As summer comes to a close and families eagerly prepare for the coming academic year, it is
time to reflect 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. Having some guiding principles to consider may be helpful in your decision making
process. So…here are three suggestions of things to look for when researching educational
options.

1 – 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? It is
less about the aesthetic of the school and the quantity of high-end technology. It is more about
how the programming and equipment are implemented and utilized. I would suggest asking
questions about why the programs were designed and how they are 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.

2 – Creative Environment – Education is no longer simply about the mastery of content through
memorization or formulaic pathways. It is about establishing an environment that fosters
motivation 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. Today, students are accustomed
to negotiating with parents. We no longer live in a world where “…because I said so…” works.
The same is true for teachers. The students want a choice and their voice heard. By the way,
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? Again, 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.

3 – Parental Partnership Opportunities – A wholistic approach to education is one which strives
to educate the mind, body, and spirit. This approach is geared towards the formation of the whole
person (not just the mind) with the goal of preparing them to become high-functioning, topperforming,
and essential contributors within a community. Therefore, schools who work
collaboratively with parents and families to establish a personalized approach to their child’s
education will have a more active voice in the rearing of your child. How do you know if a
school has parent partnership opportunities? I would suggest asking questions about how you as
a parent can become an active partner in your child’s education. If the answers are more geared
towards “…please respond when we reach out to you…” and less geared towards “…we have
the following opportunities for collaboration…” then there may only be an illusion to
partnership. The answers to those questions will tell you if there are enough opportunities to
meet your needs as a parent.

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 most 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 towards the education of your child.