What to look for in a school

I am working with Jaden's family right now to identify the best environment for her for high school. It is difficult to find the right placement for Jaden. Her parent's keenly asked: "where exists a school that is going to both challenge and at the same time understand my child?"


The Truth: No matter the age, finding a school that is a good fit for your child is very difficult because your child is unique. Finding a good fit is going to look different for you and your child compared to another child and their family. However, here are some key factors in identify the best environment for your child:



What I Suggest: First, you must realize that the choice of best fit is for your child right now. If you try to plan too long-term ("well this is where I want Jaden to be in 4 years") it's not going to work. Your child will be very different in 4 years, and maybe even in 2 years and another placement change may be necessary again. Second, follow these guidelines when touring schools so as not to get caught up in the new and shiny tech labs: 

• Identify the positive culture, and make sure it's pervasive in your child's day. You do not want your kid in a punitive system of punishment. You want a positive behavior cycle where your student is rewarded for being them instead of punished for not fitting into the square peg.
• Identify the alternatives, and flexibility allowed to students. Since your kid is unique, their path is as well. You want to find a school that honors multiple paths and has options for achievement. If you hear "all kids have to take..." or "we require that everyone must meet these standards...", you can feel free to walk out.
• Identify your child's top need in a school. Don't think of it in the categories of "social", "academic" or "athletic". Instead, what does your child need the most support with? Maybe the top need is organizational support. If that's the case, going to a school that provides weekly or monthly plans ahead of time would be a great fit! Or, maybe, the top need is more time to process information. If that's the case, then going to that school that is rooted in mastery-based grading is going to be your child's best fit.

Thirdly, and most importantly, do not look at the school for yourself. It's easy to get caught up in "I would love this school if I was your age". But remember, you are not your child, and they are not you.



Reply to this post if you'd like a list of concrete questions to ask for each suggestion above.