Kindergarten, middle school, high school, college – it never stops being a tough decision no matter how much older your kids get. When you’re picking a school for them (or with them), there’s a lot of pressure on you as a parent to make the right decision for them, or guide your older kids to choose what will be best for them.
With a decision that will literally impact their entire future, you might be wondering which way to go. Here are a few big and important questions to ask yourself during your decision process.
Public or Private?
Private schools often come with a big price tag but can be well worth the investment into your child’s future. When you want nothing but the best for your kids, looking into private preparatory school admissions could be the right direction for you and your family.
However, government-funded schools still have a lot to offer kids of all ages and from all different backgrounds. For a family on a tighter budget, this is a perfectly good option and your kids will still receive a stellar education.
Aside from money, another element to consider is whether or not your child will personally fit in and benefit from a private school.
Co-Ed or Split?
Co-ed versus same gender schools is a big debate. Choosing whether your child will mingle with boys and girls or be educated in a single-sex school is another big decision. This can play a huge role in how they develop socially and also impact their academic performance over time.
In the end, this is a very personal decision that will come down to you and your family, your beliefs and preferences, but keep in mind that it could impact your child for years to come.
What Are Your Kid’s Strengths and Weaknesses?
Different schools offer different opportunities, especially when it comes to extracurricular activities. Some schools are more culturally inclined whilst others breed world-class sports stars and athletes.
While academics should be your top priority, your child’s happiness will also be determined by whether or not they are able to flourish in non-academic environments and even social circles at school.
What About After School?
When thinking about school, you also need to think beyond school. Consider the graduates of the schools you’re considering – what paths did they seem to take after school? How many of them went on to higher education? Does this align with you and your child’s ideas for their own future?
Ask yourself whether the school seems like a good environment for your child to grow into the best version of themselves with their own personal skills and talents.
Final Thoughts
Your child’s age is a big contributing factor here – for younger kids, the decision lies squarely on your shoulders, but picking out a high school for your older kids will certainly require their input and opinions.
Take the decision process hand-in-hand with your kids, make sure they know their opinions are valid and help guide them to see the bigger picture and make the right decision for their futures.
