an option. It is simple to start your search geographically. This step in the process will help you quickly and easily mark options off the list and narrow your focus.

Think about your own beliefs about education

What are your beliefs about education? Answering this question will help you get clear on what you want in a school for your child. Private schools have a lot of freedom and flexibility when it comes to implementing an educational philosophy. You can find a school for your child that aligns with your own educational philosophy once you get clear on your beliefs about education.

Learn more about the various options available in your area

Once you narrow school options down by geography and get clear on your own beliefs about education, you can look closer at the options in your area. You can look at the different types of private schools and get information on how they view learning, design the classroom, and develop expectations for students. Digging into the setup of the different private schools will help you match up the available local options with your beliefs about education.

Schedule a time to observe a class

The final step in choosing a school for your child is to schedule a time to observe a class. Class observation can help you fully understand how the school operates. You can gain insight into how the educational philosophy of the program is implemented and make a final decision about whether or not it is a good fit for your child.

Finding the right school for your child is a task that deserves some thought and effort. You can get help with the process by following the steps outlined above. Fountainhead Montessori School is a private school with multiple campuses in the Bay Area that you can consider during your search.