Finding the Best School for Your Child: A Guide to Public, Private, Charter, and Religious Options

In addition to public schools, there may be a variety of religious and other nonpublic schools available in your area or boarding schools away from home. These schools of choice have been part of the fabric of American education since colonial days. These schools were established to meet the demand to support parents’ differing beliefs about how their children should be Educated.

• Charter Schools - Charter schools are public schools of choice that operate with freedom from many of the local and state regulations that apply to traditional public schools. Charter schools allow parents, community leaders, educational entrepreneurs, and others the flexibility to innovate, create and provide students with increased educational options. Charter schools exercise increased autonomy in return for stronger accountability. They are sponsored by designated local, state, or other organizations that monitor their quality and integrity while holding them accountable for academic results and fiscal practices.

• Religious Private Schools - The majority of nonpublic schools are religious. Many are affiliated with a denomination, local church, or religious faith such as Roman Catholic, Protestant, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other.

• Secular Private Schools - There are also many nonpublic schools without a religious identity or affiliation. Some of these private schools are preparatory schools designed to prepare students for college. These schools often have a traditional or elite reputation and a long history. Other schools are based on a particular educational philosophy or approach to learning, such as Montessori or Waldorf schools; have a special education focus, such as schools for the deaf or blind; or have been established for families and children who may be dissatisfied with various aspects of conventional schools.

• Home Schools - Homeschooling is an option for a growing number of parents. Some parents prepare their own materials and design their own programs of study, while others use materials produced by companies specializing in homeschool materials. Some take advantage of virtual school programs or other educational resources available on the Internet. Of course, exercising this option may require major changes in how your family lives. Teaching your children at home is an ambitious undertaking, requiring time, planning, creativity, and commitment. Be sure to check with your state because different states have different requirements for homeschooling.

Selecting a School for Your Child

How do you pick the best school for your child? Whether you are choosing a public or private school or homeschooling, whether or not you are paying tuition, careful planning is a must. The following sections have questions for you to consider, with workspace for you to write down your thoughts, as you go through the process of choosing a school for your child. Remember, you are looking for a school that will make the educational experience for your child and you as rewarding as possible.

Write Down Five Things That Are Most Important to You

You may wish to write down five things that are most important to you as you consider the choice of a school. As you go through the selection process, you may want to add to and revise your list.

STEP 1: CONSIDER YOUR CHILD & YOUR FAMILY

Start your search for the best school by thinking about what you want a school to do for your child. Perhaps your child has special language or education needs. Keep these in mind. After all, you know your son or daughter better than anyone else does.

Your Child’s Needs

• Does your child need a more structured environment?

• Does your child need a less structured environment?

• Does your child need more challenging work?

• Does your child need more individual attention?

• Does your child generally need extra help or more time to complete an assignment?

• Does your child have any special learning needs?

• Does your child need an environment that fosters creativity?

• Does your child need an English language acquisition program?

Your Child’s Learning Style

• Does your child learn best by seeing how things work?

• Does your child learn best by reading about how something works?

• Does your child learn best by listening?

• Does your child like to participate in discussions?

• Does your child like to learn through physical activity?

• Is your child logical or mathematical? Is your child musical or artistic?

• Does your child like to learn in groups?

• Does your child like to work alone?

Location of School

• Do you want your child to go to a school within walking distance of your home?

• Can your child’s talents be nurtured outside your neighborhood?

• How far are you willing to have your child bused?

• How far are you willing to drive your child to school?

• Does your child want to be in a school with his or her friends?

• Do you want your child to go to a school near your after-school care? Near where you

• work? Near a close relative?

• Does your child have any special transportation needs that must be considered in choosing a school?

"In conclusion, finding the right school for your children is an important decision that can have a significant impact on their academic and personal development. It's worth taking the time to research your options and visit the schools you are considering to get a feel for the campus and community.

At Bright Sunrise Preschool, we believe that we offer a unique and supportive learning environment for students of all ages. From our dedicated faculty and staff to our wide range of extracurricular activities and programs, we strive to provide an exceptional education experience.

We invite you to visit our school and see for yourself what makes us stand out. Take a tour of our campus, meet with current students and faculty, and ask any questions you may have. We believe that seeing is believing, and we are confident that you will see the value in Bright Sunrise Preschool education. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our community."