How to Choose a Private School for Your Younger Child
If you want to send your child to a private school, be sure you carefully check out all your options, rather than assuming that the most expensive school will automatically be best, or simply choosing the cheapest school, thinking that all private schools are alike. Instead, note a few items to consider when choosing between childhood education options, so you know you find the one that will offer the most benefit to him or her.
Balancing art and education
You may assume that a child doesn't need to spend time in classes like art, music, creative writing and the like, but these types of subjects can enrich a child's learning overall. Creative, artistic subjects can teach a child to think for themselves, rather than simply reciting answers to quizzes, and these subjects can also provide a welcome break from learning about subjects like math and science.
That being said, you also don't want to overlook the importance of the basics such as reading, mathematics, science and history. Even if your child is very artistic and expresses an interest in being a musician or a writer as an adult, they should still learn strong reading and math skills, which are always needed in everyday life! When choosing a private school, balance artistic endeavours and subjects with more basic educational subjects so your child has the most well-rounded experience.
Recess and gym
Some schools forego recess and gym classes, thinking that these are a waste of a child's day, but this can be a mistake. Younger children especially may have lots of energy, so that they get bored and restless when cooped up in a classroom all day. It's also important for a child's physical health to be active and to have time to play.
Recess especially can also help a child to form friendships in school, and to develop their social skills. They need to interact with other children, away from the structure of a classroom, and learn how to get along. It may also help them socially to simply be with other children their own age, sharing common interests.
In a gym class, a child will learn to play by rules that they must respect and may also learn how to lose a game graciously! These skills are very important for a child, along with their actual education, so be cautious about sending your child to a school without any type of recess or gym program.