| There are a number of factors to consider when | | | | pressures--what will your children be faced with at |
| choosing an Ottawa elementary school for your | | | | school and how will they handle the various |
| children. When I grew up things were so much easier! | | | | pressures? |
| Our parents just sent us off, on foot, to the nearest | | | | Are there services and opportunities available at the |
| public school. Those were the days when we played | | | | school? Such as music and art instruction, after-school |
| outside all day and only came home for dinner! | | | | care, or programs for gifted students. |
| Now, parents have a range of choices and decisions | | | | What about the safety and security of your children? |
| to make. In the city of Ottawa we can choose from | | | | How does the school address bullying and other |
| public schools, catholic schools, Waldorf schools, | | | | violence? What does the school offer on a day to day |
| Montessori schools, private schools, independent | | | | basis to ensure the safety of children? |
| schools and faith based schools. | | | | Is the school accredited? Although this is not an issue |
| Before selecting the right school for your children there | | | | for Ottawa public schools it can be for Ottawa private |
| are some questions you need to ask yourself. The | | | | and independent schools. An important note though is |
| first one is; are you satisfied with the elementary | | | | that many private schools never seek accreditation. |
| schools in Ottawa? If not, then you need start | | | | The curriculum taught though is fully accepted and |
| researching your alternatives and decide what your | | | | recognized by higher-level institutions and often the |
| goals are for your children and their education. | | | | students at most Ottawa private schools are able to |
| First, consider the location of the schools you want to | | | | enter the University of their choice. |
| visit. Are they in your neighbourhood or farther away; | | | | Visit the schools that appeal to you and your children. |
| Will your children need transportation to and from the | | | | Make sure your children are interested in the school an |
| school? Does the school offer bussing, carpooling, or | | | | excited at the thought of attending. Once the |
| will they be walking? | | | | application process begins they will be invited to spend |
| What about opportunities for socialization-an important | | | | a day at the school to make sure they fit in with the |
| consideration if you are considering private schools | | | | group. Remember, this is an investment in your future |
| outside of your neighbourhood. | | | | and your children's - invest wisely. |
| Another consideration is academic or social | | | | |