There are many options to be considered when you are looking at schools for your child. While public schools work great for some children, other children need something different. Likewise, homeschooling is a great option for some kids and not others.
If your child is not thriving in their current school environment, you might be considering changing things up a little.
One option to look into is an independent school. There are a wide variety of independent schools out there, and almost every one offers something different to set it apart from the rest. This can make looking for a new school quite a daunting experience. After all, how in the world can you choose a school when you don’t know what you are looking for?
For this reason, we have compiled a list of things to look for in an independent school. Of course, there are many other things to consider as well, but these tend to be the most important factors for many families.
Curriculum
Is your child academically advanced? Maybe they’re a hands-on learner? If your student has a very specific learning style, a passionate interest, or an unusual academic level, it is very important to consider the curriculum of the school in question.
For instance, a child who is passionate about science would certainly want their new school to offer a fabulous science program. Meanwhile, the child who learns best with plenty of one-on-one lesson time might prefer a small class environment, or a school that offers private classes.
Past Successes
For many students, their life plans depend on their ability to go to—and be successful in—college. If your child is interested in attending college, a school that has had plenty of success preparing students for college might be high on your priority list.
This is especially true if your child intends to attend a prestigious university, and is definitely something you will want to keep in mind when looking for an independent school for your young student.
Religious Beliefs
For families with strong religious beliefs, finding a school that promotes and supports their beliefs may be a huge deciding factor. All parents want to encourage their children to incorporate their beliefs and morals into their day-to-day lives, and a school that encourages those things can be a huge help in assisting the parents in giving students the religious education/support they wish for their children to receive.
After-School Activities
Children who are active in their communities are more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied with their lives. Additionally, participating in after-school activities helps children develop crucial problem-solving, communication, goal-setting, and social skills, and it helps keep them engaged and passionate about something.
All of these things result in more productivity in life and in the classroom, as well as well-rounded adults who can handle themselves well after moving on to college life.
Because being active in the community is so crucial to your child’s success, it is important to find after-school activities that offer children opportunities to be involved in the world around them. This could mean finding a wonderful dance school or karate class, but it could also mean finding an independent school with an after-school activity or program that suits your needs.
If you are currently on the lookout for the perfect independent school for your student and your family, we do hope you will consider Tenney School. We offer high-quality one-on-one lessons, so you can feel confident that your child is getting the attention and material that he or she needs.
If you are interested in learning more about our school, please contact us today.