HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD
Choosing the right elementary or middle school for your child can be daunting. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child receives the best education possible and that the school is the right fit for your family's unique needs.
At Laura Jeffrey Academy, we know how important it is to find the right fit for your child, so to help you make an informed decision, here are some questions to consider when selecting the right elementary or middle school for your scholar:
What is the school's teaching philosophy?
Different schools have different teaching philosophies, so finding one that aligns with your family's values is important.
At LJA, we also believe a tour of the school you’re interested in will give you the best sense of how their teaching philosophy meshes with your scholar and family. Identify the school’s guiding principles to see if they meet your needs.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
Small class sizes are a priority at LJA—we want to get to know every student and family. The student-teacher ratio can play a significant role in your child's education. Schools with smaller class sizes generally provide more individualized attention and support, which can lead to better academic outcomes.
What is the school's academic reputation?
When researching schools, academic reputation matters.
“This school has been a life-saver! If you’re looking for a place where your child can thrive emotionally and academically this is it. The staff are incredibly nice and engaged, the environment and kids are great. The move from the larger public community school has been like night and day. I can’t recommend this school enough.” -Melissa Bear (Parent)
Talk to parent ambassadors who have children attending or graduated from the school to get a sense of their experience. Importantly, look for a school that supports whole-child learning.
“Whole-child learning is seeing a student for exactly who they are and focusing on the amazing things they bring to the world,” says Lizzie Forshee, a longtime teacher and special education coordinator at LJA. “When you meet a student's needs, you can provide fun learning experiences and opportunities for growth. Whole-child learning helps them to navigate school and succeed.” LJA consistently outperforms Saint Paul Public Schools on state testing and shows consistent growth in math and reading.
What support services are available for students?
Every child has unique needs, and finding a school that can provide necessary support is important. This can include services such as special education, interventions in math and reading, and social-emotional learning.
Every LJA scholar receives educational content that is differentiated, accessible, and modified to meet their learning style and needs. Our scholars receiving direct special education support access content in tandem with their peers in the classroom. Teachers deepen their instructional practice by providing an accessible learning environment for all students. Integrated classrooms benefit everyone! Scholars receive differentiated instruction in the classroom but also outside the classroom to address each individual student's area of growth.
What is the school's approach to diversity and inclusion?
St. Paul, Minnesota, is a diverse city, and finding a school that values and celebrates diversity is important. This can include a curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences, support for students from underrepresented backgrounds, and a commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. When exploring your elementary and middle school options, we encourage families to schedule tours or attend school events to see the school’s values in action.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Extracurricular activities can enhance your child's educational experience and allow them to explore their interests and passions.
At LJA, we believe in student voice and choice! Our J-Term programming looks a little different every year because these classes are proposed and designed by our scholars and teachers.
Ultimately, our extracurricular activities and J-Term are designed around our students and dedicated to fostering their interests both academically and athletically. What would your child choose if they could design a whole program?
What is parent-teacher communication like?
Effective communication between parents and teachers is key to a child's success in school. Find out how teachers and staff keep parents informed about their child's progress. Consider how easy it is to connect with teachers and administrators. How many layers of leadership are between the parent and school administration? At LJA, advisory teachers serve as the main communication point between home and school, ensuring families are served with timely information.
Laura Jeffrey Academy is unique: with an educator-led leadership model, the school is run by a leadership team that includes active teachers and administrative staff members. Educator-led schools bring the power of school-decision making to those who are most affected by the decisions: the teachers.
What is school safety and security like?
Your child’s safety is a top priority, and finding a school that takes safety seriously is important. Students need to feel safe, welcomed, accepted and loved in order to thrive. School safety also includes understanding and respecting diversity, inclusion, equity, and human rights. Laura Jeffrey Academy utilizes restorative practices to address how we repair harm, whether intentional or unintentional.
What is the school's involvement with the community?
A school's involvement with the community can provide valuable resources and opportunities for students. Find out what types of partnerships the school has and how students are supported through community involvement Boundary Waters of the Northwoods, Friends of the Mississippi, Urban Boat Builders, REM5, Wilderness Inquiry, University of Minnesota MedSchool, and StKates Education Program.
Does the school host community events or programming to bring parents and families together? Does the school curriculum include any project-based learning or real-world applications?
At LJA, our doors are open to students for grades 5-8. We’re often asked: why start middle school in 5th grade? We’re committed to doing what’s best for students, even if it looks slightly different from traditional schooling. Starting 5th grade with a supportive learning environment helps position students best for success in middle school and beyond.