My daughter, who has always been an excellent student, will be going to high school in a few weeks, and we still haven't decided where she should go. She has been attending a small, private elementary school and could stay there for high school. The other school is a large public high school with a more challenging curriculum.
What's the best thing to do: stay with her many friends at the smaller school or attend the larger, more academic high school? She's willing to try the new school. -- Undecided
Answer: You need to have certain information about each school before making your final decision. Compare the schools in these areas: percent of graduates going on to college, especially to more selective schools; the curriculums; and the availability of AP classes and advanced classes in English, math, foreign languages and science. Taking a challenging curriculum is an important factor in being well-prepared for college.
Be aware that small high schools offer the advantage of really getting to know teachers, a greater sense of being an important part of the school, and more opportunities to shine in extracurricular activities. Of course, the smaller school might offer fewer activities and a narrower curriculum.
Your daughter will probably do well in either school. Help her understand how the schools differ and the special advantages of each one. Be sure to give her a lot of input into the decision, as you want her to be happy in whatever school she attends. She might find it helpful to talk to several students at both schools about what they really like and dislike about their schools.