How To Evaluate A Private School Curriculum & Questions Every Tamarac Parent Should Ask

How To Evaluate A Private School Curriculum & Questions Every Tamarac Parent Should Ask

Choosing the type of education your child will receive is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for them. Whether the schooling is public or private, each one will shape the kind of learner your child becomes, preparing the way for college and eventually their first job. This may sound intimidating, but with the right information at your disposal, you can make the decision that’s best for your family.

Many parents have started switching to private schools in Florida, for good and varying reasons. If you’re considering enrollment in a Tamarac private school, you’ll want to ask certain questions about the facility to ensure it’s a good fit. Below are a few things about a private school curriculum to consider in your search.

What Is The School Philosophy About Education?

young girl at her deak in a classroom with hand raised

A quality private school curriculum believes that all students are able to learn and be successful, even if learning styles may somewhat differ from student to student. That’s why a private school offers reduced classroom sizes for individualized attention to help accommodate any special needs.

At JLP Inspiring Minds, we believe all students should receive a quality education, regardless of background. You can learn more about our philosophy of learning in the mission statement on our website.

What Is The Staff Like At A Private School Curriculum?

One key ingredient to a quality education is passionate, qualified staff. Our Tamarac private school teacherswill have the appropriate degrees, certifications, and experience to bring excellence into the classroom.

Does The Private School Curriculum Include Enrichment Programs?

For students who may be slightly ahead of the curve, enrichment programs keep them challenged and prevent boredom. Additional activities are part of a well-rounded curriculum that hone in on important life skills and abilities. These programs not only challenge kids in a healthy way, but they also encourage them to be the best possible version of themselves.

What Is The Private School’s Culture?

Any quality school will cultivate an environment of safety and belonging for everyone. This not only benefits students physically and mentally but is also critical for intellectual and social development.

Some good questions to ask regarding a private school culture may include the following:

  • Do students and teachers feel safe in this environment?
  • What is your overall educational philosophy?
  • What role do homework and testing play?
  • How do you measure success beyond student grades?
  • How are classroom expectations communicated to the students?
  • Is there open communication between teachers, administrators, students, and parents?
  • How involved are parents able to be in their children’s education and student life?
  • How would you describe a typical day in the classroom?
  • How do teachers balance structure with creativity?
  • How do you support different learning styles and/or paces?
  • How do you teach kindness, empathy, and inclusion?
  • How much emphasis is placed on collaboration versus independent work?
  • How do you support students’ emotional well-being?
  • How do you ensure every child feels seen and valued?
  • Are there opportunities for service or leadership, even at a young age?

Choosing a private school is really about understanding how your child will feel and grow there, day to day. The right inquiries can reveal far more than a website or brochure ever will. These are just a few thoughtful, high-impact questions you can ask to determine the culture of a Tamarac private school.

How Does The Private School Foster Community?

children holding hands in a circle

They say, “It takes a village to raise a child”; it also takes a village to educate one. That’s why it’s strongly recommended that parents be involved at varying levels in their child’s experience at school. Parents will always know what is happening inside the classroom and how their children are progressing. In addition, it’s important to ask about alumni communities. A strong community of former students is a sign of loyalty.

Additional Questions To Ask About A Tamarac Private School

We’ve covered many of the basics, but here are a few additional ways to evaluate a private school curriculum:

Classroom Observation

There’s only so much you can learn about a school from reading about it on a website. An in-person observation of real-time learning is a great way to see the curriculum in action. That way, you can see how the philosophy of learning and school culture is applied in the classroom. You can also witness teacher-student interaction and see how students interact with each other. A classroom observation is a great way to narrow down your final decision if you have a few private schools on your list.

Financial Aid

While private schools offer immense benefits, they can be costly for many families. Additional costs not included in tuition may include lunch, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. You may want to ask what you can expect overall expenses to be in addition to school tuition, and whether financial aid or scholarships are available.

Safety And Security

In this day and age, a school can never be too safe. A school that pulls out all the stops when it comes to safety and security is an absolute must. You’ll want to pay attention to how easy it was to access the premises when you arrive: are security features or personnel visible at all times? Are there cameras around? What do emergency procedures look like? Does the school have a policy about who is approved to pick students up at the end of the day?

In addition to security measures, it’s also important to ask about health matters. Are staff certified in basic first aid and CPR? What is the protocol for illnesses or accidents? How up-to-date is the playground equipment?

High School And College Preparation

All education is preparation for independence and success in the real world. The schooling your child receives now has an impact on their eventual college choices. Children should be prepared emotionally and socially for these transitions, as well as academically. No matter what path they end up taking, the right private school will help prepare them for it.

Find The Right Tamarac Private School For Your Family

JLP Inspiring Minds is an educational community supporting children, our passionate and experienced staff supports students socially and emotionally as well as academically, regardless of skill level.

Come see where your child can truly thrive! To arrange your visit, call today at 954-746-5437.