---
title: 'Checklist: What to look for in a private school'
description: How to tell if a private school is good at helping students with learning and thinking differences.
slug: checklist-what-to-look-for-in-a-private-school
author: Geri Coleman Tucker
reviewer: Bob Cunningham, EdM
published: '2019-10-16T11:43:56.550Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/8C33944453D64B2C9720FD249AF0F404/abbe7c71a4decb3684b7cc519f85927c/128956088.jpg
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/checklist-what-to-look-for-in-a-private-school
lang: en
---

# Checklist: What to look for in a private school

Want to make sure the private school you’re considering works well for children with learning and thinking differences? Here are key things you’ll want to check.

> Looking for a school that’ll be just right for your child? Check out [GreatSchools.org](https://www.greatschools.org/), where you can search for schools in your area and find out which ones will serve your child best.

## The stats and standings

- The school is accredited. Contact your school district to find out how your state handles accreditation. You can also check its status at AdvancED.
- The school gets high marks for its ranking and student performance on standardized tests.
- If it’s a high school, most students graduate on time and many go on to college.

## The most important stuff

- The school’s publicity material openly states that it serves students with challenges similar to your child’s.
- The school is specific about how teachers and staff can support your child’s academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Your child will be working with teachers who have special training to instruct and support students with learning and thinking differences.
- Guidance counselors, psychologists, or other specialists are available to your child.
- Teachers work together and share information in ways that will help your child learn.
- The school offers tutoring, homework help, and afterschool enrichment and sports activities that can build on your child’s strengths and help with challenges.
- You’re comfortable with the school’s approach to discipline and safety, and its policies are clearly explained in the parent handbook.
- The school will allow your child extra time on exams, a quiet place to take tests, or other accommodations.
- Students with learning and thinking differences are part of all classes and activities.
- The school’s teaching methods will build on your child’s strengths.
- The school has a specific plan for monitoring your child’s progress and keeping you informed.

## The buzz

- There are scholarships available to help with tuition costs.
- From what you saw of the facilities and the other students, this looks like a place where your child will fit in well.
- Your child likes the school.
- You know other parents who’ve had children attend here, and they say good things.
- Professionals who work with your child or who work with children with learning and thinking differences think highly of the school.

Choosing a school for your child is a big decision. Learn more about [what to look for](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/choosing-a-school). And try to avoid these [common mistakes](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/5-mistakes-parents-make-when-picking-a-school) some parents make when choosing a school.

---

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