One of the most important decisions that every parent makes is choosing the best school for their children. This can be a very complicated decision. Here are some ideas to help evaluate schools and make an informed choice.

Do Your Research: Scholastic Considerations

• What is the curriculum?
• What are the SAT scores?
• What grade does computer education start?
• What is the total student population?
• What is the average class size?
• What is the student-teacher ration for your child's grade level?

Make Contact: Connect with Key People and Organizations

• Contact the Director of Computer Education to find out the student-computer ratio and if the district's teachers have participated in a computer training program.

• Contact the Parent Teacher Organization and find out how active it is. Studies have shown that children's academic success increases when parents are actively involved in their education.

At the School: Will Your Child be Happy There?

Make an appointment with the Principal for you and your children to visit the school when in session so you can observe a normal school day. This is your chance to learn the personality of the school.

• Check classrooms for interested and smiling faces.
• Look at the projects and student artwork on the walls.
• Do the students dress like your kids and are they friendly?
• Most importantly, be sure to talk to your kids during and after the tour. They will likely have noticed things that you did not.

There are many concrete factors that indicate how good a school is. But after you have done your research, visited the school and conferred with your children, your intuition and good common sense will be your best guide.