Choosing the Right Private School

A Parent's Complete Guide

Choosing the right private elementary school for your family is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent or guardian. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to know what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to determine the best fit for your family.

This post will walk you through the key considerations to keep in mind, as well as the questions worth asking teachers and administrators during your search. By following this guide, you can move forward with clarity and confidence as you explore your options. You will be better equipped to choose a school that nurtures your child’s talents, supports their challenges, and makes them feel welcome each day.

What should I look for in a private elementary school?

There are many factors to consider when selecting the right private elementary school for your child and your family. From class size and curriculum to extracurricular activities and parent involvement, each factor plays a role in shaping your child’s academic and personal growth. Other important considerations include co-ed versus single-sex environments, how schools support students with different learning needs, and how diversity and inclusion enrich the school experience. Below, we’ll cover the essentials.

What questions should I ask teachers and administrators?

This will vary by family, depending on which aspects of the private elementary school experience matter most to them. Here are a few questions to initiate the conversation.

What is the school’s educational philosophy or mission, and how is it reflected in daily practice?
What values are most important to the school community?
What curriculum is used for core subjects and enrichment?
How are lessons differentiated for different learning styles and abilities?
What does a typical school day or week look like?
What support services are available (counseling, learning specialists, enrichment)?
How are students’ social and emotional needs addressed?
What are the qualifications and years of experience of teachers?
What is the ratio of students to teachers and support staff?

What are the pros and cons of a co-ed elementary school versus a single-sex elementary school?

Research has shown the benefits of both, making this a personal decision for your family. For example, in a single-sex environment, teachers can adapt methods to what research recognizes as gender-specific learning styles, such as hands-on learning for boys. Studies have shown that single-sex schooling boosts female participation in STEM subjects. Single-sex classrooms can encourage students to explore their interests and take on leadership roles without gender-based social expectations.

Alternatively, choosing a co-ed environment allows students to communicate and collaborate with peers of all genders, setting the foundation for strong relationships and valuable life skills in real-world environments. Co-ed experiences equip them to confidently manage interpersonal relationships, making them more prepared for the diverse interactions they will encounter in the workplace and throughout life. Discover how Calvert challenges outdated stereotypes and empowers students to pursue their passions with confidence.

Do smaller classes really make a difference?

Smaller classes have a measurable impact on long-term student success, including higher graduation rates, improved college attendance, career readiness, and higher earning potential. The close relationships formed in small elementary school classes promote social skills, a sense of belonging and emotional development — a foundation that supports them in their later academic years and beyond. Learn more about the benefits of smaller classes at a Discover Calvert information session.

When should I schedule private elementary school visits?

Fall Visits:

Open houses let families meet faculty, tour the campus, and learn about the community. Most open houses and tours occur between September and November to allow prospective families time to consider their options a few months before application deadlines, which usually fall in December or January. Sign up for a fall Discover Calvert information session.

Spring Visits:

Some schools offer spring tours for families starting their search early for the following admission cycle.

During School Hours:

Consider personal tours during regular school days to see classrooms in action; these are often available by appointment throughout the year.

We wish you and your family the best in your search. If you would like to learn more about the Calvert School community, register now for a fall Discover Calvert information session.

Additional Questions

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How do I know if a school's values align with our family's?

There are many ways to do that. Schedule an interview or school tour, and attend an open house or other event designed to introduce your family to the school. If you are considering Calvert, please sign up for a fall Discover Calvert information session, with dates running from Wednesday, October 8, 2025, through Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

You can also visit a school’s website. The Home page or About page will typically include the school’s mission and philosophy. Some schools will include a message or letter from a head administrator, such as a dean or headmaster.

Visit a school’s social media accounts to see how students are living the school’s objectives and philosophies. You can read what other parents and alumni say about their experience. Is there a community culture, and how does the school extend into the wider community?
How do private elementary schools support students with learning differences?

Although every school is different — both public and private — schools can support students with learning differences in multiple ways. Private schools have advantages in some ways, such as smaller class sizes that allow teachers to modify instruction and provide focused support. Private schools may ensure that faculty are trained in specific instructional approaches (such as multisensory and interactive learning) and interventions geared for students with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning challenges.
Should I consider the diversity of the student body?

Yes. There are several ways that a diverse student body enhances the student experience. Diversity opens students to a wide range of perspectives, showing them there is no single way to view our world. Connecting with peers from different backgrounds nurtures empathy, appreciation for cultural differences, and meaningful friendships. These experiences strengthen children’s social skills while building cultural competence that will serve them throughout life. Learning in diverse settings also equips students with valuable skills, such as flexibility, open-mindedness, and collaboration. These abilities shine in today’s global workplaces and interconnected communities. Most importantly, diverse schools create welcoming spaces where every student feels they belong.
What extracurricular activities should an elementary school offer?

Extracurricular activities bring excitement and variety to a child’s school day and create organic opportunities for growing friendships and developing stronger social skills. Look for extracurricular activities that address the whole child: physically, academically, creatively, and emotionally. Activities suited to elementary school students include: yoga, martial arts, painting and drawing, book writing, performing arts, and STEM activities. Service clubs and activities help to shape students into caring citizens.
What should I consider when looking at a private elementary school’s curriculum?

First, does the school have a clearly defined curriculum? How does it compare to other schools you are considering? Is the curriculum standard across all grades or individualized? Are there clear, measurable learning goals, and do they align with state and national standards? Does the curriculum include the fine arts, athletics and socio-emotional development for a well-rounded student and citizen? Discuss as a family what matters most to you at the elementary school level and compare it to the published curriculum. Finally, talk to school leadership and faculty about how the curriculum is put into practice. Sign up for a Discover Calvert information session to speak with teachers and administrators to learn more about the Lower School curriculum.
What transportation options should I consider?

First, what options are available? Some schools provide home or neighborhood pick-ups by bus or shuttle. Other schools may establish pick-up locations further out from the immediate school community (such as a public school or library), where multiple families can drop off and pick up their students. Some families coordinate ride shares, allowing parents to alternate and adjust their schedules around work and other commitments.