Finding the Right School for Your Child: A Personalized Approach
Choosing the right day or boarding school for your child is one of the most important decisions your family will make. With countless options available, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why Jodi Liston, President and Founder of the Liston Education Group and an expert in educational consulting, is sharing insights on how to navigate this critical decision. By taking a personalized approach that considers your family’s unique values and your child’s individual strengths, challenges, and aspirations, you can find the school where your child will truly thrive.
Understanding Your Family’s Needs: The First Step in School Selection
The journey to finding the perfect school begins with a deep understanding of your family’s needs, values, and goals. This is where an experienced educational consultant can make a significant difference, helping to clarify what truly matters most to your family.
Family Values and Educational Goals:
Whether your family has a tradition of attending boarding schools or you’re new to the idea of private education, understanding your goals and values is essential. Some families might say, “We’re not a boarding school family; this is new territory for us,” while others may have a legacy of attending such institutions. No matter your background, our approach is tailored to fit your specific situation.
At Liston Education Group, they start by asking key questions to uncover these values and goals:
What are your long-term educational objectives for your child?
How important is the school’s location or proximity to home?
Do you have specific religious, cultural, or community values that should be considered?
What financial considerations do you need to take into account?
These questions help to align your family’s values with the right educational environment, setting the foundation for a successful school search.
Engaging Both Parents and Children in the Process—Separately
To get a complete and unbiased picture, Liston Education Group recommends engaging both parents and children separately in the school selection process. This approach is critical because it allows your consultant to capture each person’s perspective without influence from the other, leading to a more authentic and effective match.
Parental Insights:
We ask parents to consider their child’s strengths, challenges, future goals, learning style, and post-secondary aspirations. For example, a parent might prioritize a school with strong support for learning differences, or they might be looking for a school with a particular religious affiliation. We also explore financial considerations and any legacy preferences you might have.
Child’s Perspective:
Equally important is the child’s input. Jodi encourages children to independently share their interests, passions, and future aspirations. For instance, a child might express a strong interest in a specific extracurricular activity, like robotics or performing arts, which could become a significant factor in school selection. Gathering these insights separately captures the child’s true preferences and needs.
Matching Your Child to the Perfect School
With a comprehensive understanding of your family’s needs and your child’s preferences, an educational consultant begins the process of matching your child with schools that best fit their profile.
Nationwide School Search:
Instead of limiting the search to schools within a specific geographic area, consider schools across the country that align with your child’s academic, social, and extracurricular needs. As Jodi often says,
“ Parents sometimes tell us they want to stay within a two-hour drive of home, which is understandable. But I always remind them that the right school—the one where their child will truly thrive—might not be in their backyard. It’s worth considering all possibilities to find the best match.”
Refining School Choices
Once potential schools have been identified, a consultant will help refine the list based on your specific preferences. This involves more than just narrowing down the options; they should ask pointed questions to uncover what truly matters. For example:
What type of school culture will best support your child’s growth?
What kind of inclusion or diversity programs are important for you?
What kind of living conditions are important to you?
Are there particular programs or facilities that are non-negotiable for your child’s development?
How does the school’s approach to discipline and student support align with your family’s values?
These discussions often lead to “aha” moments for parents, helping them see beyond initial preferences and consider options they hadn’t previously thought of. Like wanting their child to go to a certain program and then realizing that they need to be closer to a more diverse city. Or maybe your child will thrive better in a warmer environment, or a school that prioritizes having multicultural and bilingual staff.
A Collaborative and Open-Minded Decision-Making Process
The decision-making process is highly collaborative, involving both parents and children in thoughtful discussions. Jodi encourages families to keep an open mind and explore all possibilities.
Exploring All Options:
While you may have initial preferences or reservations, exploring a wide range of schools can uncover unexpected opportunities. For instance, a school you hadn’t considered might offer a unique program that perfectly aligns with your child’s passions or learning style. The goal is to provide you with the information and insights needed to make the best decision.
Tailored Recommendations:
Ultimately, the aim is to tailor your child’s educational experience to their interests, passions, and future aspirations. By staying open to new possibilities and engaging in thoughtful dialogue, you may find a school that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. For example, you might discover a school that excels in both STEM and arts education, offering your child a well-rounded environment where they can pursue multiple interests
Start the Journey to Finding the Right School
If you’re ready to explore the best educational options for your child, Jodi Liston and the Liston Education Group is here to help. Their personalized approach matches each child with a school that suits their unique needs and helps them reach their full potential.
Looking for more help? Call Liston Education Group at 914-401-4442, or visit www.listoneducationgroup.com to start the conversation about your child’s future and help them find the perfect school.
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