Choosing a School

Okay, so choosing a school isn't rocket science, but neither is it as simple as it was even a generation ago.  From your neighborhood public school, to charter schools to private schools, you've got a lot of options to sort through.  So let's get started!

PParent LogoColor

Step 1: Figure out what you're looking for in a school.

Here at MOST, we are big fans of Picky Parent Guide: Choose Your Child's School with Confidence, as a tool to help parents identify what school characteristics are most important for your child and family. Lucky for you, the book's authors have made its contents available for free on their website, so check it out!

But even if you can't read the whole book, it's worth thinking about what the book says are the two most important factors in choosing a school -- quality and fit -- so that you're not seduced by the donuts and slide show at the open house.

Step 2: Research your school options.

Regardless of what you might have heard, Memphis is full of great educational options -- of all types and levels of affordability. You owe it to yourself, your child, and your checkbook to consider all the options available:

  • Public schools - If you're here, it might be because you think your neighborhood public school isn't up to snuff.  But are you sure?  We always recommend checking it out first because it's hard to beat the convenience and community you get from going to school in your own neighborhood. But for some, it's not a good option. So beyond that, the Memphis City Schools also offer open enrollment and optional school choices that can be great (and free) answers to your school questions.

  • Charter schools - New to Tennessee in the past decade (and growing rapidly in Memphis), charter schools offer an alternative to traditional public schools, but at the same price -- free!  Many have a special academic focus or extended learning hours that could be just what your child needs to succeed.

  • Private schools - Perhaps you are looking for a certain kind of learning environment (like Montessori) or a religious bent to instruction -- then a private school might be right for you.  Financial assistance might be available through the school or a scholarship organization (like MOST) to make affordable what you thought was out of reach. But don't just assume that paying tuition always equates to a great school.  Do your homework and make sure the school is the right fit for your child and family.

  • Homeschool - For parents who feel that father (or mother) knows best, homeschooling might be the right option for your family.

Step 3: Narrow down your options and visit the schools.

Armed with a list of questions about how each school will address the specific needs of your child and family, you can attend open houses and visit the classrooms, interview the principal, and grill other parents. You only want to make this decision once, so do the legwork the first time around. Chapter 15 of Picky Parent Guide can help you more with this step. This short article by TIME columnist Andrew Rotherham is also helpful on the topic of school visits (and it quotes a couple of Memphis teachers!). Find more articles on evaluating schools here.

Step 4: Choose your school and secure your spot.

You've done your homework, so you can now settle on a school with confidence, and get your child a seat. Chapters 16 and 17 of Picky Parent Guide can help walk you through these steps.  Now, you're ready to go!