Private school is an investment in your child's education and future. Your family is paying a lot of money, so you want to make sure your child is getting the best possible experience at the school you choose. When you start looking at private schools, the options can be overwhelming. However, some features are more important than others. So, here are five things to look for in a private school for your child.
Small Class Sizes
With smaller classes, a teacher is able to provide more individual attention to each student. Small class sizes are common in the best private schools, with a typical student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. This is one of the major advantages private schools often have over public schools, where the class sizes are much bigger. So make sure that you're checking for class size as you look at schools. If there are too many children, your child might not get enough attention to make it worth attending.
Qualified Staff
You want your child to be taught by qualified teachers, no matter where they go to school. Since private schools don't necessarily follow all the same rules as public schools when it comes to hiring, you need to make sure that your chosen school is staffed by qualified teachers and administrators. Look at their mission statement on the school website as well as any biographical information that is available on their staff. If you can't find that information, don't be afraid to contact the school and ask. If you're sending your child to a private school for superior education, it is necessary to make sure they will be getting that education from experts.
Accessibility
The school that your family chooses must be accessible to your child. Accessibility comes in many forms. If your child has a physical disability, they'll need to be able to move efficiently around the school. There are 17 million elevators and escalators in use throughout the world today. Check if your child's potential school provides one. If they don't, your child might not be able to access everything the school has to offer.
You should also look for academic accessibility as well. Students have a wide variety of needs and many will need accommodations in order to be successful at school. How does this private school make learning accessible for all of its students? If your child isn't able to thrive in the school because they lack access, they'll get frustrated and fall behind their classmates.
Ample Support
The small class sizes and focus on academics make private schools an excellent choice. But make sure that your child has ample support during the school day. What kinds of adults are they surrounded by? Are the teachers caring and supportive, or are they distanced? Check for auxiliary staff as well. Many schools will have support staff, as well as librarians, cafeteria workers, custodians, and more. All of these people support the students in their education, so make sure your child will have them around.
Cleanliness
If the private school you're looking at is dirty, that might indicate further problems. Cleanliness is important. In fact, 94% of people say they would avoid a business in the future if they encountered a dirty restroom. So make sure that the school follows sanitary procedures and overall cleanliness.
Choosing a private school for your family can be a stressful task. However, it is made easier when you know what to prioritize in your search. Look for these five things as you consider each school. Since they're all essential to a good education, you'll need all of them in the school you choose. This will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect private school.
