Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions that you’re ever going to have to make. For some people it can be a lot of pressure because it sets them up for their future, and that’s never something that you want to get wrong. The thing is that if you calm down and do some research, the chances of you getting it wrong are quite slim. You can make the best school choice for your child. There are so many options.

There are so many things to think about, and we know that it can be tough to remember all of them which is exactly why we’ve written this list for you. Down below, we’re going to be taking a dive into some of the things to consider when choosing schools for your child, so if you would like the extra help and tips, feel free to read on.

Tips for Choosing Schools for Your Child

How Far Away Is It?

One of the most important considerations is whether the school is teaching your values in the classroom. But, a close second is how far away the school is from where you live and how you are planning to get your child to school everyday. If you’re going to drive them, then you need to work out what is reasonable for you, and what you can do each day before you have to go to work or whatever else you do in the day.

If you’re not going to be driving them to school and they are going to be getting the school bus, you need to make sure that there is one that passes by relatively close.

Will They Have Any Friends There?

You also want to think carefully about whether or not your child is going to have any friends there. This is more relevant to those who have been in kindergarten or school previously and have made connections. Or, if there are people in the neighborhood that they are friends with, what schools are they going to? It can be daunting to start somewhere new when you don’t know a single person, so if you can wiggle it so they have friends where they are going, that can make a world of difference to them.

What Extra Curricular Clubs Do They Have?

You want to take some time to research the various extracurriculars that they have on offer also. If you know that your child has a particular interest for example, then seeing if a school can cater to this is always something to think about. It might be the case that they can’t, but they have such a wide range of clubs for your child to join that this is enough, and you’re happy for them to try out all of these new things.

Is It A Good School?

Another thing to think about is whether or not the schools you are looking at are good ones. You can read all the reports and reviews on schools in your area, however, there is nothing better than going to see them in person. You can also find out what awards and accreditation a school has received by checking on their website. Accreditation services for education are important as you want to be confident your child is getting the right level of education for their age and stage. Always attend a guided tour of your chosen schools, if there is more than one then this will help you decide. 

How Expensive Is The Uniform?

If you are choosing an alternative school path or schools that require uniforms, consider the added expense. Something you may not have considered is how much the uniform is going to cost you. Uniforms aren’t cheap by any stretch of the imagination and there will always be multiples that you have to buy. For instance, your child won’t be wearing the same polo shirt all week. Ask the school if they have a second hand box available so you don’t have to pay full price. 

Is Home Education Something You Need to Consider?

Finally, if you don’t think your child will be served well in mainstream, public education then you do have other options. You could always homeschool your child if you think it would be better for them, their wellbeing, and their values. School isn’t the right option for every child, yet they are expected to conform and fit into the same box. There are many things to consider and you also need the time to focus on your child’s education. You could always hire a tutor to come in and help you with harder subjects. 

Homeschool is not a one-size fits all approach. It is the most varied and customizable education options for kids. There are many more ways to homeschool – with clubs, classes, Co-ops and groups – than you may think when you hear the word homeschool. I share all the options in my book A Parent’s Guide to School Choice. You have so many choices when it comes to the best school situation for your child.

We hope you found this helpful and it gave you an idea of what to consider when choosing a school for your child. Their education is so important and you want to get it right from the start.