Are you a parent trying to find the ideal middle school or high school for your child? When you have activities like high school basketball or honors programs at the forefront of your mind, finding the best school can take a serious amount of research and dedication. Children come from many different backgrounds and there is no one-size-fits-all — the closest you can get is a middle school or high school that embraces your child’s unique perspective and allows them to thrive with a variety of engaging programs, classes and extracurricular activities.

Why Is Kindergarten Important?

Early education is essential for young children to establish basic skills. In preschool and kindergarten students will have opportunities to flex their language skills, social abilities and simple tasks such as problem-solving and recognition. Studies have shown that children who attend preschool do 21% better on math and reading tests in kindergarten than those who do not. Another study saw 80% of preschool children outperforming their peers that did not attend high-quality early education programs. Between the years 2011 and 2013 nearly five million children between the ages three and four attended preschools and preschool daycare programs.

What Separates A Good Middle School From A Lackluster One?

A devoted middle school should have all its basics covered, from an attentive class structure to a dedicated sports program. Since it’s the middle ground between elementary and high school, finding a quality middle school is essential in helping your child transition to adulthood. Reading reviews left by parents can help assuage any fears you have about the school itself and help you form a more thorough opinion before signing your child up. This can also cross over with public and private institutions.

What’s The Difference Between A Private School And A Public School?

Although they both seek to help your child accumulate the skills they need to thrive in the adult world, they go about this familiar process in decidedly different ways. For example, public schools generally have larger class sizes and are frequently located in more populated, urban environments. Private schools, on the other hand, have a smaller student to teacher ratio and can be located in a variety of different environments. There are over 30,000 private institutions in the United States and they account for 24% of the nation’s schools.

What About Special Education?

Children with physical disabilities, mental disabilities and mental illness benefit from attending schools that are centered on their needs. If your child has ADHD or dyslexia, for example, there are classes that are structured to embrace, rather than stifle, their ability to learn in a healthy environment. It’s additionally helpful to surround them with like-minded children so they can feel more supported by, rather than ostracized by, their peers. All of these features and more should be taken into consideration before you choose.

Which School Should I Choose?

Being proactive and doing your research into the school’s teachers, curriculum and additional qualities will go a long way in helping your child have a fulfilling and effective educational experience. Private schools can be ideal for their more intimate classroom design, while special education schools are the best option for children who need a more supportive environment. A recent study by the Fraser Institute saw the vast majority of parents, at 91%, choosing private schools for their safety as well as their structure. Choosing the right school for your child is a time-consuming task, but they will be better prepared for what lies ahead.