when should I start looking for schools for my son?

Question

My son is 4 months old. When should I start looking for a school for him? How soon? And what's the best way to get started?

Answer 1

Are you wanting a private school? Kids typically go to the public school in their district, so the decision is usually made for you....of course you could research districts and decide whether or not you want to move (although I think you can go to a school out of district in certain circumstances, or if you pay extra? maybe).

But it's still too early to worry yourself with that. I'd wait until the child was 2 or 3, and research schools because some have a preschool as well that he could start going to at that time. If preschool isn't a concern, wait until theyre 3 to research, and when theyre 4 you can take a tour of schools you like and enroll, and by the time theyre 5 they go to school.

If you want a private school, Id just search online. I use yahoo search, and then click on the "local" tab and itll show you all of the private schools in your area (well, most of them). You can look at the ones that have websites or call the ones that dont, and take tours of them.

Answer 2

Well, if you didn't start last year, then there is no way that he will get into Harvard, so his life is pretty much over...just kidding. I wouldn't worry about looking for schools until you know what your child needs. This will take a while, as your son needs to develop into the person for whom you will be choosing the school. The most important thing you can do right now is bond with him and focus on keeping yourself healthy and your husband/partner whatever in the picture.

Too many people spend too much time worrying about something which makes little difference to the well being of children. Start you child'slife out right and start reading to him early and make it fun. Children that have a strong, loving environment and who are read to do better in life and are happier. Stressed out kids whose parents are focused more on getting them into the perfect schools and schedule them for six activities a week do not appreciate it later often, as they see these activities as necessary to getting to the next level. When they get there, they wonder often why they aren't happy.

Enjoy your child and good luck.

Answer 3

Never put off till later what you can conceivably get started on immediately. Couldn't hurt to stay ahead of the game. The best thing to do would be to make some appointments with principals. Have a slew of questions ready. Be aware of the current progressive attitudes today as a result of legislation with Title 9 and other things. Schools have degraded. By talking to the principal, you get a good idea of the curriculums of the school and what she/he looks for while hiring teachers. They'll give you literature to take home and look over. Ask permission to sit in on a class. You'll find out if they talk condescendingly to their students or if their approach is one of nurturing. Also, pay attention to how they treat different genders, races, people of different social strata and national origin.

Answer 4

I think you have pleanty of time. Schools change over time so I would start looking when he's 3. And depending on when his birthday falls is when he starts. So if he was a winter baby, he'll start later, but if he was born in spring- summer period then he'll start on time. Don't ask me why they do it like that. Preschools are going to be the same. If you're gonna put him in public school you don't too much have a choice because of zoning, but in private school, then I would shop around. Talk to a representative at the school about their curriculum, policies, tuition, stuff like that. But I would focus on just getting him through his first years for now.

Answer 5

I am assuming that you want to send your son to public school. Check out the schools in the area you live now. If you like what you are seeing, stay put and look for some caring pre-schools or day care.

If you are concerned or simply not satisfied with your local public schools, check out communities that have what you are looking for. Then you have two choices: 1- look into moving to that area or 2-check out the policies for students attending school that are out of district (most often referred to as inter-district transfers in Southern California).

For now -- just enjoy your 4 month old. Expose him to a variety of stimuli -- sing to him, read to him, play with him, let him touch and manipulate age appropriate items. Just enjoy being with him during these years because they will become a memory quicker than you think. :-)

Answer 6

Another few years. Schools change a lot,different teachers, different rules,etc. When it's time, ask other mothers with school-age kids what their school is like. Use the internet to keep a track of the schools records, how the kids do.

Answer 7

When he's about three or four, but don't PUSH school. You can wait until first grade to start him in school. In some cases this is better. Sometimes they're not ready for school when they're getting into kindergarden age. If they're put into school when they're not ready there's a higher chance of bad grades because they HATE school. They think it is just there to limit them and put them down. School does limit their play time. So, start him when he's ready

Answer 8

Unless you're planning on sending him to an exclusive private school you don't need to start looking for school untill the winter/spring before your son is starting school. Good luck.

Answer 9

wait until he is about 4 years old before you start to worry about which school he is going to go to. In the meantime it doesn't hurt to watch and see what other parents with school age children are doing and ask what they think of their choice of school

Answer 10

it depends. you should start now because some schools have crazy wait lists that might be four years long!!!
do some research with the schools you may be interested in and ask if they have a wait list and how long it is.
then you'll know when you should register!!!