Thank you to Wichita Collegiate School for sponsoring this post and to Becky O’Hearn, Head of Early Childhood, for sharing her expertise with our community of moms.
Choosing the right school for your young child can be both exciting and anxiety-producing. For first-time parents the task is a big one, and if you are new in town, it can be even more overwhelming. Here are 4 important ideas to keep in mind while choosing a school for your child:
1. Teacher quality is of the highest importance.
Degrees and experience do matter. When inquiring about schools ask about years of experience, level of education and parent satisfaction surveys. Teachers who love what they do are completely invested in being the best teachers they can be.
2. Class size and student-teacher ratio matter.
Your child deserves to have a small enough class size that allows the teacher to know your child well. Teacher aides are helpful but cannot replace the teacher’s wisdom and guidance. Even the most talented teachers will be less effective when given too many students.
3. Caring relationships create fertile soil for learning.
The ‘sweet spot’ of learning is achieved when teachers and students share ideas and information in personal and meaningful exchanges. When caring teachers connect with their students the students are motivated to work hard and inspired to try new things.
4. The school community will be like an extended family for your child.
Select a school that supports your family values and will partner with you in educating your child to become the motivated, well-rounded, life-long learner that you desire. Is the school’s mission in line with your goals for your child? Are you looking for a learning environment that is academic, play-based, developmental, or has another emphasis? Finding a school that understands your priorities is key to a successful and consistent educational experience for your child.
Wichita Collegiate School may be a perfect fit for your child. We offer half-day and full-day traditional and Montessori classrooms. If you would like to learn more about the enrollment options for children ages two through Kindergarten please contact Becky O’Hearn at [email protected] or (316) 771-2204. She would love to share with you why Collegiate early childhood is a great choice to start your child’s educational journey.
We also invite you to join us at one of our upcoming open houses for children ages 2 through Kindergarten. Bring the whole family and visit our beautiful campus in East Wichita near Webb Rd. and 13th Street. The Early Childhood open house dates are:
- Thursday, January 14 from 5-7 p.m.
- Sunday, February 28 from 1-3 p.m. – special all-school open house for all grades!
- Tuesday, April 5 from 9-10:30 a.m.
