What factors are important in choosing the first school for my child?

Question

What really matters - travel distance, academic performance, fees, sports program, facilities, teachers, principal, curriculum ??? What questions should I be asking to work out whether the school is right for my child?

Answer 1

All those things matter. But, you have to decide what morals and values you want your child to have and then make the choice based on that. You are going to have to help them with the academic part, no matter what school your child attends. The public schools in the area where I live are very unsafe due to the social economic makeup of the city that I live in. Therefore my husband and I put our kids in private school. I think that environment is the most important factor. If the school seems to not be up to your standards (for example you start in public school but realize that it was not the best fit for your child you can always change the school in the middle of the school year.) There are really no hard and fast answers it really depends on what you want out of the school. I have also found that even though we have a boy and a girl most schools are geared towards teaching girls. Boys tend to take a little long with the English and Reading skills and excel at math and science. Most school are bias in favoring girls. So the best way to measure is if your child is always building and improving on what skills they have.
Good Luck!

Answer 2

Justwondering's response brings up a good point... When I taught in a private school, parents had to sign a contract. If you pulled your kids out before the end of the school year, you owed for the entire year. (Every once in a while they would make exceptions, like an employment transfer and such.)
I would check out www.greatschools.net as well. They will provide info such as teacher/student ratio and parents can log-in and rate their school.
Having worked in several schools, the feeling you get when you walk in is very valid. How are you greeted and treated by office staff and administration when you drop by for a visit? Is the school well-maintained? Do the teachers seem happy? There are no hard and fast rules but be sure to trust your instincts. If you're not sure about a particular school, make another impromptu visit and you just might find your answer.

Hope this helps,
Mon :-)