Choosing a School Together

t’s likely that you’ve made some preliminary decisions about the kind of school you seek—public or private, close to home or far away. We invite you to browse a recommended list of questions to ask yourself, and to ask the schools, as you begin your search.

In the end, many elements combine to create a complete educational experience, ideally a place where students are comfortable, challenged, and supported in all that they do. We suggest that your family set some expectations early, identifying a group of schools that seems like a good fit. Read up on them. And by all means, visit! Sit in on classes, talk with the teachers, shadow the students, eat in the dining halls, and ask your questions.

At Emma Willard, we’re counting on you to comb through our campus for your answers.

 

When selecting a school, the National Association of Independent Schools recommends that you consider the following:

• Boarding or day?
• School size?
• Single-sex or coed?
• Traditional or progressive?
• What special programs (arts, sports, computers) are offered?
• Is a diverse school community important to you?

At Emma Willard, we suggest that you consider some additional elements of the educational experience:

• Strength of faculty. Do they have the credentials to provide the education you seek?
• Connection between students and faculty. What levels of respect, trust, and communication exist? How do teachers spend their time?
• Academic expectations. Are standards set individually? By class? What kind of support is provided?
• Quality of facilities. Do they support the mission and goals of the school? Do they enhance the intellectual, aesthetic, physical, and social growth of the students?
• Overall feel of the community. How welcoming are the teachers and students? Is there a sense of spirit, well-being, and belonging?