How to Choose the Right Private School in Atlanta

Back to school for the fall of 2021 looks different than any other year in the past. With public schools struggling to make plans for their learners to return, many parents who want the best academic environment for their students are opting for private schools instead. If you're considering private school this year, here is a guide that will help you find one.

Before you start researching schools, decide what your goals are. Do you want a strong academic focus? Are extracurriculars important to you? Is your goal to help your child through one-on-one attention in smaller classes? Do you need remedial education or a rigorous college-prep program? Having your goals clearly outlined will help you weed through your options to find a school that fits.

Private schools can be similar to public schools in that your child comes home every night, or they can be similar to college in that your child lives on campus. Both options have merit, but you will need to decide what is more appropriate for your family.

Before you make the decision, consider the perks of a residential school setting. When they live at school, students have more time to focus on their extracurricular pursuits without sacrificing their education. They are also surrounded by fellow scholars, which can make learning more natural. Students will often work together on assignments in the dorm.

Boarding school also provides an opportunity to build lasting friendships. Relationships are forged more deeply with time, and boarding school gives your child that time.

Once you know your goals, start your research online. Atlanta has a myriad of private school options, and calling or visiting each one is simply not possible. You need to narrow down your options, and an online search can do this.

Each school is going to present its best image on its website, but this is where you can get the information you need to decide if a school fits your goals. If a school does not have the focus you desire or the programs your child needs, then you don't even need to contact them. Narrowing down your options with a quick online search will save you a significant amount of time and energy.

Academics should be the primary purpose of a school, so this is the first place to look. Some factors that indicate a school with a solid academic record include:

Remember, any school can structure its academics and grading scale so all students pass or get high marks, but it is the results on tests and in college that show what schools stand out.

Part of what makes a school experience so rewarding are the activities that happen outside of the classroom. Band, drama, science clubs, athletics, and similar extracurricular activities are often where students make friends and discover their passions. As you research schools, see if they have a large variety of extracurricular activities. Look for schools that have more than one type, so your child can explore a variety of activities during their time there.

As you consider your options for private schools in Atlanta for the 2021 school year, take a closer look at Riverside Military Academy. Riverside Military Academy is a private boarding school north of Atlanta in Gainesville, GA., that teaches young men in grades 6-12 who desire structure, focus, active learning, and freedom from distractions. We're an all-boys school that offers college preparatory and college-level courses for young men who are ready for a more rigorous challenge. Request more information today to learn more.