It can be scary taking your child to kindergarten for the first time. They’re growing up faster than ever and soon you’ll have to consider where to take them for junior high and high school. How do you choose a school that properly accommodates the unique needs of your family? The difference between public and private schools is stark and one that more and more parents every year are considering when their child’s future is on the line. Everything from a safe learning environment to varied educational resources are factors that need to be taken into account before your child gears up for their first day.
What Do I Look For In A Kindergarten?
Choosing a kindergarten can be rough. Fortunately, there are many options for you to choose from. On any given day well over five million American children attend some form of prekindergarten program to cultivate basic social and literary skills to prepare them for the transition to kindergarten. The percentages of three and four year-olds enrolled in pre-primary programs back in 2012 was at 41% and 66%, respectively. A kindergarten should have a warm and welcoming environment.
What Are Public Schools?
The school you choose should properly address your child’s unique needs as well as your lifestyle. Public schools are known for their accessibility and affordability, often located close to downtown areas and multiple neighborhoods. It’s important to take your child on a tour of the school to make sure it’s the right fit — this can range from viewing the facilities to personally meeting the faculty. Only about one in five homes have parks within a half-mile, with the same number having a recreational facility at about the same distance.
What Are Private Schools?
Although public schools are a good fit for many, some are turning to private schools and the unique benefits they offer. Private schools are known for their smaller size and more intimate learning environments, allowing children to get more one-on-one attention than they normally would at a public school setting. Studies have shown up to 36% of private schools averaging a teacher to student ration of 10 to one, with some cases even lower, compared to just 10% of public schools.
What About Recreational Activities?
Simply choosing the right kindergarten, elementary or junior high isn’t enough. What about recreational activities to boost your child’s self-esteem and social skills? Each year more than 11 million children and adults alike will attend summer camp in the United States — these frequently are host to a variety of sports and fun outdoor activities, creating a healthy learning as well as social environment.
How Do I Choose The Right School?
It’s important to cover basic questions before you proceed to choosing a preschool, kindergarten or even summer camp. Does your child have a learning disability or mental illness? It may be more beneficial to take them to a private school than a public one to ensure more one-on-one attention. Are you concerned about your child making friends? A summer camp can help them significantly — according to the American Camp Association (shortened to the ACA), over 60% of children who learn new activities at camp will sustain them well after camp is over. Choosing the right school for your child is an arduous process, but one that they will benefit from for years to come.