How to Pick the Best School for Children With Separated Parents

Education is an important part of everyone’s life, so while things like divorce and separation happen, it’s still important to make sure you offer your kids the best education options. This is done by picking a great school for them, and here’s how you can go about picking the best school for them.

Research Thoroughly

The first and most important thing to do is to do thorough research on the different schools you’re considering and find out what each one offers. If possible, both you and your former spouse should research to find a school that will offer the best for your child and then compare notes. You have many options available given the fact that there are 33,619 private schools in America and they serve 5.4 million PK-12 students. Put your differences aside and focus on giving your child the best education possible, all things considered.

Prepare a List of Options

If you’re looking for a school separate from your former spouse and still need to run the decision by them, it’s a good idea to prepare different options to present to them when you talk. This will make the whole process a bit faster and enable you to go through a vetted list and find something agreeable based on your research. Remember to keep an open mind and allow your former spouse to also share any input they may have, objectively listening to the options they suggest so that in the end you will get something that both of you agree on and that is good.

Think About Each Parent’s Capacity

Don’t forget to consider your capacities as far as finances, time, and other commitments go. To do this, think about each of your jobs, living arrangements, and go with a decision that won’t strain either or both of you nor negatively impact your child. This is something you can seek help with from other divorcees, which shouldn’t be hard to do, since about 46% of first marriages in America end in annulment or divorce, according to a report in 2016 by the CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System. If you know a separated couple that has made it work, don’t feel shy about approaching them for a few tips as it will be for the benefit of your child.

Minimize Disruption to the Child

Considering the fact that the child is likely already disrupted by the divorce, it’s important to work hard at minimizing further disruption to them. This can be done by finding a good school for them that will meet their needs and will also be permanent. Moving your child around a lot will just worsen the situation and leave them bitter and destabilized, something you don’t want to happen.

Consider the Child’s Needs

Finally, don’t forget to think about what the child wants themselves. Weigh their interests and aptitudes when looking for a school so you have them in a conducive environment in which they will be likely to thrive. For instance, they may be interested in studying psychiatry in the future, so it will be wise to send them to a school that focuses on that and can help them achieve their dreams. In this case, ensure they have access to information such as that found in an article with the title Physiatry rising: on engaging the next generation of physiatrists by Charles Odonkor, MD in 2016. It states that one out of every five people in America has a disability and more physiatrists are needed in order to meet their medical needs.

This guide should help you pick the best school for your child despite you being separated from their other parent.