How to Choose a Private Elementary School

A private elementary school can be a wise investment, if chosen properly. Private schools offer small classrooms and plenty of extra activities that public schools are unable to provide. At a religiously oriented school, the fact that the religious education takes place during the school day is a bonus. Finding the right private school takes careful research; there are many factors to consider.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Call, Choose, and Test

1. About a year before your child is ready to start kindergarten, look up the private schools in your area. Decide if you want a religious private school or a non-sectarian one.

2. Call the schools you're interested in and ask if you can schedule a tour with your child.

3. During the tour, ask to see the classroom of your child's current grade. Ask to see work from current students. That way, you can compare the private school students' progress to that of your child's current school and see if it meets your expectations. Also ask to see the classroom where your child will be next year.

4. Look beyond the daily classroom environment. If the school offers specialist programs, like a foreign language, music, computers or drama, ask to see those classrooms, too. If there are field trips, ask how the children travel and who drives them.

5. Take a tour of the grounds. There should be plenty of play equipment that will build strong bodies, as well as an open play area for group games. If not shown, ask to see where the students play during bad weather.

6. If you like the school, ask for an application. Next, your child will have to have an evaluation. Most schools have your child come in during a class day, to do some work with the regular class and take a skills test. You will not be present. Do not ask to be present, because you'll make your child nervous. The school evaluates whether your child can handle the academic and social aspects of the school. Be prepared to give references.

7. Apply to several schools, in case your favorite doesn't have space.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure you buy the tuition insurance offered. If you change your mind or need to move suddenly, you'll be refunded your tuition.
• Many private schools offer non-advertised, confidential scholarships.
• Don't be discouraged if your child doesn't get in this year. There may be room next.
• Look at how the children behave toward each other and adults. A good private school demands good manners toward everyone.
• Many private schools don't allow parent volunteers in classrooms.
• Children with aggressive self-control issues or other red flags will be turned away. Private schools can also expel students with behavior problems more readily than a public school.

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