A Parent Guide to Choosing the Perfect Primary School for a Child

Educating our kids is so complicated, and picking the right education system can make a huge difference for a kid. I've personally had experience with so many different types of schools. I went to a private parochial school and a charter school as well as being homeschooled, throughout my childhood. My children have been homeschooled, in public schools, public special ed schools, and partially private school (meaning they get some funding from the government but not all). I've moved my kids around based on their needs and stages of life, with my children altogether having been in 9 different schools, and two of mine are still in elementary school. Picking the right school can be such a challenge. Here's a guide to help you choose the right educational setting for your child.

Primary education forms the bedrock of a child’s literacy and numeracy skills. The skills learned at this stage will play a significant role in their future education and prepare them for life, work, and active citizenship.

For many parents, choosing a primary school for their child can be daunting because they understand its importance and fear making the wrong choice. For some, the cost of enrolling their child is another major factor that influences their decision.

In case you are also in this situation, read on, as this article will highlight how to choose the perfect, affordable primary school for your child.

Understand your child

Understanding your child will help you identify the perfect school environment for learning. Some children may thrive in a structured school environment, while others benefit most from a more hands-on approach.

The school’s culture should also compensate for your child's personality, whether they are an introvert or an extrovert.

If your child has a special language or requires special programs, ensure the school offers them. Another thing to consider is your child’s learning style. Some kids learn best by seeing how things work, while others may learn best by listening.

Overall, sit down, relax, and think about the kind of education and school environment you want for your child. For instance, evaluate how the school disciplines its students and check if this aligns with your philosophy of discipline.

Budget

Although there is no amount too much to invest in a child’s education, it is important that the school provide the value of the fee charged.

Your budget might affect the kind of school your child attends. However, it is vital to note that an expensive school does not translate to a better education.

Another factor many parents ignore when choosing a budget-friendly primary school for their child is logistics. Make sure the school is not too far from home to reduce transportation costs and ease of commuting.

Research your options

There are different types of schools you can choose from, even though they are broadly divided into public and private schools. Once you determine what is most important for your child and your budget, research the available options in your area and check school websites and reviews to get an insight into the school’s reputation.

Types of schools

Public schools

Public schools are usually funded by local taxes and are typically free to attend. The school follows state-mandated curriculum standards, but funding may restrict some extracurricular activities.

Since they are free, they usually have lots of students enrolled, resulting in a high teacher-student ratio. This might limit individualized attention and affect some students' learning.

Private schools

Private schools are not free. You will need to pay tuition, which is most often largely dependent on the school’s reputation, location, and amenities.

The student-teacher ratio is usually lower; this, however, offers numerous benefits for your child’s learning. For instance, the low student-teacher ratio at a private school in madison ct, allows for more individualized attention for their students.

Private schools offer a flexible teaching method that can be customized to adapt to a child’s learning style and personality.

Charter schools

Charter schools are part of public schools, except that they are operated by independent organizations.

Unlike traditional public schools, they operate with a more flexible teaching method and have the autonomy to adjust school time. Some charter schools are focused on educating a special population of students, such as at-risk students.

Admission to popular charter schools may be determined by a lottery system if the number of applicants exceeds the available spaces. 

Magnet schools

Magnet schools are another public school with a specific curriculum or theme. They offer specialized programs and resources that cater to specific children’s interests, such as STEM or fine and performing arts.

However, magnet schools may be bound to certain regulations that charters are excluded from.

Special education schools

Special education schools offer a range of services to help children with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or behavioral problems learn and make progress in school.

They usually develop individualized education plans (IEPs) to meet each child’s learning needs.

Talk to other parents

Parents are the best source of insight into the operation of a school. Ask current parents questions related to your concerns. Do not limit these to parents in your immediate network; ask others beyond your network to get a more diverse view of the schools available before settling for any.

Check social media for groups associated with the school you are interested in, or talk to parents you meet at your local playground. 

Visit and observe

Once you make a shortlist of schools for your child, visit them with your child. Many schools offer scheduled tours for parents. Talk to teachers and administrators about your concerns (if any). Observe their teaching method, and most importantly, observe how your child feels about the school.