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Step 1
Look for certain things in a school when visiting. Observe a teacher in the grade your child will be starting in and take notice of how the children act around that teacher. Check out the parent-teacher organization to see what kind of activities they are getting the students and parents involved in.
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Step 2
Consider the needs of your child. If your child needs structure, perhaps a private school is best. If they need less structure, maybe a public school is right for him or her. If your child has a learning disability, you will need to find a school that can offer specialized and more individual care. If your child speaks a different language, you will need to find a school that offers a translator or an extensive English-speaking course.
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Step 3
Collect information about various schools in the area. Find out what the schools are like from family and friends. They will have a lot of influence on what you decide. Call school officials and ask them about their school and what they have to offer your child.
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Step 4
Research the curriculum of the schools you are looking at. Make sure they have a strong core program that will help your child learn what he or she needs to make it in college and the real world.
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Step 5
Find out if the school offers programs for gifted students, and check to see if they have extracurricular activities such as band, choir and sports.
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Step 6
Assess which school your child will fit into personally. Don't choose a school based on social position, and don't assume that a private school will be better than a public school. Keep your child's interests at heart and determine what will be best for the child involved.
