Secondary School

As children move from elementary school to middle school to high school, the educational environment changes. It may become larger, for one – public middle schools may be easily twice the size of a public elementary, for example, and public high schools may be two to four times the size of an urban public middle school. This can mean that some students will attend middle schools with a thousand students, and high schools with 4,000 students – the size of a small town! Even private K-12 schools expand in size for secondary school.

But there are also some wonderful benefits to the increase in size – namely the increase in possible course offerings, highly educated faculty, a variety of extra-curricular activities, among others. So while parents might approach this transition with trepidation, students might approach it with nervous exhilaration. After all, as children become increasingly independent, middle school affords them opportunities to exercise that independence in ways that elementary school does not.

So, for example, while elementary school gives students the reassuring cocoon of a single classroom, middle school students spend much of their time “traveling” from subject to subject, room to room, class to class. They’ll have to keep their schedule straight, become more responsible for their work, maintain relationships with an increasing number of teachers, learn how to get where they need to go – and get there on time.

The key to choosing a secondary school, be it middle or high school, is to know your student and his or her strengths. Do you have a learner who can handle a larger, more impersonal school environment? Can they handle more homework – or not? Will they thrive in a competitive, grade-driven environment, or in a school where experiential learning in team-driven projects is the norm? These are the kinds of questions you will need to ask before developing a list of possible schools to explore.

The other key to choosing a middle school for your child is that they are part of the process this time, in a way they couldn’t possibly be for elementary school. They will examine those course offerings, and take a look at the social environment, and may be inclined to one school over another because of them. Honor your child’s leanings, even if they’re motivated by the possibility of joining the rock band on campus, and you’re leaning towards that school because of their offerings for future rocket scientists. Your child gets more than enough pressure to cover material and achieve good grades – make sure they also have a chance to explore and not just achieve.

The middle and high school years can be challenging, especially for parents, but they can also be exhilarating, watching your child challenge themselves, and their perception of themselves, in ways you never imagined. Finding the school that will be their partner on this journey – and yours – is key, and will help them set the foundation for high school and beyond.

For more information on L.A. School Scout services, please contact us directly at 877.877.6240.
 

From Radical Parenting - Parenting Advice Written By Kids:

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Schedule of Services

Navigating the bewildering variety of schools can be overwhelming. Coupled with the need for two hour blocks of time for each school tour, just making the time for this and keeping the names and philosophies straight becomes a very lonely and demanding task.

L.A. School Scout™ is your partner in this process, offering skilled professional assistance to help families find and choose a preschool that is a good match for your family’s expectations, and which will foster your child’s cognitive, creative, physical and social-emotional growth. Services include: a family interview and assessment, a list of referrals to “best match” schools, a schedule of school tours, application forms and informational packages, and follow up even after your application is in.

• A one-hour phone conference, day or evening appointments available
• Review of L.A. School Scout questionnaire
• Review of school report card, IQ testing, IEP and/or educational assessment, if needed
• A general discussion of your school options
• Research into and discussion of appropriate placements and/or neighborhoods
• Consultation regarding your child’s current school situation, if needed
• Information on different educational approaches
• Customized school list, including documentation with an in-depth description of each school

• A 90-minute in-home family interview and needs assessment – we come to you!
• Review of L.A. School Scout questionnaire
• Review of school report card, IQ testing, IEP and/or educational assessment, if needed
• Review of one completed school application, if available prior to consultation
• Research into appropriate placements and/or neighborhoods
• Consultation regarding your child’s current school situation, if needed
• Information on different educational approaches
• Mediation of differing opinions regarding styles of education – possibly the best couples counseling around!
• Customized school list, including documentation with an in-depth description of each school

• In-home intake meeting with family, including review of L.A. School Scout’s Inquiry Questionnaire, overview of the process and developing a timeline.
• Review of all assessments, evaluations, IEPs, test scores and school records.
• A Kindergarten Readiness assessment upon request
• Classroom observation and consultation with teachers, support staff and therapists, service providers
• Customized list of best fit schools, including documentation with an in-depth description of each school, and
• Final meeting with family to discuss the list of recommended schools and outline next steps.

 All items in the school planning consultation above plus the following:

• A kindergarten readiness assessment, including a preschool observation, as needed
• School observation for grades K-12, as needed
• A customized list of schools, including documentation with an in-depth description of each school and tour and/or open house dates and application fee requirements
• Scheduling of all school tours and open houses
• Reviewing and suggesting revisions to application essays, as needed
• Tour, interview, assessment and application deadline reminders via email
• Personalized tour/application status tracking grid, updated weekly
• Interview preparation
• Consultation throughout the decision-making process
• On-going support throughout the school application process.

Relocation/Rush Placement.

Different relocation packages available, including working with realtor in selection of neighborhoods (your realtor or ours). This service was developed especially for those relocating to Los Angeles, or to a different neighborhood within Los Angeles, or for those who need an emergency mid-year placement, this service includes a phone consultation plus:

• Inquiries and applications on behalf of the family
• Application process coordinated by L.A. School Scout
• Out of area and/or rush placements upon request
• Process completed within 30 days

Your school search can be customized to meet your specific educational needs. Call with any questions – we want to help you find the best possible placement for your child. Contact us anytime at 877.877.6240