https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 19 May 2026 14:31:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-important-to-you-when-choosing-a-school#post-2651755 Sun, 13 Nov 2016 11:21:28 +0000 Cherrybee 2651755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: No, if you believe the Ofsted report, it's more to do with fundamental management failures. The school is in the process of being taken over by an academy chain in the next few months but whether this improves the performance is yet to be seen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-important-to-you-when-choosing-a-school#post-2651722 Sun, 13 Nov 2016 07:50:31 +0000 looch 2651722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: Why is that, is it because it the school has a population of english as a second language students? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-important-to-you-when-choosing-a-school#post-2651511 Fri, 11 Nov 2016 20:44:35 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 2651511@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1) the teachers, 2) the kids, 3) close to home, 4) cost, in that order pretty much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-important-to-you-when-choosing-a-school#post-2651492 Fri, 11 Nov 2016 19:55:45 +0000 travelgirl1 2651492@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Academic results, balance of play and education in the early years, teaching staff who I feel are a good fit for my DD, and since we are currently looking at catholic schools, I have been asking a lot of questions about how RE and confession - since I don't want her to be intimidated/confused - are handled. It's important to me she doesn't get homework so young but it seems everywhere gives it now so although I ask about it it seems a losing battle.<br /> @Cherrybee: does E start in September too? We just started touring schools last week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-important-to-you-when-choosing-a-school#post-2651432 Fri, 11 Nov 2016 16:24:01 +0000 Cherrybee 2651432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Gah! I'm still none the wiser! We are in the fortunate position of having a number of great schools to choose from! </p> <p>The one with the most enriching curriculum has the worst academic performance. The one we like the best (best academic performance and best ethos) is a church school, which isn't ideal. She is currently in the nursery at a school which is good all round, but I don't love it as much as the other two schools...... Gah! Such a tough decision! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-important-to-you-when-choosing-a-school#post-2651207 Fri, 11 Nov 2016 08:48:12 +0000 looch 2651207@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Program: I wanted something more than the standard curriculum. I looked at local magnet and charter schools within our district and town, but ended up deciding upon an interdistrict magnet that follows the IB Primary and Middle Years program in a neighboring city. I like the mix of diversity, the class is made up of kids from families all over the world. The focus is on becoming a lifelong learner.</p> <p>Parent Involvement: I wanted a school with strong family involvement with a lof of differnt opportunities to give back. I have heard time and again that in situations where parents have to enter their child in a lottery or apply, parental involvemnt tends to be higher. That remains to be seen.</p> <p>Grade levels: I wanted a school that was K-8. My son's current school is in the process of being built, but it's only enrolled for K and 1st this year. Each year they add a grade. It's a great opportunity for the kids to remain a little more innocent, because they're the youngest and the oldest at the very same time. This also means that the PTO isn't filled with parents that have been around forever and are stuck in their way of doing things. Everyone wants to get to know each other.</p> <p>Administration and teachers: The principal is a rockstar has a proven track record and advocates for the kids. The teachers were picked from a pool of 200 applicants per position, so we have the best of the very best. They're also required to get a masters (if they don't already have one, in 4 years).</p> <p>Cost: it had to be public, therefore, no cost. I believe in the public education system in the US, and want to put my money where my mouth is on this one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-important-to-you-when-choosing-a-school#post-2651197 Fri, 11 Nov 2016 08:35:36 +0000 cat620 2651197@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Academics would be the top priority. We want to make sure it's a high-performing school with lots of opportunities for children like AP classes, strong art program, etc. </p> <p>My husband and I want to send our kids to private school when they are school-aged, because my husband attended private school and feels like the academics are far superior than the local public schools. Not all private schools are at the same level. We live in a large city, so fortunately we have lots to choose from. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-important-to-you-when-choosing-a-school#post-2651184 Fri, 11 Nov 2016 08:07:30 +0000 lamariniere 2651184@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For us:<br /> -It must be secular.<br /> -Satisfaction from current students.<br /> -Reasonably good reputation (as far as not being considered a "bad" school).<br /> -Location.<br /> -We also had a language consideration since my son is trilingual, so we did debate which language we wanted him to be educated in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-important-to-you-when-choosing-a-school#post-2651172 Fri, 11 Nov 2016 07:52:29 +0000 Cherrybee 2651172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What do you think are the most important things to consider when choosing a school for your children? </p>