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Choosing a New School for your Child
Moving to a new area involves change for everyone. Of course,
one of the most important considerations is choosing a school for your child.
The first thing to consider is whether you want your child to attend a private,
parochial, or public school. You can ask your child’s current school to
recommend some schools in the area you are moving to. The Internet can be a good
source for school listings. Contact the schools that you are considering and ask
them to send you some information, then visit the schools that interest you.
Collect substantial recommendations; it is the often the best way to make a
decision. Call a book store in your new area and find out if there is a local
school guide which shows the test scores for each school. These books will
usually have a section on the private schools in the area, their tuition rates,
and some detailed information about them.
Things to consider:
 Consider
the location of the school in proximity to your home. Will you have to drive
your child every day? Are there buses available? Allow your child to visit
each school so they can participate in the decision. Often children feel
powerless when parents make the decision to move. This is an area in which they
can share the decision-making. Make your appointment with the principal during
the school day so that you and your child can observe the students at the school
and get a feel for the atmosphere. Ask if you and your child can observe a class
for a short time. Observe the mood and the attentiveness of the students.
Inquire whether there are sports programs or after-school clubs at each school
you’re considering. After-school activities are a great way to help them make
friends. Ask to take a tour of the library and sports facilities Find out how
many parent/teacher conferences you will have each school year. How many
progress reports will you receive each year? What if your child needs extra
help? Do the teachers have e-mail for communication?
If your child will attend a public middle school or elementary
school, do some research on the middle or high school they will attend. You
don’t want to have to move twice because you’re not happy with the middle or
high school in your district. Find out if there is any possibility of
redistricting in the area anytime soon. Are you near the edge of the dividing
line to another school district, which may cause your child to have to change to
yet another school?
Make introductions in advance
 Okay.
I’ve decided what school my child will attend, so what now? It’s very important
that when your child starts going to the school, they know at least one
person. Make sure they know a counselor or one teacher so that they have
someone they can go to if they need to. Make a list of the supplies they’ll need
for their first day. Make sure that all of your child’s academic records are
forwarded to their new school, as well as any vaccination records. Let your
child’s counselor and/or teachers know if your child has any special learning
issues or if he or she is currently taking any medication.
Find out if there is a school lunch account into which you
need to deposit money. If they are bringing their lunch, take them shopping so
that they can pick out what they’re having for lunch for the first week, at
least. Again, this gives them an opportunity to participate. If the students are
required to wear uniforms, make sure you have at least one suitable for the
first day of school. If the school does not require uniforms, be sure to get a
copy of the school handbook and a copy of the dress code. Acceptable attire
differs in different regions of the country. Make sure your child knows where
you will pick him or her up after the first day or, if they are taking the bus,
that they know where to catch that bus.
Most of all, try to prepare your child the best you can for
their first day. The less surprises for them, the better. Allow them to be a
little sad and miss their old friends and school. It will take time to adjust.
Be supportive and just be there to listen!!
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