These days, choosing a school for a child can feel more like applying to a university than simply putting a child on a bus to the local elementary school.
Experts in metro Detroit say choosing a school may be more difficult than ideal, but with ample resources, the search doesn’t need to feel overwhelming.
Karen Lumsden, director of Children’s Place Montessori in Farmington Hills, says starting early is crucial when choosing a school for your child.
“You don’t want to find the school that is everything you’re looking for only to be told that there are no spaces when you need one,” Lumsden says.
Her second piece of advice is to find a school leader parents feel comfortable with and trust.
“Find a director who listens, gives reasonable and honest answers to your questions, appears to be ‘on the same page’ as you with regards to child care, respects your choices for your child with regards to food, or anything else that might be important to you – basically someone that you feel you can work with,” she says.
Read on for more information on how to pick the right school for your child.
Factors to consider when choosing a school
Lumsden says not every parent is looking for the same type of school for their child.
“While some parents are just looking for a place for their child to learn to socialize with other children, many are looking to prepare their children for what lies ahead in school,” she says.
For early childhood education, she encourages parents to consider the actual teaching going on in the classroom.
Do the “children work with letter sounds and numerals [and does the classroom] provide any sensory activities and provide cultural exposure?” she says.
And while the teaching is important, the school environment is also crucial. Lumsen says finding out whether a school will allow a child to celebrate their differences or ask them to conform to rigid expectations can make a huge difference.
Parents might also need to consider practical choices when choosing a school. Things like whether they have transportation, school hours, how close the school is to work or whether a grandparent is watching the child after school might be deciding factors.
Other things to consider when choosing a school
“I will admit I am a proponent of Montessori programs,” Lumsden says. “Montessori schools, in my opinion, offer educational opportunities in a setting that encourages positive interaction between students and with teachers.”
For parents who want to cultivate independence in their children, choosing a program like Montessori might be a good option. Parents with other priorities for their children, like academics or sports, might choose a different school program.
“In looking at the programs specifically, know what interests your child and what you hope your child will learn or take away from the experience,” she says.
For early childhood programs, Lumsden says parents should look at day-to-day life at the school. Consider the classroom activities to make sure it would interest your child, the schedule of the day in order to be sure there is uninterrupted work time to help expand attention spans and whether the school offers adequate outdoor time.
Lumsden says her advice is to “know what you’re looking for.”
“Many preschool programs offer large group lessons that encourage children to listen and follow directions, [and] some schools encourage children to follow their own paths,” she adds. “Spend some time thinking about who you want your child to be.”
Where to look for schools
Many public school districts offer parents school finding resources. The state’s largest district, Detroit Public Schools Community District, offers a handy guide to choosing a school. Other large districts like Dearborn Public Schools and Utica Community Schools provide parents with school information as well as enrollment and registration information via their websites.
For other school options, check out Metro Parent’s guide to the best charter schools and the best private schools in metro Detroit.
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