Waterloo Region Record

How to choose a private school

When it comes to finding the best school for your child, you’re responsible for doing your own homework

Sources: Ontario.ca; OCT.ca; EQAO.com

If you’re thinking about enrolling your child in a private school, the options can seem both promising and overwhelming. Once you’ve identified what’s most important to you and your child in a school – academics, extracurriculars, social development – you’re still likely looking at a long list of Ontario private schools that could fit the bill. So, how do you choose?

First, understand how private schools differ from your neighbourhood’s public or Catholic school. Generally, the Ministry of Education does not regulate or oversee the operation of private or independent schools (unless they provide credits toward a high school diploma). They operate as businesses or non-profit organizations and do not receive government funding; however, they must meet the requirements set by the Education Act. So, when deciding among private schools, parents should do their own homework to find out what each school offers and what policies and procedures it has in place.

Some questions can be answered with a quick internet search – for example, the Ontario government maintains an online database of private schools in the province – but others may require more digging.

Make an appointment to visit the school and speak with someone, not only to ask questions about their education program and admission policies but also to take a look at the facilities. Does it look clean and safe? How many years has it been in operation? Do students look happy and engaged? Is there a cafeteria, and are healthy foods offered there? Are there school grounds for outdoor activities and exercise? Most important, can you see your child enjoying their time there?

Here is a handy checklist of questions to research to help you narrow down your list and, ultimately, choose the best private school for your child:

✓ Does the school follow the Ontario curriculum?

You may be surprised to learn private schools are not required to follow the curriculum set forth for governmentfunded public and Catholic schools. Many schools do, though, using the curriculum as a starting point, and then going beyond those minimum requirements with further enrichment. And private high schools must use the curriculum to be able to grant credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. If this is important to you, this should be the first question to ask.

✓ Does the school publish its EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office) test results?

EQAO tests are administered at key points between kindergarten and Grade 12 to test students’ literacy (reading and writing) and mathematics skills. This includes the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), which students now need to complete successfully to be eligible to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

✓ What are the teachers’ credentials?

Private school teachers and principals are not required to be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers. Many private schools do employ certified teachers, however, insuring your child’s instructors have a minimum post-secondary undergraduate degree and have completed a teacher education program offered by an accredited faculty of education.

✓ Have teachers, staff, volunteers or any others who interact with students passed a criminal background check?

This should go without saying: a reputable school will have strict policies in place to protect the children in its care. If it doesn’t, look somewhere else.

✓ What is the school’s code of conduct? Does it have policies covering bullying and harassment, for example?

A code of conduct is usually a document signed by parents and students at the time of admission. The code should lay out expectations for students’ behaviour, and describe how school staff will handle discipline. Overall, the code should tell you how the school maintains a safe, supportive environment where students can learn. It should also make clear what kinds of behaviour could lead to suspension or expulsion. If the details aren’t made clear, in writing, you will have little legal recourse later on if you disagree with the way the school responds to a conduct-related issue.

✓ Will the school sign a contract about fees, refunds and other policies?

Similarly, if the school does not clearly spell out their financial and legal policies, and have a representative sign a contract agreeing to such, this is a big red flag. Understanding the school’s financial policies upfront will prevent any unwelcome surprises down the line.

PRIVATE EDUCATION

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2023-01-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

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