how to choose an elementary school?

May 2021 2 42 Report

how to choose an elementary school?

50/50 custody- each parent in a different town/district. Either way one 1 of us is going to have to drive about 15 minutes to get to the other school. how do you decide which school? i really want the best education for my son, so it doesn't matter to me if i have to drive that far. I am just not sure how to tell which school is best.

where can i go to compare the schools (they are in wisconsin)?

i have gone to both greatschools.net and schooldigger.com and i have looked at both of the schools websites. I have in my head which i think would be best but i need some hard proof to convince his mother that the school by me is best. they have higher state testings scores, petter student/teacher ratio....

also- we are going to look at them in 2 weeks- what questions should i find out from the school?

i really need help!!

thanks!

Education & Reference / Teaching

Verified answer

Higher test scores could be the result of many factors:

Percentage of college grad parents

Percentage of single parent homes

Availability of reading matter in the home

Nutrition

etc.

It is best to visit the schools.

What services are available outside of the classroom?

Is the library properly supplied and staffed?

Is the principal in the hallway greeting students at each break, or locked up in their office?

What enrichment classes are available? music? art?

How are you greeted upon arrival?

Does every student have some form of homework daily?

Is the physical plant maintained? Is there pride or graffiti?

I am sure you can think of more observations to make for a fair evaluation. If you can't go with the other parent, it would be advisable if you both went to both schools and exchanged your observations.

stormibays

You have to be careful of those websites because honestly people are really upset when they post and I know that I work in a fabulous school and some upset parent got on there are spread slander.

My suggestion would be to take a tour of the school and then see if you can talk to some neighborhood families to get their opinion - take it with a grain of salt but ast several.