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Choosing a School For Your Child? Here Are 5 Tips and a Free Printable

Download this free printable chart to help you compare schools

By Alison Ellis, publisher of Macaroni KID Vero Beach January 25, 2023

Are you trying to choose a school for your child? I am! My son is entering kindergarten in the fall, and I'm in the somewhat stressful process of deciding the best fit for our family. I made the chart below to keep track of each school's information, help me remember what kind of questions to ask, and have an easy side-by-side comparison. I thought I would share it with you all, along with a few tips, in the hopes that it can make this task a little easier for you, too. 

1. Talk to other parents with children at the school. 

First-hand information, especially from families with children that currently attend the school (a lot can change in a few years), is your best tool. However, remember to take everything with a grain of salt. Each family is unique, and what is great for one child may not be great for another. 

2. Go on a tour of each school or attend their open house.  

Nothing can beat seeing the school in action! This is an easy way to weed out the "nopes". 

3. Visit the school's website.

This can help you fill out your chart and form the basis for if you want to explore the school further or if it's immediately crossed off your list.  

4. If your child is old enough, ask them for input and involve them in the decision-making.

If your child is excited about the school they are attending it will set them up for success. 

5. Go with your gut.

You know your child best. Make the decision that's right for your family no matter what everyone else is doing. 


Click the image below to download the printable

I wish you the best with this process, and I hope you find the perfect fit for your family!