Finding the Right School

If you’re moving with kids, one of the biggest considerations to keep in mind is, of course, where they will be going to school. A good school can make an enormously positive impact on a young child’s life, so knowing where to send yours can seem like a daunting challenge.

Below, we’re looking at a few ways you can move with your child’s education in mind.

Public or private?

One of the first questions you should ask yourself is whether your child will be attending public or private school. Private schools offer a little more flexibility as to where you can move—because you typically won’t have to be within set district bounds, as you would in a public school system. If you decide on public school, your new home can affect where your child is placed. Keep these factors in mind as you ponder the public vs. private decision.

It’s worth noting that some parents prefer to see and research both private and public schools in the area before making a decision. This is a great way to see what’s available in the area and make a sound, educated decision.

Touring the district

If you do decide on sending your child to public school, it’s a great idea to tour the school district and visit several schools (since one city can be home to one, two, three or even more schools). This can give you a good idea of what you want in a school and what each different school setting has to offer your child.

Of course, touring the district isn’t always possible for those moving from out of the area. If you can’t physically meet staff and see the school, however, there are still ways you can familiarize yourself with the academics, extracurricular activities and overall environment using the methods below.

Real estate advice

Your real estate agent can be a great help to you when it comes to deciding on a home and school—because they’ve done it before! Typically, your real estate agent will know general information and ratings about nearby schools, and can point you to the zones you would have to live in in order to attend these schools. Reach out to your agent for the information you can’t find elsewhere.

Online research

Take the research into your own hands, too, by reading about potential schools online. What is the rating of the school? How big are the classes?  Ask yourself these questions—and more—to help you make your decision.

Your specific needs and wants

Sometimes, a school can be perfect on paper but may not offer just what your child needs. Are you looking for gifted programs or special education classes? Does your child currently play sports and want to continue playing at their new school? These questions are worth considering, because the answers can have a big impact on how well your child meshes at their new school.

Sending your child to a school that suits their needs can have a positive effect on their academic and social upbringing—and we hope that these tips help you find it!