Are you having trouble coming up with gift ideas for a special little one? Peruse our gift-giving index for inspiration. Whether it’s the holiday season, your little tyke’s birthday or an event for family or friends, our list of suggestions is sure to fuel the fires of your imagination.
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Whether its public school or private, preschool or high school, the same principles apply when you’re searching for the right school for your child. Here is a step-by-step guide for getting started.
Start with a free-for-all brainstorm and list all the qualities you’d like your child’s new school to have. During your initial brainstorm, don’t censor your desires. Next, order your list by what’s most important to you. Finally, distinguish between qualities that are absolutely necessary and those that are just nice to have.
Start your search based on the variable over which you have little control: geographic location. Then, narrow your results by school level (preschool, elementary, middle or high). Next, narrow your results by type of school (public, charter, private). It’s okay to keep several types of schools on your list at this point.
Now that you have a manageable list of schools, start looking for information. Go online to read reviews, talk to other parents about their experiences and schedule visits with as many of the schools on your list as possible.
Be prepared for each of your visits with a list of questions and topics you hope to discuss. Don’t be afraid to be as specific as possible. After all, your child’s individual needs will determine which school is the best fit.
Once you’ve narrowed your choices, get information on the schools’ application deadlines, gather the necessary documentation and apply. Always apply to more than one school, in case you don’t get your first choice.
Here's some resources to help in Choosing the Best School for Your Child