I grew up going to public school and loved it overall. From then to now, many alternative school options have become available. Since life is all about options, I want to share my research with our readers. As a result of consulting with many local families, I have organized a list of the top 25 questions to ask potential schools for the fall.
Good Luck!
Curriculum
- Does the school follow a specific educational philosophy/curriculum?
- How do they account for different learning styles/flexibility for children with special needs?
- Do they incorporate music, art, and/or foreign language into their curriculum?
- Will the children get recess/physical activity time to develop gross & fine motor skills?
Classroom Policies
- How does the school handle discipline?
- What are the illness policies?
Teachers/Staff
- How many kids are in a class or session?
- What is the teacher to student ratio?
- Are teachers and staff certified in CPR and/or First Aid?
- Are all staff background checked?
Meals/Snacks
- Are meals and snacks provided?
- Can they accommodate kids with special diets/allergies?
Extracurricular
- Do they offer field trips?
- Are there family-friendly special events hosted throughout the year?
Transportation
- Do they provide transportation?
Parent Involvement
- Are parents expected to take on "roles" for the school like fundraising/cleaning crew/etc.?
- Are there committees or board meetings you may attend and/or consider joining?
Communication
- How will parents be notified of problems/concerns?
- Will there be opportunities for parent/teacher conferences?
Financial Needs
- Are scholarships available for those who cannot afford full tuition?
Security
- How many entrance/exit points are there?
- Is the playground fenced?
- What additional security measures are in place?
Will the school provide references?
You will want to have varied questions ready to ask current parents. Consider asking:
- What do you/your child like the least/most about the program?
- How is communication handled?
*Knowing how important this decision is for you and your child, there are no "stupid" questions. Pay special attention to how you both feel during a school tour. Keenly observing your child should be pivotal to your final decision!
Here is a brief list of great schools and programs in and near NW Bergen County, NJ:
NW Bergen County
1) Creative Learning Academy (Homeschool drop off): CLA offers both core and extracurricular subjects during the day/week for elementary and middle school learners. Conveniently located in Ramsey, NJ CLA is led by a former NJ public school teacher. Please visit their website for more information and to register for flexible classes today! Where learning and creativity is limitless (creativelearningexp.com)
NE Bergen County
2) Tutor's Link- Dumont, NJ: Ms. Stephanie is the amazing, caring owner of Tutor's Link in Dumont, NJ. She has been running homeschool drop off programs for middle schoolers for many years. From public speaking to chess to English literature to almost everything in between! Most classes run as 6 week sessions. Visit them today! Middle School/High School (tutorslink123.com)
NW Bergen County
3) Saddle River Day School: SRDS goes through 12th grade. As an independent day school they have competitive level sports teams, advanced academics and strong focus on STEAM and Engineering. Scholarships are available. Request a tour here: Private School in Northern NJ | Saddle River Day School
Orange County, NY
4) Tuxedo Park School maintains a low student-teacher ratio of 5-to-1. They focus on developing character and passionate leaders! Located in beautiful Tuxedo Park, NY in nearby Orange County, the TPS campus looks like a castle. However, there is nothing fantasy about what can be achieved through 9th grade at TPS! About - Independent Private School in Hudson Valley | TPS (tuxedoparkschool.org)
5) Canterbury Brook Academy offers so many unique school programs and courses along with a full arts program for all students and four, brain-based grade division. CBA is on a gorgeous campus in Cornwall-On-Hudson. They have brand new studio spaces for the arts. Ongoing enrollment! Visit CBA: Canterbury Brook Academy of the Arts - Home
**If you know of other great, alternative school options in the Bergen, Rockland County area, please send me an email: elisaposniack@macaronikid.com
