Back to school season is just around the corner. You may already have started school supply shopping, picking up notebooks, pencils, and crayons. As you’re setting up for the back to school season, however, there are more important decisions to make than what color your child’s backpack should be. First, look for these signs that your child might be attending the wrong school.
1. Is your child dreading returning to school?
It’s not unusual for a child to enjoy the long, lazy days of summer and be a little reluctant for back to school seanson after a break. For many students, however, reluctance transforms into full-grown dread at the idea of returning to school after summer vacation. Is your child experiencing anxiety about returning to school this year? Did your child experience bullying at their previous school or struggle to keep up in the classroom? If your child dreads the return to school, it could be a sign that your child’s school is not the right choice for them.
2. Does your current school handle any special needs your child has?
At some schools, getting accommodations for a child with learning difficulties or special needs–especially those not covered by a traditional IEP–can be incredibly challenging. Sometimes, you may meet with the teachers time and time again, only to find that they still aren’t taking care of what your child needs. If your current school isn’t handling your child’s needs, it’s important to look for a school where their specific academic needs will be taken into consideration.
3. Is the school the right size for your child?
Some children thrive in a large school environment with a wide range of extracurricular activity options. Others, however, do best in a smaller, more personalized environment, where they will receive more personalized, one-on-one attention from their teachers. Carefully consider how your child functions and learns best. If they need more specialized attention in order to learn, considering a new school environment could help your child thrive.
4. Do you have a good relationship with teachers and administrators at your student’s current school?
When you have a problem with your child, are you confident that the school will address it effectively? Each year brings with it new teachers and a new need to build relationships within the school environment. If you have an overall good relationship with your child’s school, however, you likely have a high degree of confidence about the coming school year. On the other hand, if you’ve had poor interactions with your child’s teachers and administrators in the past, you may not feel confident that the coming year will be better–and it might be time to consider a change.
5. Have you noticed your child’s behavior starting to deteriorate at school?
Is your child struggling with behavioral problems in their current school environment? Do you notice your child acting out more at school than they do at home? Often, behavior problems at school indicate bigger problems: bullying, for example, or signs that a child’s needs aren’t being met. Have a serious talk with your child about what’s causing those behavior problems–and consider whether a different school might better serve your child’s needs.
6. Does your current school fit with your child’s scheduling needs?
Some children, due to medical reasons or extracurricular activities, have unique scheduling requirements that make it difficult for them to learn on a traditional schedule. They might, for example, need to attend extra training for a sport or need to make regular visits to the doctor, leaving them struggling to keep up with a traditional school system. If your child’s current school doesn’t fit with those needs, you may need to consider looking for a different school that will work with your child’s current schedule.
Back to school season is upon us and choosing the right school for your child is a big choice. At The Tenney School, we offer a more personalized schedule and educational environment, with more one-on-one attention for your child. Want to learn more? Contact us today to learn more about the educational opportunities we offer and how we can create a better environment for your child this year.