Choosing a School: Types of Schools

Parents have a growing array of options in choosing a school, though the extent of the options varies from state to state. The enactment of the landmark No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; the rapid growth of the charter school movement; the increasing number of states enacting voucher, scholarship, and tax credit programs; the expansion of privately funded scholarship programs for low-income children; and the growing acceptance of homeschooling have all increased the choices available to families.
Parents can exercise choice in many ways. The most common way may be in choosing where to live based on the public school district or neighborhood schools. In many areas, parents can choose from neighborhood schools, charter schools or other public schools of choice, or transfer their child to another public school (in or out of district). They can also select a private school (religious or secular) or teach their child at home.
Choosing a School for Your Child offers step-by-step advice on how to choose among the schools available to your child. It identifies important factors you may want to consider before making a decision. As you and your child visit different schools, you may want to consider the questions in each section of this booklet.

Why Should You Choose Your Child's School?

No one cares more about your child's welfare than you do. No one else will be more careful to see that your child is well educated and well treated in school. You know your child's personality, strengths and weaknesses. You know the interests that light up your child's eyes. You know the values that your family wants a school to respect.
Choosing your child's school may also make you more confident that she will be taught effectively and treated fairly. Choosing your child's school carefully is an important way you can help your child achieve all that he can be. This is a head and a heart decision. Don't be afraid to heed your own informed and intuitive wisdom.

Types of School

Public Schools

Moving to a new area? Thinking about transferring your child within district? Considering a charter, single-sex, or other alternative school setting for your child? As a parent, it can be a challenge to wade through the mountains of data and information on local public schools. Look no further! We have tips and tricks to help you make this all important decision about your child's education and future.
To  find, compare, and evaluate individual public and charter schools from elementary through high school

Getting the Education You Want for Your Child

We live in a world driven to perfection.
We work out to get the perfect body, to fit into the perfect outfit, to attract the perfect mate, with whom we will build a perfect life.
So it makes sense that when we have children, we try to make their lives perfect as well. When it comes to choosing the perfect school, things can get a little confusing. That's because schools come in many shapes and sizes and operate from a variety of philosophies.

"I started thinking about schools when Jason was just a little baby," said Julie, a mother of five school-aged children. "I listened to other families describe their choices and got more and more confused. They all liked their schools, but for very different reasons. Which one was right?"

Setting the goals

Choosing the best school for your child is one of the most important decisions your family can make. Happily, today's parents have more choices than ever, with charter schools, private schools and public schools of choice. Yet all the variety, and competing sales pitches, can make the choice confusing.

"The best possible educational experience will focus on five fundamental goals," writes school psychologist Brandi Roth, Ph.D. in her book Choosing the Right School for Your Child. "These will be helpful to keep in mind as you evaluate the different schools available to you." The five goals:

1. Giving your child a sound learning experience
2. Creating psychological well-being and growth
3. Finding an environment that allows your child to learn socialization skills from classmates, friends and other caring adults
4. Developing skills and interests in activities that will result in physical health and fitness
5. Reaching the child's potential for the highest moral development and behavior

All families want these things for their children. But the priority given to any one area varies from family to family. That's why before you begin a school search, you will need to sit down and decide what kind of learning experience you want for your child. To do that, you need to assess your child's personality and learning styles, your family's values, and your relationship to your community.

Author: Linda Wacyk
Source: EduGuide