Private Schools

Area offers wide range of private schools

Selecting a school is one of the most important decisions that parents make for their children. As parents consider what type of education is best for their children when moving to a new area, they often expand their search to include private school options.

When parents look beyond the local public school, it is important to consider what will work best for their child’s personality, strengths, needs and interests and how with the family’s values and lifestyle.

Here are some thoughts to consider when weighing the best private school choice for your family:

SCHOOL CULTURE AND Each school has a distinct culture and teaching philosophy that should be considered when choosing the right school for your family. Some schools have a strong sense of community, religious individuality, artistic pursuits, creative thinking and problem-solving skills. It is important to determine what type of school you are looking for at its core.

• Does the school’s mission line up with what is important to you as a family? Most private schools offer Open House events and campus tours. You can learn more on the school website and by scheduling a school visit to ensure the school culture aligns with your family values. • Are you interested in a particular teaching philosophy—for example, classical and Christian, a church-af • Are you seeking a school with a balanced sporting and academic approach, one with strengths in artistic and musical areas, one with a strong STEM curriculum (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or one that has all of the above? • Small class sizes have been shown to have a positive effect on children’s learning. Research the school’s website to see the teacher-student ratio. • What academic successes have graduates of the school achieved? Check the website and ask questions about National Merit recognitions and what colleges the graduates have attended. • What are requirements for school faculty? What opportunities do faculty have for professional development?

• Do you want your children to attend the same type of school that you attended or are you interested in them having a different experience? • How will things like the location of to and from the school affect you? • How will paying tuition affect your family budget in the short and long term? How many children will you send to private school? Does the school offer tuition assis • If you have other children, is it important that all your children go to the same school?