The Baton Rouge residential movers of All my Sons Moving & Storage understand that education is priceless. Therefore, our professionals suggest a few elements to look at so you can discover great Baton Rouge schools for your kids.
Choosing the right school can be hard, especially if the perfect school is not in your school district. There are a few things that you should consider as you search for the best school district, particularly if you are getting ready to move to an unfamiliar region. As you prepare for a move to Baton Rouge, here are some things to consider about a school district:
District test scores in relation to demographics and compared to other districts
How technology is integrated
Teacher satisfaction with district policies and practices
District leadership
Student-teacher ratio
Diversity
Extra-curricular activities
Accolades and accreditations
A hands-on approach is the best way to choose a school. Don't rely solely on scores and web searches to decide on the best fit for your child. When you think that you have found the schools that have made the cut, dig a little deeper and take a look at the community within the school:
Attend a PTA meeting at the school(s). It's a great opportunity to meet some of the teachers as well as other parents and see if this is a tribe of people you can see yourself with for the next few years.
Schedule a meeting with the principal as well as a tour of the school to gain a little more insight into how they manage the school. Prepare a list of questions if you have specific concerns you'd like addressed before you enroll your child.
If you have the opportunity, sit in on a class or attend the open house. You will be able to get a sense of the general teaching styles encouraged by the administration.
Spend some time in the neighborhood. The environment surrounding the school affects your child's experience.
Other than the fact that it's free, public schools have great benefits compared to private schools.
1. Location
Public schools are always going to be a good choice when you want your kids close to home. Since there several public schools in every district, you will have a handful of options to choose from. The proximity of public schools to your house is incredibly beneficial for busy parents who can't always pick up or drop off their kids. Children can ride the bus to and from school, walk, or even carpool with a trusted neighbor since their schoolmates likely live close by.
2. Diversity
Since neighborhoods tend to be diverse in nature, this means that the public school in your neighborhood will also be diverse too. Exposure to different economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds can only benefit your children and prepare them for life in the real world.
3. Curriculum
Public schools all have the same curriculum throughout the state. The standard subjects such as math, reading, writing, science, and social studies are offered at various levels to accommodate all students' educational needs. This is beneficial for students who may need extra help with any of these subject areas.
Private schools provide extra benefits for their students that set them apart from their public school peers.
1. Parental Involvement
Private schools encourage greater parent involvement on campus. For parents who do not work conventional hours or who are at home, participating in your child's school day is precious. While on campus, you may notice things as a parent that teachers might not notice about the school, which you can mention in PTA meetings and contribute to the continued improvement of the school curriculum and environment. It's also an invaluable chance to get to know your child's teacher and volunteer in their class to enhance the kids' learning experience.
2. Student-Teacher Ratio
Private schools come at a cost, but that affords students more access to teachers. Smaller class sizes mean that teachers have more time to spend on students' needs in order to provide the best education to each individual child and give them the proper tools to succeed.
3. Curriculum and Opportunities
Additionally, unlike public schools, private schools have greater control over their curriculum and how it is implemented. The standard subjects courses are part of the curriculum, of course, but students may also be able to explore elective classes such as music, art, and dance that public schools are slowly eliminating due to budget cuts. These extra opportunities help students stand out when applying to colleges and add more depth to their resumes.
As you discover great Baton Rouge schools and plan for your child's future, don't forget to plan for your move as well! Our local Baton Rouge movers look forward to welcoming you to the city and your new home.
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