• What is the schools curriculum? How does it compare to the state guidelines? (This article contains a list of links to all 50 states curriculums) Some schools (such as the Benjamin Franklin Academy) base their curriculum on certain academic texts. If your school bases their curriculum on books, be sure to check out your local library or bookstore to read a copy of it.
• How is technology integrated into classrooms? Technology is a vital skill that all future job seekers need to possess. Technology has become the backbone of our business infrastructure. Are their computers in the classroom, the library? How much time a week is spent working with technology?
• Funding. What are the recent funding issues for your school or state? What changes have been made because of it? Did your school recently add programs or cut back? This will help you to determine how your school prioritizes its curriculum.
• Visit the School. This may seem obvious, but in our information-at-our-finger-tips society you can get all the "facts" from your computer. If you are going to send your child to this school you need to know how it feels, what is the atmosphere? Can you visit anytime without an appointment? Be wary if you can only visit the campus during set aside times.
• Grants. Have any of the teachers received classroom grants? This is something that teachers have to initiate- it is very telling of their dedication to their students.
• Extracurricular's. What kind of extracurricular opportunities are available to students?
• Academic Test Scores. Most local newspapers will print state or citywide test scores. Contact your local paper and order back issues to review the articles and test scores. You can also call your city's Unified School District and request the information.
• Contact the PTA president. The President should be able to fill you in on the in's and the out's of the school.
• Talk to other parents. Find out where they send their kids and ask why. People you respect can be great resources when it comes to narrowing your list down.
• What is the student to teacher ratio? What is the 1st year teacher ratio (this will help you determine how experienced the staff is)?
• Cost. If you are evaluating private schools. What are the costs and what are the financial aid opportunities?

As you consider schools it is important to remember that not all education takes place at school. The example you set in your home and the respect and attention you give to your child's education will by far be more lasting than whether or not they attended the "best" school. The best indicator that you have chosen the right school for your child is that you see him thriving academically, socially, emotionally and physically.

• Read with your child. Depending on their abilities- look for opportunities to show your young readers words while you are out and about. Find out what your high schooler is reading this year & read along with her. Talk with her about the book, what she thinks and how it relates to her world.
• Homeschool. Homeschooling doesn't have to be substitute for formal schooling, it can be a supplement.
• Help your child to see the bigger world around them. Give them opportunities to explore other cultures through travel, museums, events or books.
• Volunteer in his classroom.
• Find out from your child's teacher what she will be studying in the next few months. Flush out those topics at home, find fun things to do that will help her to understand what she is learning.
• Go over his homework with him.

Additional Resources

Washington Post's School Guide

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Choosing a Schools

Kid Source

HomeSchooling Today