Your Family’s School Choice Priorities

Navigate School Choice / Your Family’s School Choice Priorities

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No matter what type of school you end up choosing, it’s crucial to start the process by taking stock of what’s important to you and your family in an educational environment. Every child is different, and the unique preferences your family has are a crucial part of choosing the right fit.

Take this quiz to get a shortlist of your family’s top priorities, which will inform all the next steps you take on your school choice journey.

Understanding the Types of Schools in K-12 Education

Traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling are the seven main forms of K-12 education options.

Family School Choice Priorities

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A focus on core subjects
Do you want a school that focuses specifically on core subjects, such as reading, writing, math, science, and history, so that your child can demonstrate mastery of these subjects? Some parents believe that an active focus on “the basics” will best prepare their children for life.

Competency-based education
Do you want a school that focuses on teaching students skills rather than abstract theories? In the competency-based education approach, students learn one skill at a time. Once they master each skill, they move on to the next one.

Critical Thinking
Critical thinking Do you want a school that focuses on cultivating critical thinking skills in students? These skills include interpreting and analyzing problems and challenges, evaluating possible solutions to specific problems, communicating with others, and, ultimately, solving problems.

Character Development
Do you want a school that pays particular attention to building students’ characters? This could include educating students on honesty, decision-making, trustworthiness, personal ethics, compassion, fairness, morality, and citizenship.

Specific Instructional Strategy
Do you want a school that offers a specific instructional strategy such as cooperative learning, differentiated instruction, individualized instruction, direct instruction, or inquiry-based teaching? Some parents know which instruction methods work best for their children.

Extra focus or emphasis on a specific subject
Do you want a school that focuses on a specific subject or theme, such as reading, foreign language immersion, English Language Learner (ELL) education, STEM, or gifted and talented education? Some parents know that their children need or benefit academically from a specific focus.

Art and music programs
Do you want a school that prioritizes art and music education? Some students find greater learning—along with greater inspiration and happiness—through art and music classes, activities, or programs.

Use of modern or advanced technology
Do you want to find a school or learning environment with a specific approach to using technology? Some parents know that their children acquire knowledge more quickly when they are paired with effective technology, while other parents find that technology distracts their children.

Number of students in the school
Do you want a school that—in terms of the total number of students enrolled—is smaller or larger than most? Some students learn more in smaller schools that have fewer students, while other students find that they benefit from schools with more students.

Student-to-teacher ratio or class size
Do you want a school that has a specific student-to-teacher ratio or class size? Some students might learn more effectively in smaller classes, while other students might feel more comfortable—and thus learn more effectively—in larger classes.

A school that offers a career and technical education program
Do you want your child to learn about a trade, craft, or specific type of career while in school? These programs can include career-focused studies on everything from health care to technology, culinary arts, vehicle repair, plumbing and carpentry, and more.

A school that offers advanced coursework or programs for gifted students
Do you want a school that offers a specific set of advanced coursework, such as honors courses, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, or a program designed to serve gifted and talented students?

A school that offers catch-up courses or credit recovery programs
Do you want a school that provides opportunities for students who have struggled in specific subjects or previously failed classes to be able to retake these classes using a different instructional strategy that might be a better fit for them?

A school that prioritizes social-emotional learning
Do you want a school that prioritizes social-emotional learning (a learning strategy that focuses on helping students work with teachers and parents to learn emotion management, how to set and achieve goals, and how to show empathy for others)?

A variety of activities and sports programs
Do you want a school that offers sports programs, clubs, activities, and extracurriculars? Some parents seek schools that offer specific activities, while other parents simply want a variety of sports or activities from which their child could choose.

A specific homework policy
Do you want a school that has a specific approach to or policy regarding student homework? Some parents feel that too much homework can have a negative effect on student learning. Other parents believe that if students receive no homework, they might miss out on learning opportunities.

A specific approach to standardized testing or test prep
Do you want a school that offers a specific approach to standardized testing or preparation for standardized testing? Some parents find these assessments to be valuable tools, while other families worry that too much “test prep” takes away from learning.

A school that embraces community service/involvement
Do you want a school that emphasizes community service, volunteerism, or community involvement? Some parents believe that their children’s learning is positively affected by these types of programs and by increased community involvement in schools.

A school’s atmosphere or environment
Do you believe that your child’s learning will be affected significantly by things like the cleanliness, noise, temperature, lighting, air quality, or accessibility of a school building? Do you have a particular atmosphere- or environment-related concern?

A discipline policy that you agree with
Do you want a school that offers a specific approach to student discipline? For example, some parents might want a school with a stricter approach, while other parents prefer more leniency. Some parents feel that a specific discipline policy has a significant impact on their child’s learning.

A school that offers “wraparound” services
Do you want a school that offers a breakfast program, an after-school care program, social services, counseling, or health services?

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Now that you know what each priority from the Family School Choice Priorities Quiz means, finding the perfect fit for your family just got easier.

You will soon receive a copy of your priorities in your email inbox. Use these checked-off priorities to guide you on your school choice journey. In the meantime, explore our Types of Schools page or watch our informative video above to learn more about the seven different types of schools nationwide.

Need extra help making your decision? Check out our Tips for Choosing the Right School to gain insight into selecting the best school for your child.

Ready to explore your local school options? Use our free “Schools Near Me” tool to search through more than 131,000 public, charter, magnet, and private schools.

Our tool enhances the information we offer on school choice options in your state. With this tool, you can access information on more than 132,000 public, charter, magnet, and private schools across the United States. You’ll be able to view essential information about each school, such as its address, phone number, and website.

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