Make the Right Decision
Parents want the best high school for their children, whether it’s public, private or a different educational model.
Find out what parents should be looking for in a high school to ensure that their teen thrives in the years leading up to college.
1. Academic Programs Offered
Many times, experts say, deciding on a type of school comes down, at least in part, to the academic programs offered, from dual enrollment to Advanced Placement courses or International Baccalaureate programs.
If the student is interested in pursuing a particular subject area, such as theater, parents might also want to consider whether the school provides related opportunities.
2. Cost
Determining how much money to spend — if any — on a child’s high school education can be a challenging but important decision for parents.
Private high schools generally charge tuition, for example — though parents considering public schools, which are usually free, should also be aware of costs that aren’t stated outright.
3. Diversity
Consider the diversity of a high school, experts say, to ensure that teachers and officials are sensitive to cultural issues and that the child becomes aware and respectful of different values.
Parents might want to examine how schools teach diversity, including when it comes to historical issues.
4. Size
Whether it’s a small school with more personal attention, or a larger high school with more opportunities to build relationships, parents should pick the environment that’s best suited for their child.
Keep the child’s personality in mind, experts say. For an introverted student, for instance, a smaller school might be best.
5. Student-Teacher Interaction
When touring a school, looking to see how students and teachers interact with each other can give parents an idea of the school’s overall atmosphere, says one expert.
Take note if any students or teachers greet parents personally, and observe students’ moods and how they treat each other.
6. Graduation and College Attendance Rates
While parents shouldn’t base their decision off of numbers alone, certain statistics can suggest how successful a school has been at bringing students to the next stage of their lives.
Two stats to consider, experts say, are graduation rates and college attendance rates.
7. School Culture
The best way to get a feel for a school’s culture is to simply walk through the halls, Mark Reford, then CEO of BASIS Independent Schools, told U.S. News.
Parents might consider what they expect the school to teach their child about life beyond academics, and determine whether the school seems like a joyful place overall.
8. Technology and Resources
It’s important to understand what schools are doing with emerging technology to benefit students and how they are integrating it into the classroom setting, experts say.
Some high schools use interactive whiteboards, provide students with laptops or tablets and assign online coursework.
9. Extracurricular Activities
It’s vital for students to get involved outside the classroom through extracurricular activities, and experts say to look for a school that offers a variety.
Extracurriculars are also an important part of the college application and can speak volumes about a student’s interests and values.
10. Parent Engagement
Determining whether there’s a parent group or parent-teacher association can help parents learn more about the high school their child is attending, says one expert.
They should ask how involved parents can be in activities and other meetings or events. Parent involvement can show students that they should take their education seriously.
More on Choosing a High School
Find out more about students’ experiences at high schools across the U.S. on the High School Notes blog and get our complete rankings of the Best High Schools.
For additional advice and information on how to navigate the high school selection process, connect with U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook.
More from U.S. News
Ask 4 Questions to Choose Your Child’s High School
How to Choose the Best High School for Your Child
5 Tips for Students Applying to College Alone
10 Things to Consider When Picking Your Child’s High School originally appeared on usnews.com
