One of the biggest parenting responsibilities parents and guardians have is choosing a school for their children. This decision affects your child in a major way because they will be spending most of their day at school in the hands of people you likely don’t know at all. You have to be sure you have chosen the right school so that your child can develop to their full potential in a good environment. Here are five factors you should keep in mind while school hunting for your kids.

The Type and Size Of The School

First, you have to know what kind of school you would like your child to go to. There are many kinds to choose from. The most common choices are private schools and public schools, but you also have the option of charter schools, magnet schools, and homeschools; keep in mind that private school is the most expensive of these. There are 32,461 private schools in the United States, and they tend to be big but have small class sizes. Small class sizes are rising in popularity because it means the teacher can give more personal attention to students while bigger classes offer the chance to make more relationships. There are pros and cons for each option, so look into what’s best for your kids’ particular learning needs.

School Reputation and Opportunities

The reputation of the school matters quite a lot because it is the image your child will be associated with. If the school has an excellent reputation, your child will be connected to that excellence. Ask around to hear about the reputation of a potential school; read the newsletters and websites to find what opportunities the schools have to offer. Do your research. Find out what the focus of the school is. Do they pride themselves in their academics and college attendances, or do they boast many achievements in arts and sports? This will help you get a feel of the opportunities they offer and their reputation.

Location and Housing Options

How far are you willing to look for a school? This question needs to be answered so that you can set parameters for your search. Remember that long commutes can have an impact on your child as well. Maybe you would be willing to move closer to a good school you have found rather than sending your child to boarding school. Homeowners association tenants have been overwhelmingly satisfied in their communities for the seventh time in 13 years, so this could be an option if you decide to move.

Diversity and Culture

Your child can learn a lot from being in a school that offers culture and diversity. Diversity is important in a school so that your child is sensitive to different cultures and is respectful towards them by being surrounded by them. A school’s culture plays a role in teaching your child the school’s values and beliefs that they should carry beyond their academics. You must be aware of what they are to make sure your child is adopting the ethics you want them to.

Vacation Bible programs have become increasingly popular for both educational and religious organizations, as well as for individuals to use in their homes to teach diversity. A free VBS curriculum is a cost-effective alternative to traditional Vacation Bible School programs, helping schools and ministries save much-needed budget costs. The free programs available can be just as comprehensive and engaging as a more expensive program; games, lessons, activities, and crafts can all be used to connect with the students throughout their VBS experience. Parents who prefer to tutor their children at home have also been exploring free tabletop game systems which allow the family a hands-on experience.

Proximity to Healthcare

It is important to be near a place that offers healthcare for obvious reasons. Schools usually have a trained healthcare provider like a nurse on the premises. However, if your child needs care beyond a nurse’s ability, being close to a hospital is very convenient. In the past year, 84.9% of children between two and 17 years old have been to the dentist. Being near professional healthcare is also beneficial when your child has an appointment, maybe at the dentist, during school hours because they won’t need to miss school too long.

Parents want the best for their children, so you must choose the school that suits your child’s needs. Consider your own criteria so that they are comfortable, too.