Every family has different priorities when choosing an elementary school. You may choose the neighborhood school where you can support your community. You may want a strong science curriculum for your budding inventor. Or, maybe the most important feature to you is a school with an enthusiastic faculty and strong leadership. The following steps will help guide you closer to choosing the right school for your child. 

Step 1: Spell out your interests and your child's particular needs  

• What are your child's educational needs? Do you prefer a curriculum that is structured, child initiated, or a combination of the two?  
• Are the ideology and values of the schools compatible with yours?  
• What size school are you looking for? Some children may do better in a smaller school while others may benefit from a larger school with more options. How important is class size to you? 

Step 2: Determine your family logistics  

• What are you able to afford? Keep in mind that even public education entails costs beyond taxes, such as lunches, after-school programs, field trips, and supplemental costs for band or sports.  
• What type of school transportation do you need?  
• What child care support do you need? Does the school offer extended day programs or flexible early entry?  

Step 3: Develop a school search strategy  

• Research the schools in your area. Call or email the schools for catalogs, videos, and applications.  
• Locate and talk to parents whose children attend the different schools.  
• Select approximately three to five schools to explore further.  
• Visit your top choices. 

Step 4: Visit and assess schools

• When you visit schools, be sure to ask questions, observe the environment, and talk to teachers.  
• Does the school have a particular educational philosophy or mission?  
• How does the school encourage and monitor students' progress toward meeting grade-level standards?  
• What are some highlights of the reading, math, science, and social studies curriculum?  
• What criteria are used to determine student placement in classes?  
• Does the school individualize curriculum?  
• How does the school support students who have academic, social, or emotional challenges?  
• How does the school support special gifts or particular interests?  
• How is technology used to support teaching and learning at this school?  
• What extracurricular opportunities are available for students?  
• What is the school's approach to student discipline and safety?  
• What strategies are used to teach students who are not fluent in English?  
• What professional development opportunities do teachers have?  
• How does the school approach parent involvement?  
• Is there an active Parent Teacher Association?  
• Ask all schools about the qualifications and turnover of leadership and faculty and how they evaluate themselves and are evaluated by others.  
• What is the school's history, organizational structure, and financial stability?  

Also, look for the following when you visit schools:  

• Do the classrooms look cheerful? Is student work displayed, and does it seem appropriate for the grade level?  
• Do teachers seem enthusiastic and knowledgeable, asking questions that stimulate students and keep them engaged?  
• Does the principal seem confident and interested in interacting with students, teachers, and parents?  
• How well are the facilities maintained? Are bathrooms clean and well supplied, and do the grounds look safe and inviting?