- Date Published:
- 13/03/2009
The US schooling system can provide a good level of education both in state and private schools. The key to picking the best school for your child is first and foremost to visit the school and get a feel for it.
Before your visit:
- Make sure you research your school before visiting. Take a look at the school's profile on websites like greatschools.net.
- If possible, talk to other parents.
- Look up any press articles about the school.
Key subject areas to ask questions about:
- The approach to discipline and safety.
- What library resources are available to students.
- How a student's progess is monitiored.
- What extra-curricular or art programmes are available to students.
- What support is there for children with learning difficulties.
- What the school would consider to be their greatest accomplishment.
- What would they deem their biggest challenge.
- How are students' placements determined?
- Is there a PTA?
- Are foreign languages offered?
- How many students take SATs
- What emphasis in placed on college.
- Ask as much as possible, keeping questions relevant to your child’s requirements.
What to look out for when visiting the school:
- Always try and go into the classrooms and observe the teachers and pupils in action.
- Are the classrooms bright and cheerful with the students' work displayed?
- Do the pupils look engaged; are the teachers enthusiastic?
- How does the principal interact with the pupils?
- Are the students well behaved as they change classrooms?
- What are the facilities like? Are they well maintained?
Every school is different but so is every child. Your main objective is to find a school where your child will be happy and flourish. Choose a school that suits your child. For example, if your child is quite shy then a smaller school with smaller classrooms would best suit.
You can find out more about American schools on www.greatschools.net
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