creating a learning plan for an advanced child

Moving From A Small Town To The Large City: Choosing The Right School For Your Child

When you and your family are planning to move from a small town to a large city, there are many different factors to consider during the relocation process. One of the most important factors to keep in mind is selecting the right school for your child. After all, your child's education is one of the most important considerations in your life. And choosing the right school will help them to have all of the opportunities that you want for them in life. Get to know some of the elements that should go into choosing the right school for you child, so that you can ensure their future is bright and they will enjoy the move to the city.

Do Not Make Test Scores Your Only Deciding Factor

Many times, people want to boil a decision down to the simplest common denominator. For choosing a school, this can mean the average standardized test scores for students who attend that school.

While these test scores are indeed important in determining the quality of a school for your child, they cannot be the only factor you use to make your decision. Sometimes, high test scores mean that teachers specifically teach to the test which does not give children a well-rounded education. On the other hand, it could be a great school, but one that doesn't suit your child for another reason.

Pay Attention to the Activities and Extracurriculars

School is not just about the core classes like math, science, and history. The various activities and extracurriculars that a school offers can be just as important for your child. You want your child to be engaged in their life at school and to be able to pursue things that interest them.

As such, you will need to look into the activities offered at the different schools. If your child is very musical or theatrical, look into the school's performing arts programs. If your child is a curious and scientific-minded person, see what kind of science-related clubs and activities they offer.

For some arts programs especially, you may want to look at private schools. Unfortunately for public schools, they do not always have the funding to provide extensive arts programs to students who are so inclined.

Keep Class Sizes and Safety In Mind

Because your child has spent their life up until now in a small town, they are likely used to more close attention from teachers and other staff members than they may get in many big city schools. Pay close attention to the class sizes in each of the schools you are considering. Generally speaking, the smaller the class size, the better.

Safety is also an important factor in choosing the right school for your child. Pay attention to crime rates in the area surrounding the school. Talk to school administrators about security and how safety is enforced. And, of course, contact locals (if possible) to find out details about crime or fighting among students at the school that you may not otherwise be able to find out.

Oftentimes, again, in large cities especially, private schools may have an advantage over public schools. This is because they are more exclusive and can limit the total number of students in the school at their discretion rather than based on what the state mandates, as is the case in public schools.

Now that you have a few ideas of how to choose the right school for your child when you move from a small town to a large city, you can better make that decision. Consider these factors and do your research. Once you have your list narrowed down, you can visit the short list of schools with your child and make the choice.