Mental math skills are important. But academic success — and success in life — depend on more than a person’s ability to memorize key dates or ace a test. School prepares children for the challenges of work and life. In the classroom, kids learn how to set and achieve goals, work in teams, follow directions, and so much more.

That’s why when parents evaluate a private school’s curriculum, they need to examine the whole picture. Everything, from the school’s culture to its teaching philosophy to the standards it places upon its teachers, forms the foundation upon which your child’s future is built. In this article, we’ll talk about how to evaluate a private school curriculum, taking into account academics and more.

The Right Fit: Your Child’s Learning Style & Needs

Begin your private school search by considering your child’s learning style and needs. For decades, schools took a one-size-fits-all approach to education. The problem with treating all children the same is that they’re not. Every child is a unique mix of experiences, abilities, and personality. And these differences influence the way children learn.

The private school you choose should be able to use a variety of methods that appeal to children with differing learning styles. These styles mean that some kids learn better by reading, while others learn better with hands-on activities.

These are the main learning styles. It’s important to remember that a child can have more than one learning style and learning styles can change over time.

• Auditory: Your child learns best through spoken directions, lectures, and discussions.
• Kinesthetic: Your child loves to move! Kinesthetic learners like hands-on experiences and often excel in dance and sports. Sitting still might be tough for kinesthetic learners.
• Tactile: Tactile learners love to get their hands dirty — in the best way. If your child is a tactile learner, she might enjoy conducting science experiments, playing with Legos, or doing crafts.
• Visual: Visual learners are great at visualizing concepts. They learn by seeing and reading. If your child is a visual learner, she might be a natural artist or use colors to keep things organized.

When evaluating a private school’s curriculum, ask how teachers support students with varying abilities, including those who struggle and those who need more challenging material.

In addition to having different learning styles, children also learn at different rates. Some kids struggle with math, while others struggle with reading. Gifted kids may become bored and turn to daydreaming or misbehaving. Many children are gifted in one area but exhibit learning difficulties in another subject. High-quality private schools can meet kids where they are and provide the resources they need to excel.

How Teaching Methods Affect Learning

As you can imagine, different learning styles require different teaching methods. When evaluating a private school for your child, look at the methods and tools teachers use to help children learn.

Ensure that:

• Teachers use a variety of teaching methods, combining lessons with group discussions and hands-on experiences.
• Students have a variety of tools available. Crayons, highlighters, and worksheets help visual learners. Classrooms are equipped with wobble stools or sensory tools to help kinesthetic learners focus.
• Teachers are trained to assess children’s learning styles and adapt their teaching methods to a wide variety of learning styles.

Monitoring Children’s Progress

Look for a private school that takes a balanced approach to testing. Testing helps parents and teachers understand how children are progressing. But relying too much on testing can create unnecessary stress and mask kids’ emotional struggles.

Academic testing should incorporate writing assessments and story problems to test deep understanding, in addition to multiple-choice questions. Tests should be administered predictably. During the tour, ask how parents are kept updated on their children’s scores in between report cards.

The emotional and social lives of children have an outsized impact on their academic success. For that reason, look for a private school that pays attention to children’s lived emotional experience. Teachers should check in with students to see how they’re feeling. They should also observe kids and the way they interact with each other. Teachers with keen eyes are often the first ones to know when kids are having emotional or social problems.

Going Beyond the Core Subjects

The social and emotional aspects of school have an outsized impact on how kids learn. At school, kids have to learn how to make friends and resolve conflicts. School will be the place where your child learns important these important skills. In many ways, school is the first place your child will learn to be a good citizen. That’s why you should look for a school that emphasizes ethics, honesty, and integrity.

Any School Is Only As Good As Its Teachers

A private school can have a lofty vision and an excellent mission statement. But words mean nothing if teachers aren’t up to the task. A reputable private school will have a diverse staff with a fresh vision and decades of experience.

Great private schools look for teachers who are driven by passion and purpose. During your school tour, talk to the teachers and their leaders. You’ll know it’s the right place for your child if their enthusiasm and dedication feel infectious.

Questions to Ask During the School Tour

Have a list of questions ready before your scheduled school tour. Below are some questions that will help you evaluate the private school’s curriculum.

• Can you walk me through a typical classroom lesson?
• What does the homework look like for each grade?
• How do you support students who appear to struggle?
• How do you assess gifted students?
• What does testing look like?
• How can parents stay informed and up-to-date about their child’s progress in between report cards?

Visit JLP Inspiring Minds Private School and Get Inspired

Your child’s education is one of the most important building blocks to her future success. And when you’re evaluating a private school, you want to make the right choice. Look for a private school in South Florida that honors your child’s uniqueness and will equip her with the resources and support she needs to excel.

At JLP Inspiring Minds Private School, we have a team of dedicated educators who challenge and champion your child. Our comprehensive curriculum focuses on academic achievement, physical development, social success, and emotional intelligence. Call us today at 954-746-5437 to schedule a school tour or contact us online.