As summer draws to close and families eagerly prepare for the coming academic year, it is time to reflect once again on the importance of school choice. Having school choice is a luxury that has been made affordable in recent years thanks to our government and lawmakers. There are many things to consider, in addition to overall academic excellence, when researching the right fit for your family and having some guiding principles to consider may be helpful. So…here are some suggestions of things to look for when researching your options.

A Creative Environment – According to Dr. Stuart Ablon, all classroom instruction can be divided into two style categories – algorithmic and heuristic. Algorithmic instruction follows a set of established instructions down a single pathway to one conclusion. Heuristic instruction has no algorithm and the students must experiment with possibilities and devise creative solutions to problems. Today’s classrooms should have a combination of both, but with a higher percentage towards the heuristic approach. Education is no longer simply about the mastery of content through memorization or formulaic pathways. It is about establishing an environment that fosters motivation, creative problem-solving, and inspiration. A creative environment where the student has input on the pathway and a voice on the journey to mastering the content is essential. Overall, I believe that students are smarter today then we were at their age due largely to the advancements in technology, establishments of social media, and immediacy of attaining information. This early on-set intelligence demands a more creative learning environment that accommodates their learning style and speed. The best way to have innovative programming situated in a creative environment is to work collaboratively with the students to create both. How do you know if a school has a creative environment? It is less about the aesthetic of the school and more about the systems in place for teaching and learning. I would suggest asking questions about how lesson plans are implemented, and the role students play in instruction. The answers to those questions will tell you if the environment is creative enough for your child.

Innovative Programming – Prior to 2008, App Designers, Bloggers, Digital Marketing Specialists, Social Media Managers, and Cloud Service Technicians did not exist. Therefore, it is crucial for us as educators to make instructional decisions based on the knowledge that we are preparing today’s youth for many jobs that do not currently exist. Innovative programming is essential in teaching the critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills necessary to meet the demands of the future. How do you know if a school has innovative programming? Again, it is less about the aesthetic of the school and the quantity of high-end technology. It is more about the programming and frequency of engagement being implemented and utilized. I would suggest asking questions about why the programs were designed and currently being implemented. If those questions can not be answered, odds are that the innovative concept is in place, but the execution is missing. Therefore, lacking the innovation within the program.

I began my educational career over twenty years ago with the good fortune to work in many different kinds of schools – private, public, small, large, city, and county. My experience has taught me that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution or best option. The decision on which school is the best fit for your child should be personally explored and based on the needs and priorities of your family. The important element to recognize is that you have a choice. This choice is a gift that many of us were not afforded. I encourage you to take advantage of this gift and use it wisely to the advantage of your child.