Which school is best?

Is the Catholic system better than the Public school system?  Are private schools better?  This is a question that occupies a lot of parent time and a question that professionals are frequently asked.  There is no easy or pat answer to this question.  Schools are made up of people and as a result each school is as varied as the teachers and children in them. At the same time, like people, they have their strengths and weaknesses.  So a Public school may be better than a Catholic school or vice versa, depending on who is running the particular school.  Thus, every school board has good schools.  On the whole, most principals and teachers want what is best for the children under their care. 

Issues arise when parents expect something from the school system that the school cannot deliver.  A few parents may have expectations of the school and by extension of their children that are not realistic.  For example, parents of a child who is a slow learner, may except the school to prepare their child for university.  No matter how hard the child and the particular school try, this may be an inappropriate expectation.

Deciding what school to send your child to, depends on your child's needs.  If you have a child who does well at school and you have the financial where-with-all, then there are many private schools with high academic standards that will push your child to do the best they can.  The private schools with high standards will usually require your child to write a test to see if they meet the standards of the school.  If your child does not meet the academic standards, then your child will be asked to leave. 

However, if your child has learning difficulties, the question then becomes, what services are there for children with special learning needs?  This will require some exploration and data gathering on your part.  Getting to know the local schools is important.  In Ontario, both the Public and Catholic Boards are required by law to provide for the needs of students with special learning needs.  These needs can be met in a variety of ways, modification to curriculum, extra help, withdrawal or special class placement.  Parents need to determine the “goodness-of-fit” between there child’s learning needs and what specific school may offer to meet those needs.

Private schools are under no such obligation to provide special services.  That said, there are a number of private schools that specialize specifically in programmes for children with learning disabilities and other special needs.  Some of these private schools do an exceptional job but again they cannot be all things to all people.  The parent needs to determine how well a particular program matches the needs of their child.

So how do you pick a school?  Clearly, one should talk to neighbours and friends.  At the same time remember that their comments may reflect their own preconceptions about school or only the type of interactions that they have had with the school.  Approach the school directly and ask to speak to the principal or vice principal.  How they address your questions will give you a good idea of what the school is like. 

So how does a parent pick a school for a child?

• Talk to friends and neighbours

• Talk to the schools in your area directly

• If your child has learning problems or issues, find out what the school can offer

• Understand that NO school is perfect, each has strengths and weaknesses

• Understand that your child has strengths and weaknesses, and determine realistic expectations

• Lastly, determine if the school able to meet your child's particular needs

Finding and matching the right school for your child takes homework on the part of the parent!

Estes Moustacalis, Ph.D. C.Psych (Dr. “M”)

info@oakvillepsychologist.com

www.oakvillepsychologist.com

905 617-8308