How to choose the right school for your child in West Philadelphia, PA

You can’t just pick a school and leave it at that. You need to be mindful of a number of factors when looking for the right school for your child. Some schools have better programs than others. Some schools have a greater number of students who are eligible for free lunch. And some schools are located in a neighborhood that’s more dangerous than others.

It’s impossible to say which schools are the best in West Philadelphia, PA, but you can make an informed choice by taking these steps:

1. Read up on your child’s grade level.

There are plenty of resources out there that can help you. A search on Google will turn up many articles about how to choose a school. The National Center for Education Statistics has a handy guide here.

2. Know what the school’s test scores are.

If you’re looking for a school that tests kids regularly, you’ll find some information here. You can also check the school’s website to see how well they’ve performed on state tests.

3. Look for safety.

The Department of Education offers a tool that will show you whether or not your child’s school is safe. The site’s information is based on data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police departments.

4. Talk to the principal.

This is an important step because a good principal is crucial to a student’s success. Ask to speak to the principal and ask them questions about the school. You can also ask if they have a student who’s currently enrolled in the school.

5. Consider other schools.

You can find out about nearby schools on sites like SchoolMatch and GreatSchools. You can also ask your child’s teacher or other teachers you know about the school.

6. Think about the commute.

If your child has to walk or bike to the school, you’ll want to be sure that the school is close enough to your home.

7. Think about your kid’s needs.

Does the school have art, music, or sports programs? Do you have any allergies that need to be considered? You can look for a school that fits these needs on sites like School Choice, which is sponsored by the National School Boards Association.

8. Check out the community.

Schools that are located in more affluent neighborhoods are often more attractive to families who value the amenities they offer.

9. Find out about test scores.

If the school is near you, you can easily look up the test scores of the school in question on sites like Niche and My School Finder. If you’re looking for a school that’s farther away, you can use a site like Scorecard to see what schools are similar to the one you’re considering.

10. Talk to your child’s teachers.

Find out what their impression of the school is and ask what their impression is of the teachers. You can also talk to parents and other teachers at the school to get a sense of how well the school runs.

11. Make sure that the school’s mission aligns with yours.

Your goal for your child will inform your decision. If you want your child to be successful academically, then the school you pick should provide strong academic support. You can learn more about how to do this on sites like School Choice.