What kind of school is right for your child?

Exploring the fit of 10 different types of schools for several child types


In finding the right school, you’ll need to look at both the school and your child. Here we look at your child’s potential fit in several different school types, based on several traits they may have. Note: our aim isn’t to tell you whether a type of school is right or wrong for any kind of child, but to highlight some vital child-specific factors you should consider when making your decision.

To learn about how to choose the right school in general, read the Our Kids step-by-step advice guide and questions to ask private schools. To get school-choice advice customized to your child's unique traits, create a child profile through your user account and read our seven ways to choose a school based on your child's needs (i.e., overall fitmore academic challengesocial strugglesacademic strugglesintensive learning interestsuniversity preparation, and special needs.).  


How kids with different traits fit into 10 types of schools

Big schools

Big schools, as we define them, have more than 200 students. These schools tend to have plenty of resources, extracurriculars, and programming options, as well as diverse student bodies. They thus provide your child with plenty of opportunities to grow academically and socially. They can sometimes, however, be socially overwhelming for certain kids.

To access our in-depth analysis of how several different types of kids fit in big schools, read our guide.

Small schools

Small schools, as we define them, have 200 students or less. They tend to have smaller classes, more individualized learning, and tight-knit communities. That said, they have less diverse student bodies than big schools, which sometimes makes it more challenging to find a group of like-minded peers.

To access our in-depth analysis of how several different types of kids fit in small schools, read our guide.

Coed schools

Coed schools offer a wider range of social experiences, where kids can learn from the perspectives of boys and girls. Of course, these schools require your child to negotiate the complexities of boy-girl interactions, which can sometimes be challenging. 

To access our in-depth analysis of how several different types of kids fit in coed schools, read our guide.

Boys’ schools

Boys-only schools allow your son to focus on academics free of the distraction of boy-girl interactions. They also enable him to navigate social relations in a lower pressure environment. Of course, he won’t receive quite as wide a range of social experiences as he would in a coed environment, where he can learn from the perspectives of boys and girls.

To access our in-depth analysis of how several different types of boys fit in all-boys schools, read our guide.

Girls’ schools

Girls-only schools allow your daughter to focus on academics free of the distraction of boy-girl interactions. They also enable her to navigate social relations in a lower pressure environment. Of course, she won’t receive quite as broad a scope of social experiences as she would in a coed environment, where she can learn from the perspectives of boys and girls.

To access our in-depth analysis of how several different types of kids fit in all-girls’ schools, read our guide.

Boarding schools

Boarding schools allow older kids to learn and live with their peers, away from home. This can cultivate independence and academic and social growth. To manage the increased responsibilities of attending a boarding school, however, your child will need to be sufficiently mature.

To access our in-depth analysis of how several different types of kids fit in boarding schools, read our guide.

Montessori schools

Montessori schools offer plenty of individualized and hands-on learning. Since they allow your child to choose their tasks, with some teacher guidance, they can inspire and nurture a love of learning. They’re an especially good fit for kids who enjoy independent and concrete learning.

To access our in-depth analysis of how several different types of kids fit in Montessori schools, read our guide.

Reggio Emilia schools

In Reggio Emilia schools, teachers consider each child’s relationship to one another and aim to promote positive connections between them. The warm, community feel of the Reggio classroom is set up to promote lots of interaction, which can help your child engage both academically and socially. They tend to be a good fit for kids who enjoy group- and project-based learning.

To access our in-depth analysis of how several different types of kids fit in Reggio Emilia schools, read our guide.

International Baccalaureate (IB) schools

Throughout the continuum—from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP)—the IB provides a challenging, inquiry-based curriculum. It also offers plenty of group work, projects, and activities, which is great for kids who enjoy social and collaborative learning. They’re sometimes not as great a fit for “type A” kids, who are highly focused on academic achievement and sailing through the curriculum quickly. 

To access our in-depth analysis of how several different types of kids fit in IB schools, read our guide.

Language immersion schools

Language immersion schools have a challenging curriculum: they require students to learn all or most of their subjects in a second language. They can be great for kids who enjoy high-level learning, especially if they’re language-oriented and academically-inclined. Kids with learning disabilities, however, especially language-based ones, can sometimes struggle with language immersion programs.

To access our in-depth analysis of how several different types of kids fit in language immersion schools, read our guide.

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