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Selecting the right school for your children
is one of the most important decisions your family will make. Not
only will this choice shape your children’s future in many
ways, it will have a profound impact on your daily family life.
With the many options available to today’s families, Charlotte
Latin School provides the following list of questions to help guide
your selection process. While certainly not exhaustive, it is intended
to highlight key points your family may consider. If you are satisfied
with the answers to these questions, and the school’s atmosphere
feels comfortable, you probably have found the right school for
your family.
Do you endorse the school's mission?
Each school is guided by a mission. If a
formal, written mission statement is available, review it to determine
if it matches your family's aspirations and goals for your children.
If an unwritten mission exists, ask questions to determine the school's
priorities and determine if you endorse them.
Does it feel right?
There is no substitute for actually visiting
a school and observing for yourself how it handles its main purpose:
the education of its students. A personal visit during a typical
school day provides vital information to help you make an informed
decision for your children. As you tour the school, do you have
the sense that the school is a child-centered environment? Do you
see teachers interacting with students in ways that demonstrate
mutual respect and a variety of learning experiences? Do you see
students engaged in learning activities that allow them to be involved
in the process? Is brightly colored art work displayed prominently?
Do the sounds of vocal and instrumental music float across the campus?
Is there laughter on the playground? Is there an acceptable teacher-student
ratio? Is there a sense of security, order, and discipline? Do you
see lots of smiling faces? Most importantly, does the school feel
warm and welcoming?
Academic Excellence
Is there a master plan that outlines each student’s educational
journey? Are transitions to successive grades, and from elementary
to middle to high school, supported by the curriculum? Does the
curriculum offer a solid academic foundation enriched with innovative
resources? Is the academic program balanced with ample arts and
physical education programs? Is technology integrated into the classroom,
and are computers used as a teaching tool? Are young students given
guidance to identify their individual learning styles? Are they
given time to explore with the appropriate amount of structured
activity for the grade level? What assessment tools are employed
to evaluate each student’s developmental readiness? Do students
have the opportunity to work independently as well as in groups?
Do students learn by doing, and are their auditory, tactile, and
visual senses engaged to help them learn?
If it is a college-preparatory school, is the
curriculum designed to meet the entrance requirements of colleges
and universities? Are there a variety of elective courses available
to allow students to explore their individual interests? Is the
academic performance of recent graduating classes high? Are their
standardized test scores, such as the SAT for college-bound juniors
and seniors, competitive? Are the school’s graduates accepted
to leading colleges and universities?
Merits of the Faculty and Administration
Is the faculty composed of experienced educators? What percentage
of the faculty has earned advanced degrees? Do faculty members interact
with students in activities outside of the classroom? Do teachers
know their students by name? Are professional counselors available
to support students' emotional health and to guide their college
admission process? Are learning resource specialists available to
students with various learning styles? Are educators involved in
the school’s decision-making process and the admissions process,
if applicable? Are administrators involved in the classroom? Is
there evidence of camaraderie among the teachers, students, parents,
and administrators?
Character Education
Is character education important at the school
and integrated into the curriculum? Does the school have stated
beliefs and core values that it promotes to and models for its students?
Does the entire school community embrace these beliefs and values?
Co-Curricular Opportunities
Are there ample opportunities for students to pursue their individual
interests in the arts, athletics, community service, and specific
academic areas? Do administrators and faculty members actively support
the co-curricular program? Is there opportunity for students to
develop leadership skills?
Engaging Family Life
Obtain a copy of the annual school calendar and review the scheduled
events. Are there opportunities for parents and grandparents to
visit the school and become actively involved in their children’s
education? Are there parent organizations that provide a variety
of volunteer positions for parents? Are parents welcome on campus?
Do parents join their children for lunch? Are new families given
support to learn about the school and to make them feel welcome?
Do parents have an important voice in the school’s direction?
Are parents valued at the school?
Strong Relationships
Do you observe strong relationships at the school? Is there evidence
of camaraderie among the teachers, students, parents, and administrators?
Do teachers and students engage in conversation outside of the classroom?
Are alumni actively involved in the life of the school? Is there
a sense of community?
Superior Facilities
Is the campus clean and well-maintained? Are the facilities clean
and attractive and suited to the ages of the students? Are classrooms
large enough for the number of students who use them? Are there
specialized facilities, such as a media center, athletic facilities,
an auditorium, computer and science labs, and a dining hall? Is
there adequate lighting? Are pathways safe? Are security measures
in place? Are books and other classroom materials adequate and in
good condition? Is the overall campus environment pleasing?
Strategic Plan
Does the school have a formal, written plan that outlines its goals
for the future and how they will be achieved? Are the philosophy
and purpose of the school clearly stated and understood by the school’s
constituents? Is there a sense of continuity that guides the school?
Are there policies in place to ensure that quality in curriculum,
instruction, and the overall school environment is maintained?
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