Oct
6
Written by:
Melanie Barrett
Thursday, October 06, 2011
There is no greater decision than where to educate your child. Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) has done the research to determine Canada’s best schools. Of the thousands of independent schools in Canada, only 90 meet the highest of National Standards, including Albert College.
Here are ten of the most important questions to ask in searching for the best independent school:
1. Is the school accredited by CAIS? Check the Directory for the list of schools that go beyond Ministry expectations and meet National Standards in all areas of programs and operations at www.cais.ca.
2. What is the curriculum approach - A.P., I.B., Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Montessori? How will the learning environment best support the needs of my child?
3. What are the advantages of single sex vs co-educational? Small vs large? City vs. rural? What environment will best challenge my child?
4. Is there an option to board? How might boarding best suit my child?
5. What will I be expected to pay, beyond tuition?
6. What co-curricular and leadership options are available?
7. What is the Mission and Vision of the school? What are the Values? What evidence is there that the school lives these statements?
8. Is there anything different or unique about the faculty? What are their qualifications? What is the student-teacher ratio?
9. How does the campus feel? What facilities are special?
10. How do the people I’ve met at the school interact with my child?