When choosing a private school, the options can be overwhelming. Each school has its own qualities, strengths, and philosophies. Comparing them is difficult. Parents instead should judge schools with their own criteria. But how do they do that?
It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child. Let our experts and school insiders guide you through your best options, red flags to watch out for, and tips to a successful application.
Private School Expo - Fall 2023 Yes, I want to attend
There is a natural tendency to make a decision according to someone else's predetermined ranking system which can differentiate between the "best" and the "worst" schools, but parents need to understand how to factor in their family's priorities. With such diversity among private schools—between coed or single gender, day or boarding, special needs, arts, sports, language, faith-based, academically focused, Montessori, or alternative schools—how do parents compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges?
Elizabeth Moore, executive director of the Independent Schools Association of British Columbia, recently spoke at Our Kids' Vancouver expo, about decision-making priorities for parents unsure of how to rank their private school options.
"There is a real richness in independent schools because they're so different, so parents have the maximum choice for the right school for the child," she says. "A formal ranking system basically relies on academic results, but that's just one factor. It doesn't take in child's needs, or the parents' needs."
Throughout her career in private and independent education, Moore has come up with her own method of ranking schools that she recommends to parents. She has even used it to choose the right school for her own children.
Moore then suggests parents decide what their priorities are from this list, and distribute a total of 100 points among them depending on their importance. For Moore herself, for instance, she places about 50 points on family logistics, 10 points on a warm atmosphere, and 40 on her child being with close friends. This breakdown, of course, will vary from family to family.
"The most important thing is to look at what is important to your family, and you've got to dig quite deep for that," she says, and adds that every factor in the decision-making process should be up front and transparent for all involved—parent, teacher and child. But it's also important not to get wrapped up in the task.
"I always say to beware of the variables, but go with your gut," Moore says. "No decision is irreversible. If it doesn't work out it can be rectified. But after everything is weighed and balanced, as a parent you know inside yourself what is going to work."
An one-of-a-kind program that promotes science and critical thinking [Read more]
Chase your passion with a one-of-a-kind sports opportunity at Académie Ste-Cécile International School [Read more]
ERA’s environmental and social mandate [Read more]
Well-being and belonging at Trinity College School [Read more]
Trinity College School’s financial assistance program [Read more]
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
Helping kids deal with climate anxiety
An one-of-a-kind program that promotes science and critical thinking (August 17, 2023)
Combining high academics with prep hockey
Chase your passion with a one-of-a-kind sports opportunity at Académie Ste-Cécile International School (July 24, 2023)
British Columbia International Baccalaureate schools
Find IB schools throughout the province of BC (July 7, 2023)
Sustainability, responsibility, and accessibility (in service of student success)
(May 15, 2023)
Vancouver Island private schools
Find the best private and independent schools on Vancouver Island (May 11, 2023)
