Look beyond test scores
Academics matter, but they aren’t the whole story. Ask how the school approaches learning, not just what it teaches. Do teachers have the freedom to be creative? How is progress measured? What support exists if a student struggles—or needs more challenge?
Equally important are the less measurable qualities: How do students treat one another? Do teachers seem to know the children as individuals? Is there joy in the building? 
A short visit during arrival or dismissal can reveal as much as a formal tour.

Community and values
Every school has a personality. Some emphasize faith, service, or character development. Others highlight innovation, arts, or global awareness. Think about the values that matter most to your family and whether the school genuinely lives them out.

Talk with current parents if you can. Ask what surprised them after enrolling and what keeps them there. Strong communities tend to be welcoming, not exclusive.

Practical realities
Even the perfect school must fit real life. Consider schedules, before- and after-care, transportation, and family routines. Will homework expectations work with your evenings? Are there additional costs for uniforms, technology, or activities? A school that fits philosophically but strains daily life can become stressful over time and cause unexpected problems.

Considering a school farther from home
Many families assume the best choice is the closest one, but more parents are looking beyond neighborhood boundaries. A longer drive can open doors to specialized programs, smaller class sizes, or a philosophy that better matches a child’s needs.

Before choosing distance, weigh the trade-offs honestly. How will the commute affect mornings, after-school activities, and friendships? Will your child be able to attend playdates or evening events easily? Some schools help by organizing carpools or providing transportation options.

Distance can also bring benefits. Children often gain independence, and families become part of a wider community. If a school truly fits your child, the extra miles may feel small compared with the confidence, engagement, and opportunities it provides.    Continued⇒

Extracurricular life
For many children, the moments that shape them most happen outside the classroom. Explore opportunities in arts, athletics, service, and clubs. Are beginners welcome, or is everything highly competitive? Can a child try several interests, or must they specialize early?

These experiences often build confidence and friendships that last long after report cards are forgotten.

Inclusion and support
Ask how the school supports different kinds of learners. What resources exist for reading help, enrichment, or social-emotional needs? How are parents involved when challenges arise?
The best schools talk openly about how they help children grow—not just how they perform when everything goes smoothly.

Visit with fresh eyes
Tours can blur together, so notice small details. Do students make eye contact? Are hallways covered with identical projects or individual expressions? How do adults speak to children? Try to imagine your son or daughter walking those halls each day.

If possible, let your child visit. Their comfort level matters. Children often sense where they will flourish even before they can explain why.

Affordability and transparency
For private schools, cost is a significant factor. Ask about tuition, fees, and financial aid early so there are no surprises. Many schools work hard to make education accessible and are happy to explain options.

Think about value as well as price. A school that supports your child’s growth, confidence, and curiosity can be an investment that pays dividends for years.

The role of faith and values in religious schools
For many families, a religious education is about more than weekly Mass or theology class—it’s about a school culture shaped by shared beliefs. Catholic and other faith-based schools often emphasize character formation, service to others, and the idea that education involves the whole child: mind, heart, and spirit.

Parents considering a religious school may want to ask how faith is woven into daily life. Is it present only in religion class, or does it guide how students treat one another, handle conflict, and engage with the wider community? Many Catholic schools, for example, build service projects, social justice lessons, and community outreach into every grade level, helping children see learning as connected to responsibility.

Another consideration is family involvement. Faith-based schools frequently offer a strong sense of community through parish events, volunteer opportunities, and traditions that connect generations. For some families, this becomes an anchor that supports children well beyond the classroom.

It’s also worth asking how welcoming the school is to families from different backgrounds. Many religious schools serve students of various faiths and focus on universal values—kindness, integrity, respect—while remaining true to their spiritual identity.

Trust the long view
No school is perfect, and children change as they grow. The goal isn’t to predict every future need but to choose a place that feels stable, caring, and aligned with your family’s priorities right now.

Parents who approach the decision thoughtfully—asking questions, visiting, and listening to their instincts—usually find a school where their child is not only educated but truly known.
Selecting a school is less about finding “the best” in an abstract sense and more about finding the best match. When a child feels safe, challenged, and valued, learning follows naturally. And that, in the end, is what every parent is hoping to choose.

–Article by Jeannine Todd