The number of independent schools in New York City can be both daunting and exciting. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the range of choices, but all these options also offer families a unique opportunity to find a school that is just right for their child.

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As families complete their school tours and interviews in late fall (often having visited many schools!), it is common to feel inspired by aspects of multiple programs. This is also a time when parents often begin comparing notes with other families. All of this information can make it easy to lose sight of the most important factor in the school search process: the right fit for your individual child!

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Chances are strong that a school that’s right for your child might not be the same one that is right for your neighbor’s child or your best friend’s child. And the school that wowed you with their facility might not be the school that offers the particular approach to teaching or the community vibe that will be perfect for your child’s needs.

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As you move into the next phase of the admissions process, it’s important to try to tune out the noise, refocus on your child, and reflect on the learning environment where you can envision them thriving.

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Some factors to consider after you have toured:

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LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

• Is the teaching approach aligned to the style that sparks, motivates, and stretches your child? 
• When you saw classrooms in action, could you picture your child in the mix, engaged and excited to learn?
• Are the strengths of the academic program aligned with your child’s interests and passions?
• Does the facility offer opportunities that match your child’s interests and goals?

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SCHOOL CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

• Do the values, beliefs, behaviors, routines, norms, and traditions of the school community align with those of your child and family?
• Does the social environment seem like a match for the kind of peer community that typically makes your child feel connected and comfortable?
• Does the school offer extracurricular activities that interest your child or that will guide your child toward new paths of self-discovery?

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LOCATION

• How convenient is transportation to and from school? Do you feel that the commute will be manageable for your child?
• Is the environment conducive to your child’s temperament? For example, do they thrive with access to outdoor space, or do they benefit from an intimate, cozy learning environment?

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Remember, choosing the school that is right for your child depends on many factors, all of them tied to the values of your family and the unique attributes of your learner. As you prioritize the schools on your list, the most important question to ask is whether you can picture your child happy, engaged, and thriving.