By Joanne Baskin, Manager, School Services

If you have already selected a high school for and with your child for next year, it is probably because of one or more of the following reasons:
It is a cultural/religious “fit”;
It is in close proximity to your home;
It is the same school your older children attend(ed);
It is “what you know” as it is the school you attended.
Those are all pragmatic and legitimately sound reasons; however, it may also be important to consider some other factors in order to ensure your child’s transition from primary school is positive and beneficial to his or her learning and stage of development.
Betsy Van Dorn, in an article in Family Education.com, suggests the 3A’s of exploration: attitude, academics and amenities in asking the right questions of a potential school.
Considering a school’s ability to make you feel welcome, unhurried and open to communication is of utmost importance. Understanding how this is facilitated (written communication, email, phone calls, meetings) are ways of seeing what resonates with your style of communication. Knowing the attitudes and policies around partnership with parents and discipline of students are “key” to getting a feel for the school and how it relates to your own values and needs.
Academics are often central to a good school choice therefore understanding the curriculum will be an asset in the selection process. Knowing how the curriculum conforms to Quebec Ministry of Education standards as well as non-secular programming is also important. How well are teachers supported in their learning, such as attending conferences and ongoing professional development may be additional questions to ask. It is also important to understand how the school organizes its resources to cater specifically to your child’s needs.
In the area of amenities, the school building and layout, its general feeling of welcoming in this layout, will enhance a sense of belonging in youth and their families. The use of technology, its space for expression of the arts and physical activity are further components to look at.
Visiting a school beyond its Open House gatherings are another way of feeling out the functioning of the school. Can you see and hear what the school stands for when you walk in? Are the students happy , proud and engaged in learning?
Knowing what your own child requires academically, socially and emotionally is a way to begin this process of exploration in developing the right set of elements to consider and the right questions to ask.

To learn more about how Ometz can help your family meet life’s challenges, please contact us at 514-342-0000 or visit www.ometz.ca