What are the most impotant factors in choosing an elementary school?

Question

We have a four year old going to K5 this fall and have several private and public school choices in Macon, GA. I'm interested to know what you have found to be the most important factors in choosing a school. So many choices, and so little time.

Answer 1

I think you should look at the state test scores for Math and English from the schools because those are the two important things going on in school these days. Also, schools with higher scores get more grants for things their school needs.

Answer 2

Here's what I would be checking out.

What curriculum does the school follow? (Is there a state curriculum where you are?) Do they supplement curriculum in the areas of the arts (music, drama, visual aret) and sports?

What are the typical class sizes? Will the kindergarten teacher have an aide?

What supports are there for students in the areas of special education needs? How do they monitor students' progress/needs and what is the communication/consultation process with parents?

What is the physical condition of the building and its classrooms?

What are the school's safety/security procedures?

What is the policy regarding communication with parents and reporting?

You can always ask about the current teacher but that - and school administration - can change so I would be looking at school policy.

What home and school or PTA organization is in place? What are their typical activities? How active are they in the school?

What extra opportunities beyond the classroom does the school provide? e.g. field trips, visiting performers

If your child attends this school for K - 5, what will be the school for 6th grade?

Good luck and please keep in mind that young children adapt to school quite well - usually much more easily than their parents. Stay calm....

Answer 3

small classes (more time for each individual child), good discipline record (schools with a lot of badly behaved kids aren't the best influence), and good test scores/ teacher records. For elementary school, it's really important that they have an excellent educational program to prepare your child. However, I think that the environment (ie: lots of attention, well behaved peers, encourages creativity) is just as important in the first years of school.

Answer 4

truthfully, i do no longer think of that a "good" public college or a "undesirable" public college, or an incredible shape college makes any distinction by any skill. all of them are going to introduce the comparable cloth, at in fact the comparable time. they are going to all grant the comparable "progressed" courses, which will all tech the comparable stuff. The *significant* section is the way you/we the mummy and dad take care of the youngsters while they get domicile. If my daughter have been to return domicile with a map of California, Nevada, and Arizona, and instructed to memorize a thank you to spell them, i could take a seat along with her and coach her different states, and different tips approximately them (capitals, significant cities, state chicken, despite). If she comes domicile with math, I enable her do it, then we take a seat at the same time and be certain it incredibly is top, and if it incredibly is not we bypass by using it at the same time so as that she is familiar with why it became incorrect, and why it incredibly is now miraculous. *Plus*... throw out another problems. If there is not any "greater credit" then make it up your self. take a seat them down and study at the same time, or share pastimes, get them drawn to particularly some issues, or a minimum of get them familiar with issues which could pique their activity later. My daughter likes enjoying her little lap harp probable because of the fact Daddy and Mommy are expert classical musicians, and Mommy is particularly good. My 5yo little woman likes technological information stuff, probably because of the fact i'm additionally an engineering geologist, and whether she would not understand lots relating to the cutaway view of the Earth, it incredibly is interesting. There are not any "good" colleges or "greater effective" public/inner maximum education. it incredibly is what we the mummy and dad do with it while our young toddlers get domicile. by the way, as somebody experienced in this rely -- a $a hundred,00 a year inner maximum college isn't a single ounce greater effective than your interior reach state college. All that's, is a recognition.

Answer 5

does the school do reference checks on all its employees?
is it a young vibrant atmosphere or is it staid and stifling
what is the average length of service of the teachers
is the principal a good leader at the school and in the community
go with your gut feel after visiting the schools you choose to look at
good luck,may your child be happy and encouraged and learn to accept victory and defeat with the same demeanor, and optimism for new discoveries.

Answer 6

Pick the one closest to your home so your kids can walk to school. They need the exercise. It will save on gas for you and they can come home for lunch. This is extremely important since obesity rates are skyrocking in kids these days. They'll do better in school and will be less restless.

Answer 7

talking to other parents can give you a lot of feedback. those parents who said that their child was happy and outgoing about going to school helped us make our choice. i know my kids are not very bright at studying so those schools that left a lot homework were simply taken out. your child should be confortable and happy doing school activities . you will instill in your child his or her study habits. become involved in their education. don´t leave your child´s education merely on the school or the teacher.

Answer 8

The quality of education.

Answer 9

my hubby goes by the schools reputation and "meap test" scores