As a parent who has faced the challenge of finding the right preschool and elementary schools for his children, I can tell you first-hand that it's a process. Each of my articles below addresses a part of the process. Hindsight tells me that the secret to success is allowing yourself plenty of time to look for schools. The more research you do, the more questions you ask, the sooner you will find a school, or perhaps a couple of schools that will suit your needs and requirements.
Admissions to Primary and Preschool: A-Z
For many reasons, it can be more challenging to get your child into a preschool or kindergarten than into a prep school. Here's an overview of the process. Use it as a starting point for your school search.
The Scramble for Places in Primary Schools
It is almost as tricky getting your child into a good Manhattan or Bay area primary school as it is getting them into an Ivy League university. The same is true of most major cities in the United States. Once again, start your search for schools as soon as you can.
Your Options for Child Care and Preschool
Beginning to think about your child care and preschool options? Some thoughts and guidance here. Reliable, well-run daycare establishments are what you are looking for. Don't rely on the daycare's website. Do your due diligence carefully and thoroughly.
This video discusses finding the right daycare or preschool for your child.
5 Clues That It Might Not Really Be Montessori School
Of the approximately 4,000 Montessori schools in the U.S., only 1,100 schools are members of the American Montessori Society. Does this matter? What else should you look for to determine if a Montessori school is the real thing? The Montessori method has been around for over a hundred years and enjoys great popularity in the United States.
5 Facts About Montessori Schools
Here are five facts about Montessori schools to bear in mind when exploring preschools and primary schools for your child. Always visit the schools and observe a class. You need to understand how your child will be taught.
Froebel, Montessori, and Steiner: Champions of Children
Friedrich Froebel, Maria Montessori, and Rudolf Steiner were trailblazers in early education. It is worth reading about their approaches, philosophies, and methods in depth.
This video offers a list of ten features to look for in a Montessori school.
Resources for Parents of Gifted Children
As one writer puts it, "Parenting a gifted child is like living in a theme park full of thrill rides..." re some answers here. Fasten your seat belt and let's go for a ride. There seems to be a direct correlation between the amount of quality time you spend with your child from birth. Children are naturally curious. Allowing them to explore, to use their imaginations, and, most importantly, to ask you questions, will develop their natural gifts and talents.
Teaching gifted children requires deft handling. These children need intellectual and sensory stimulation. But they also need guidance and careful nurturing so that they grow up handling their unique gifts and themselves appropriately.
Reggio Emilia is an approach to early childhood education, which has gained popularity throughout the western world.
Here are five facts about Waldorf schools to consider when choosing a private K-12 school for your child.
You would think it would be easier to get your child into an elementary or primary school than into a prep school. But it is almost as complicated.
Should You Send Your Child to Private Primary or High School?
If you had to choose when to send your child to a private school, would you send her to private school for the primary grades or high school?
Admissions Testing: Preschoolers
The pressure to get your child into the right school starts at a very early age. We look at some of the assessment hurdles your child might face depending on which school you are considering.
Should You Prep Your 4 Year Old?
To prep for the preschool admissions test or not to prep. That is the question. I would suggest some role-playing so that your child is not confused about what is happening during her interview/test.
You thought everything was set. The test scores were excellent. She had glowing teacher recommendations. The visit and the interview went well. But the school didn't accept your child. What do you do now? Schools don't have to accept applicants. If they feel that the fit isn't right, they will not accept a candidate.
Finding a school that will accept your child after the admissions deadline has passed is not easy. But it can be done. Missing a deadline because you have recently moved to the area is one thing. Forgetting a deadline is another. Be honest with the admissions staff.
5 Questions Your Consultant Can Ask and You Can't
Use an educational consultant to ask those tough questions you are not comfortable asking. Educational consultants also know their schools. Their expertise will save you time and worry.
Your Child Isn't Happy at His Preschool?
What do you do when you realize that your child is unhappy at his preschool? You take action as soon as possible. Find out what the problem is. If you feel that your child needs to be in another school, start looking for that school.
This video looks at why children don't like their schools.
Will The School Give Me A Refund If My Child Withdraws Early?
What happens if my child suddenly takes sick before the end of the school year? What if he is expelled? Schools will expect you to pay for the entire academic year. That's why you have tuition insurance.
Being an Expat and Educating Your Children Abroad
If you have the chance to move overseas, don't worry about educating your children. You have several options. Most major foreign cities will have private schools that offer instruction in English. Be aware that the curricula will vary.
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