Elementary school is a vital part of a child’s education. Here, they begin to learn a variety of topics that can help them as they continue their educational journey. They’ll also learn developmental, emotional, and social skills that will nurture their relationships and help them grow as well-rounded individuals. With so much to learn during these pivotal years, it’s important to know how to choose an elementary school for your child.
How To Choose an Elementary School in Seattle
Choosing an elementary school is no easy feat. When it comes to knowing how to choose an elementary school for your child, there are many factors to take into account. Read on to discover some of the key elements that the best elementary schools tend to have.
Academic Curriculum
The first factor to evaluate when choosing an elementary school is the academic curriculum. What subjects will your child be learning? Is there assistance provided for students who need extra help? Will your child be adequately prepared to navigate middle and high school when the time comes? Discuss the curriculum with a school counselor to ensure that it matches the needs of your child.
Extracurricular Activities
Next, you’ll want to think about extracurricular activities. Getting your child involved in extracurricular activities at a young age can help further foster developmental skills and give them a sense of what their interests may be. As you research the best elementary schools, be sure to look into their extracurricular programs and gauge your child’s interest level.
Campus Visit
Many elementary schools host open houses or welcome tours. Utilize this time to talk with teachers and administrators about their elementary school. Ask about what the school does to promote the safety and well-being of your child. Be sure to check out the classroom environment during this time as well to gain a better understanding of whether it will suit your child.
Parent Involvement
Though your child is beginning to gain a sense of independence during their school days, parental involvement is still essential to ensure the safety of your child. This may mean joining the school’s PTO to discuss issues that may arise or attending student-teacher conferences regularly to discuss your child’s progress. Studies have shown that parental involvement leads to higher academic success and better social skills, so check into what elementary schools offer to keep parents in the loop.
Peer Reviews
The final step in how to choose an elementary school for your child is to discuss different options with peers. If your next-door neighbor’s children have attended a school you’re interested in, discuss the environment and their experience with them. You may learn some valuable insight about the educational program offered.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that every child’s experience is different. While your neighbor’s child may have had a wonderful experience, the specific classroom setting may not work as well for your child. It never hurts to have a second opinion, but you and your child should make the final decision together.
How To Choose a Christian Elementary School in Seattle
As you continue your elementary school search, you may be wondering if a private Christian school is the right route for your child. If so, you’ll need to know how to choose a Christian elementary school. Keep reading to learn a few key factors to consider when choosing the best private elementary school for your child.
Faith-Based Education
When it comes to choosing a Christian elementary school, a faith-based education can be a top priority. As you look into this school option, discuss the curriculum with the teachers and administrators. They’ll be able to provide you an inside look into how they incorporate your child’s beliefs into their everyday teachings.
Class Sizes
Private schools tend to offer smaller class sizes that may be best for your child. The smaller student-to-teacher ratio provides your child with more attention and consideration in the classroom. If this is an important factor for you in your child’s education, look into the average classroom size of each Christian elementary school.
Influential Educators
Teachers can often have a major impact on students. When it comes to choosing a Christian elementary school for your child, learning more about the faculty can be beneficial. By touring campus or attending an open house, you’ll have the opportunity to see who will be spending their days teaching your child and how they may positively impact your student.
Accreditation
Since many private schools don’t have to follow the same state regulations as public institutions, accreditation can be vital when choosing the best elementary school. Make sure that every elementary school you’re looking into meets quality standards and has achieved some form of accreditation from a trusted source.
Explore King’s Schools
As you look into the best elementary schools in Seattle and the Edmonds Shoreline area, consider exploring all that King’s Elementary School has to offer. King’s Schools has a private elementary school in Seattle that emphasizes faith-based teachings and spiritual development. At King’s Elementary School, students will spend their days immersed in cooperative learning environments amongst peers.
Come visit our school or contact us to learn why our program is the best elementary school in Seattle!