Choosing a School for Your Kids

Yep, it's that time of year again. Time to think about registering for 2012-'13.  Hard to believe, isn't it? 

Parents face many decisions this time of year. They need to determine if they would like to send their young children to 3K and 4K, and for whole days or half days, mornings or afternoons. Do they go public or private? For older students, do they stick with the school they're at, or look at different options if it's not working out how they had hoped. 

I work for Brookfield Christian School, a Christian grade school in Brookfield, and I have walked through the halls with parents facing these decisions and more for over seven years now. It's usually an exciting time (sometimes a sad time — especially when the baby is heading off to school!) and I try to make the process as painless as possible. 

I suggest scheduling a tour of the school with your student if you can, and if possible, sitting in on a class and observing (without your child if it's more helpful for you). For older students who might be changing schools, it can be helpful for the student to shadow in a class, meet the teacher and maybe talk to other students if they're comfortable. We often have students shadow for a half day and stay for lunch if they like.

I think it's important to look at the future — is this a place you can see your family long-term? The older your student is, the harder it is to make the change to a new school. 

Here are a few questions parents often ask, and some tips I've gathered over the years:

Do I really need to register NOW?  It's only January/February? 

Yes, for the most part. For our school, we tend to open up registration to our returning families in January, and then open to new families in early- to mid-February. We typically fill our openings in our early childhood spots by the end of March at the latest, with some movement throughout the spring and summer. Then longer you wait, the more stressful it can become. 

Should I enroll my younger child in Pre-K or Kindergarten?

That's a question you should discuss with the teacher and the school if you're not sure. Typically, schools do screening in the spring to make sure your child is ready. Sometimes, if your child is on the young end but still meets the age requirements, it's best to wait to start them. Sometimes, they're ready to rock. There's nothing wrong with waiting if they need to mature socially, emotionally and physically a bit more, but if you and the teacher agree your younger child is ready, then go for it!

Children typically need to turn 3 for 3-year-old programs by Sept. 1, and should be potty -trained. (It's true, your child might not be potty-trained when you register, but you've got months to work on it. You can talk to the teacher and the school as you get closer if you have concerns.) For Pre-K programs, students typically must turn 4 by Sept. 1, and turn 5 by Sept. 1 for Kindergarten.

For older students, how is the transition handled academically and socially?

Ask how the staff will help your older child make the change to a new school — often there are some differences in how math and reading are taught, or how far along students will be in various subjects. Will the staff work one-on-one with your student to get them caught up or keep them challenged? Are there tutors available to help if they need additional help outside school? Is there someone the student can talk to, such as a guidance counselor, to help with the social and emotional transition? Are there opportunities for the students to meet other students in athletic or social situations? We often pair new families with a "mentor family" in the small grade or a grade above to help.

What should I be looking for in a school program?  Parents often ask me these questions:

What are the hours and the schedule?

What happens in a typical day?

How is reading taught? Math?

What is the class size? Teacher: student ratio?

Is there before- or after-school care available?

What extra-curriculars are available?

Do you teach foreign language, and if so, when does it begin?

How is discipline handled?

How do you communicate with parents?

For private schools, there are a few additional considerations:

What are the expectations and opportunities for parent involvement?

How is the school run? Is there a board? How is it structured?

Is there a specific church affiliated with a religious school? 

What is the cost? Are there discounts or financial aid available? How do I apply?

Is there transportation available? 

Is hot lunch served?

Are the teachers certified? What is the average years of experience of the staff?

How do you handle situations where kids need additional resources and support?  What if my child isn't being challenged in the classroom?

If there isn't a high school, ask where students typically go to high school, and how alumni do in high school.