In order to find the best school for your child, you should begin by observing your child’s learning habits. Even as preschoolers, children begin to develop different approaches to learning. These inclinations provide strong clues about what kind of school would serve them best. In her book Your Child’s First School, educational consultant Diana Townsend-Butterworth offers these suggestions of things to watch for in determining your child’s orientation to learning:

+What does your child enjoy doing?
+What excites your child and arouses his or her curiosity?
+What seems to be frustrating?
+Does your child thrive in a structured environment or seem to prefer one that offers more freedom?
+Is your child quiet or rambunctious?
+Does he or she prefer to work on projects alone or with other children?
+Does he or she have any special interests or abilities?

What about family expectations?
+What goal do you have for your child’s long-term education? Is college preparation a priority?
+How important is parental involvement in school activities to you?
+Do you expect the school to have a role in developing a child’s character by encouraging respect for adults and peers as well as others in society, including the disadvantaged?
+How important is it to you that you have a strong relationship and share a philosophy with other parents at the school?
+How interested are you in providing a home setting that gives your child time for homework?
+How important is a before-school and after-school program for you?