1. Consider your Child and Family
Child’s Needs-Does your child need special attention due to learning difficulties or other concerns?
Learning Style-How does your child learn best? Is he an auditory, tactile or visual learner?
Location-Where is the school located regarding home, siblings’ schools and extracurricular activity locations?
Class Size
2. Gather Information
Curriculum-Is there a special focus or theme to the curriculum? Are Honors and AP courses offered?
Approach to Learning-What approach does the administration take in teaching students? Is it hands- on, text-based or other?
Academic Performance-How do test scores compare to those of other schools? Has there been a rise or decline in these scores over the past few years? What is the school’s “report card?”
Behavior Policy-How does the school handle discipline?
Is there a dress code?
3. Visit and Observe Schools
Principal-What is the principal’s philosophy as head of the institution?
Teachers-How do the teachers relate to and interact with the students?
Parent/Community Involvement-Is there a supportive group of parents and community volunteers that are willing to help the school with events and activities?
Reputation-How is the school regarded by the community? How is it viewed by other parents?
4. Apply to Schools
Select-Choose one or more schools to apply to based on the information you’ve collected.
Deadlines-Submit proper paperwork on time and make sure it’s complete.
Follow Up-Be sure to follow up, giving a reasonable amount of time for information to be received. Check on status of application and ask for an estimate of when you can expect to hear about acceptance.
For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Nationwide private school for grades K-12 and a Private Business and Trade School for adults. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
