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8 Steps to Deciding What School is Best for Your Young Child

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8 STEPS TO DECIDING WHAT SCHOOL IS BEST FOR YOUR YOUNG CHILD

By The New Village School | October 3, 2024

Choosing a school for your child may be one of the most important decisions you will make for their future. Not every kind of school is suitable for every child due to the inherent diversity in children's needs, learning styles, and personalities, as well as the varying approaches and environments offered by different schools. It is a practical and emotional choice and can be overwhelming. The following guide is designed to help you make this decision.

1. Assess your child's needs and personality:

Observe their learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
Consider their social skills and temperament
Note any special needs or talents

2. Reflect on your family's values and goals:

What kind of education philosophy aligns with your beliefs?
Are there specific cultural or religious considerations?
What are your long-term educational goals for your child?

3. Research different school types:

Public, private, charter, magnet schools
Alternative approaches like Montessori, Waldorf, or Reggio Emilia

4. Consider practical factors:

Location and transportation
Cost and financial aid options (ask about financial aid early in the process)
Before and after-school care availability
Be aware of admissions deadlines

5. Visit schools to get a firsthand experience of their environment and culture:

Observe classroom dynamics
Talk to teachers and administrators
Get a feel for the school culture and environment
Observe the number of students per class and the level of individual attention each child receives
Ask about how parents are involved in their child's education and the school's communication practices.

6. Seek input:

Talk to other parents
Consult with your child's current preschool teacher

7. Involve your child:

Discuss school options at their level
Pay attention to their reactions during school visits

8. Trust your instincts:

After gathering information, consider which option feels right for your family

Assessing your child's needs and learning style is a crucial first step in finding the right school. Here's a more detailed look at how to approach this: Child Assessment Exercise

Where can I find out about the different schools in my area?

There are numerous websites that list schools in Marin County. Be aware that many listings are paid for and, therefore, do not offer an unbiased resource. Nevertheless, they are a good resource for researching individual schools in your area. They include:

Marin Mommies (private schools)
Niche (public & private schools)
County of Marin District (public & private schools)
Great Schools (public & private schools)

After gathering all the information and considering your options, it’s important to trust your instincts about what feels right for your child and family. Every child is unique, and the right school should feel like a place where your child will be understood, nurtured, and inspired. We believe school should feel like a second home. For more tips or information, please reach out to admissions@thenewvillageschool.org

The New Village School in Sausalito understands that every child is unique, with their own set of needs, talents, and learning styles. Our school is dedicated to nurturing each child's potential through a holistic, nature-based, arts-imbued approach to education. We believe in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deep love for learning in an environment that respects the individuality of every child. As we enter the admissions season for the 2025-26 school year, we invite parents to explore what makes our school a special place for children to grow and thrive.

Our next Open House on Saturday, October 19 is a wonderful opportunity to experience our school community firsthand. Learn more about our Open House here!