The National Association of Independent Schools recommends that parents visit a school, observe carefully and ask themselves these questions:
1. Do the students seem productive,
engaged and happy?
2. Does what you see reflect the
school’s stated mission?
3. Does the school feel like a community? Are students interacting with
teachers outside, as well as inside,
the classroom?
4. What are the backgrounds and the
experiences of the faculty?
5. Does the school provide teachers
with opportunities for continued
professional development?
6. Is the campus clean, well lighted
and secure?
School checklist
top six
When researching schools, be certain to evaluate these six attributes, making sure they fit with your vision of your child’s education:
1. The school’s mission
2. Values, standards of respect
and integrity
3. Teacher quality and retention
4. Curriculum and integrated
curriculum
5. Connectedness — a sense
of belonging
6. Teacher-to-student ratio
