It doesn’t matter if you’re talking pre-school, elementary, middle, high school or college. If you are in transition and moving your kid from one level to the next, you are likely a parent full of questions. I know I have always asked a lot of questions. In college, I got the nickname Lady Askalot/MAG (because I asked so many questions – all the time)! The MAG part is a long story, but suffice it to say, it stands for miniature African goat, but I’m not saying more.
As you know from earlier blogs, we are searching for the right middle school for Emily. Everyone has a different “right” for them, for their kid, and until you stop listening to others and find that place that works for your kid, you will constantly be stuck in search mode.
If you are unsure of what questions to ask or where to even start, I want to give you some guidance. If you look at http://www.greatschools.org, you can find information about all schools. It is an excellent resource for parents. There are also plenty of blogs that focus on private schools too. Beyond the Brochure is very helpful. Take the time to look at schools. Tour them. Meet the parent volunteers that are there to help. Ask questions of the kids. Ask teachers and administrators too. Find out what the school community is like. How’s their fundraising? Do the kids get what they need to be well-rounded thinkers?
For me, I knew there were 5 things I wanted to have for Emily in her new school:
- I wanted her to feel safe and comfortable in the school.
- I wanted her to feel engaged and excited about learning.
- I wanted her to know the importance of giving back and doing that within the school community.
- I wanted to see arts education be equally important at the school.
- I wanted to see a community, (for her as well as us) rather than a place she just goes for several hours a day and then leaves.
With every school we toured, I kept those five things in mind. Of course Emily had her list too. We put everything on a point scale and went from there. Every one of us is different and may be looking for different things. Figure out what you want and then you can go into the process with a more organized brain.
If you are going through the process – no matter what stage you’re at, I wish you lots of luck. Share with me your journey in the comments.
To your success (and your kids’ success too)!
Sarah
Sarah has been fundraising for schools since 2008. She is the author of A Mom’s Guide to School Fundraising and has consulted for several schools and clubs. She has been featured on RetailMeNot.com, Scholastic: Parent & Child and The New York Times. She thinks all kids should be able to have a well-rounded education, team uniforms, instruments and support. Don’t you?