Deciding on the right private school for your child is important, especially during their foundational years. These are times full of possibilities and potential, when their mind is curious and their joy contagious. Whether you’re considering a particular school because of its academic reputation or its breadth of resources, it’s essential that you consider the full experience and gather all the information you need to make the best choice for you and your family.
With that in mind, here are some of the most important things to consider when evaluating private elementary schools.
Philosophy
You want to find an elementary school that will set the foundation for your child in the five key areas that are central to their growth. We call these areas “domains”: the emotional, language, cognitive, sensory, and creative components. A curriculum that supports each domain is essential to fostering a child that is healthy and well-rounded.
For reference, here are three questions to ask about the philosophy and curriculum when exploring schools.
- What is the learning environment like?
- What kinds of unique opportunities are available that other schools don’t have?
- How are children inspired to feel engaged and excited about learning?
Care and Security
During the week, students spend most of their day at school. Creating a secure campus that makes both students and parents feel comfortable is key to establishing the reassurance that families deserve. Do teachers know each student well? Do children feel cared for and part of a well-adjusted classroom environment? Does the school have an electronic security system in place? Are visitors required to register and receive a temporary ID? These are questions for which you should know the answers.
“Students should feel like they’re at a home away from home when they’re in any classroom.”
—Janet Hill, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, The Seven Hills School
Academics
We all want our children to succeed academically, yet some methods of learning are more effective than others. Research has shown that children learn best when they personally relate to the subject matter. They engage with and remember more material through direct experience. So whether they’re learning measurements by baking a cake, studying the colonists by spinning wool, or following the scientific method by observing just-hatched chicks, they’re gaining firsthand knowledge that sticks with them.
It’s imperative to have expert faculty who not only understand this idea, but who can also implement it inside and outside of the classroom, in fun and engaging ways. And, just as important, the faculty should enjoy what they do. If they don’t have a passion for teaching children of this age, then your child may miss a great opportunity to enhance their learning experience. Always remember that you should never have to settle for anything less than what is best for your child.
Culture
Students respond positively when they feel cared for. Social and cognitive learning go hand in hand. Children who feel supported do better in their studies, are more likely to welcome challenges, and recover more quickly from setbacks. The best school cultures encourage students to explore their feelings, treat everyone respectfully, and cultivate empathy.
It is vital to have faculty that can nurture and guide students toward these goals. When children come to school every day, they should feel just as cared for and looked after as they do at home. Most importantly, they should feel comfortable growing into the person they are meant to be.
“School should be a student’s second family. It is so important that each and every one of them feel loved and cared for.”
—Chris Garten, Head of School, The Seven Hills School
Tuition and Expenses
In selecting a private school, one of the biggest factors families need to address is tuition. And while it is true that the cost can be a barrier to some families, many schools are willing to work with applicants to make a private education more accessible for their budgets. Think about it this way: if your child is already in day care, the financial commitment may be comparable. The leap from day care to private school may not be as significant of a hurdle as you think.
From financial aid to payment plans, it’s worth speaking to a school’s admissions office to determine how you can bring tuition within your reach.
At The Seven Hills School, we know that the decision-making process can be both exciting and challenging. And that’s why we’re here to help. If you’re interested in learning how to best set your child up for success, please visit meetshs.org or contact The Seven Hills School at 513-728-2400.