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Choosing A School 101

By Robert Kennedy, About.com

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Finding The Right School

Hire a consultant!

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It's all about 'fit'.

Finding the best private school is all about getting the 'fit' right. Why? Because your child's happiness and future academic well-being are at stake. Getting the right fit will make the difference between success and failure.

Choosing a school is like buying a fine suit or dress. It's a sizable investment. It needs to fit correctly or you will feel uncomfortable and have wasted your money. Your child needs to feel comfortable in her new school. And the school must feel comfortable with her.

What about ranks?

Ranks are not as important as whether the school is right for your child. You can't compare private schools. It's like comparing apples to oranges if you try. Each school is unique. Uniqueness is the essence of a private school.

Here's what you need to do:

Get expert help and advice.

You need an expert to guide you. So hire an educational consultant to assist you right from the beginning. Don't stint on this expense. (You wouldn't write your own will, would you?) A consultant knows whether a school is a reach for your child or whether its hockey program is up to par. It's money well spent because a good consultant can save you valuable time and will ensure a good fit. That's the most important part of choosing a school: getting the right fit. Do that and you will have a happy child and a happy educational outcome.

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