People relocate to start afresh and explore new opportunities all the time. An average American moves 11 times or more in their lifetime. The general moving process can be tough when you have kids because you still have to hunt for a new school. Read on for practical tips for choosing the right school for your children when moving to simplify the process.
Choose Between Private and Public
The first step would be to choose between private and public schools; the cost is their main differentiating factor. Private schools cost more than public schools because they don’t get government funding. However, they offer personalized attention because they tend to have fewer students. In the U.S., 34,576 private schools serve 5.7 million PK-12 students. These schools enroll nearly 10% of PK-12 students nationwide, accounting for nearly 25% of the nation’s schools.
Identify the private schools in your new neighborhood if you would like your child to be enrolled in one. Similarly, compare the available public schools to get the ideal school that fits your lifestyle. Don’t forget to check the perks included in the fees and charges.
Consider the Location
Be keen on the school’s location to ensure it’s at your and your children’s convenience. The school should be close to your new home if they will be day schooling. After all, you wouldn’t want them to move long distances every morning going to school. Besides distance, the school’s location should be safe and easy to access in an emergency.
Consider your Child’s Unique Needs
Every child has unique personality needs you should remember before choosing their school. For instance, does your child feel more comfortable in a small or large class? How important are sports and extracurricular activities? Do they have special learning needs?
The ideal school should perfectly address your child’s needs. As you choose the right school, consider the classroom sizes, the programs offered, special programs, and the number of teachers against that of the children. Only pick a school that suits the needs of your children.
Check Recommendations
A single source of information may give you an incomplete picture of the school, mainly if you are among the 16% of Americans who move to a different state. Since you are in a new environment, you will need dependable sources to learn more about the school before you allow your kids to join.
Residents are the first source of information to consider. You can also check social media reviews and connect to parents in your new neighborhoods because they may have great recommendations. The key is to gather the right information to avoid future regrets.
Visit the School
By now, you will have a narrow list of schools that you may want to consider. The next step should be to visit the schools of your choice in person to learn more about the school and programs. Ask the school principal if it’s okay for you to visit the school in the company of your child so that they can experience first-hand information and let you know their interests.
Ask Questions
Visiting the school alone won’t help if you are unwilling to ask tough questions. A few things that you may need to know include how the schools handle discipline cases, academic performance, and other details regarding school uniforms and regulations. Only pick the school that satisfactorily answers your questions.
Choose a School That Fits Your Lifestyle
Finding a new school can be overwhelming, mainly if your children have different personalities. You will need a school that accommodates your children’s personalities and meets your financial capability and lifestyle. Hopefully, the above tips will help you pick the ideal school for your children when you move.