Look beyond the school’s reputation when making this important decision. Ask about specific programs and where students go after they graduate or leave the school. What scores did students earn on the SAT or other standardized tests? Schools should publish this summary data. The child should have the opportunity to visit the school before any final decision is made. Depending on the size of candidate pools, many schools encourage a potential student to come to visit for a day. If your child is accepted, it is reasonable to request a visit, especially if you have doubts. What are the most common mistakes parents make during their search? The most common missteps concern parents’ reasons for selecting or getting their hearts set on certain schools based on name recognition, being with friends, or on cost alone. A school search is successful when it discovers the school that is right for the child. Many parents do not visit schools that might be perfect for their child because they are initially intimidated about inquiring about potential tuition assistance and creative financing plans that may be available. You never know until you ask! In ISAS, we regard our accreditation process as our central purpose. The rigorous standards and best practices to which member schools are held are critical influences on excellence. Sometimes parents overlook a school’s accreditation. In 1986, The Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) began reviewing and approving independent school accrediting agencies for the Texas Education Agency. If a school is approved by one of the twelve agencies listed at www.tepsac.com, it is recognized by the TEA and its academic credits have the same full faith and credit as state public schools. What questions should I ask during the interview? Consider in advance all you want to know about the school in order to feel both comfortable and glad to make the investment and to entrust the school with a portion of your child’s education. Be sure to visit the school’s website. Then , use your time wisely during the interview to ask those more personal questions which have not yet been addressed through your research.
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) proposes this list of questions to consider:
Are there high quality and committed teachers? Is there a low student-to-teacher ratio? Do students feel challenged by their school?
Are there strong partnerships among parents, teachers and students? Does the school have a climate that supports achievement?
Where can I find infor mation to understand and evaluate the schools’ answers? In the course of visiting and evaluating private schools, you are bound to learn a great deal. Comparison shopping will help you ascend the learning curve quickly. There are excellent books on independent education, of course, but the best place to go for answers and explanations will be other people. These might include friends or business associates who are familiar with local private schools, who have attended or enrolled their children in local private schools, and who have perhaps already done much of the research you may be contemplating. Ask those who work at the schools themselves to help you understand anything that may be confusing. Start with the school’s admissions office, but, if you have t he opportunity to meet and visit with the people who would be your child’s teachers, don’t pass it by.
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