“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

Frederick Douglass

Here in St. Louis, fall has arrived, and while the school year is fairly new, it’s time to start working on the next school year. Whether your family is looking to change from another St. Louis school, has recently moved into the area, or has a preschooler about to start school for the first time, there’s a lot to consider before making your decision. Your family values play heavily in your child’s education.

Identifying the values that matter most to your family is an important step in the process. While the same criteria may appear on the list for many families, it is up to your family to determine your priorities in choosing a school. Perhaps your family values a diverse staff or student body, or maybe a school located in your neighborhood is of more priority to you. With so many school options available, it’s vital for your family to identify what matters most to you in order to narrow the playing field.

Determine What’s Important To Your Family

What do you see when you imagine the ideal school for your child? Here are some things you can consider:

• How large are the class sizes?
• Is technology available in the classroom?
• Is the staff and study body diverse?
• Is there an emphasis on play and creativity?
• How are behavior problems managed?

Next, consider your family’s more practical needs:

• How close is the school to home/work?
• Is there transportation available?
• Are there tuition costs involved?
• Is before and/or after school care available?
• Does the school calendar conflict with anything you have planned?

Last, you should consider your child’s specific learning wants and needs:

• Does your child require special education?
• Does the school have robust music or art class offerings?
• Would your child better learn in a Montessori environment?

Make A List Of Values

Now, make a list of what you value for each of the three categories above (for easy compilation and comparison, print out our Priorities Worksheet). Next, decide whether the criteria are crucial (“must-haves”) or optional (“nice-to-haves”), and mark the criteria accordingly. Highlight the “must-haves” for emphasis. Multiple copies of the completed worksheet come in handy as you speak to school representatives and/or visit target schools.

Starting the school search process with an honest assessment of your family’s values and needs will help you prioritize your school search efforts, and ultimately lead you to the best possible academic fit for your child. As always, we here at Navigate STL Schools are honored to assist you in this most important undertaking. We want nothing more than to help you redefine QUALITY education for your family!