**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.**

A guest post by Anica Oaks

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child gets the best possible education. For this reason, you may be considering enrolling your kids in a private school. Being in the right school can make a big difference in a child’s life. The following are some issues to consider when deciding on the best choice for your child’s education.

The Quality of Public Schools in Your Area

Not all public schools are the same. There is a wide variety of quality from one school district to the next. You can look up statistics such as test scores to find out how your local schools measure up. Some parents make the decision to move to a new city or neighborhood because of the quality of public schools. This, however, is not always practical. In some cases, it might be easier for you to choose a good private school rather than relocating to a different area.

Choosing the Right Private School

Once you decide you want to send your child to a private school, you have many choices. In addition to factors such as location and cost, you want to be sure that the school has a good reputation and provides the kind of education you want for your child. In addition to checking out the credentials of schools, it’s important to visit and talk to people at the school. You should preferably visit with your child to make sure it will be a good fit for him or her.

Consider Your Budget

When deciding where to send your kids to school, you must consider your budget. While public schools are obviously the least expensive choice, you may also be able to find a private school that is within your budget. There can be a wide spectrum of costs for private schools. Some private schools, such as the International School of MN, provide financial aid to certain students.

Questions to Ask Prospective Schools

When considering a private school, there are certain key questions you should ask. How experienced are the teachers and what is their educational background? Are they provided with additional training from the school? Ask about the curriculum. Do they stress certain subjects, such as English, math or science? How much homework is given? Are kids given sufficient recess time and exercise? You may also have other questions that are especially important to you.

These are some of the issues to consider when thinking about sending your child to a private school. Choosing the right school, whether public or private, can have a big impact on your child’s future. That’s why it’s so important to give careful consideration to which school you choose.

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Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.