Today's Lesson

In our experience we have met 2 types of parents; parents looking for the best school (‘best’ based on a set of criteria predetermined well before they speak to us). And - the other type of parent.  Parents who are determined to find the best school for their child.

 

If you are the first type of parent, best of luck to you on your search. We are confident you will find an amazing school (as many do exist) and your child may (or may not) bask in their glow of excellence. Unfortunately, excellence does not breed through osmosis. We believe that one rather, should approach selecting their child’s school with a grain of realism. 

 

Which brings me to the most important question you can ask yourself to launch your search: “What is the best school for my child?”

 

At Wolff Educational Services we conduct needs assessments that breaks this criteria into 3 selection houses. They are the Social, Emotional and Academic Houses of your child’s success and achievement at school. We have broken these houses into realistic criteria based on actual achievement data (the learning skills) and are written in academic language (reflective of curriculum expectations). Once the assessment is completed, it is simply a matter of matching the results (your child's area of strength and need) with the schools that offer programming in these areas. The equation breeds student success and achievement. Its flawless in its design.

 

Parents, education today is comprised of these 3 houses working together in unity and harmony. Students must demonstrate learning in all 3 of these areas in order to be successful. The way the curriculum is taught and learned is not inherent of 20th century practices anymore. 21st century classrooms are much more layered in there design and learning platforms are reflective of differentiated instruction, individualized for your child to demonstrate learning and skills. 

 

Before you begin your school search, know what it is your are looking for. Know what your child's strengths and areas of need are in each area (house) of the learning platforms and how they relate to both the classroom and school. Understand what the classroom does and can do, map the landscape as you would any foreign environment. 

 

And if you feel like you need an education in all things education before you try and map out a route for your child - call us! We can help - however, we will only find the best school for your child….not necessarily what you think is the best school.

 

Until Our Next Lesson……

 

The Application Process

Toronto Star
8 Feb 2020

The admissions process can vary between private schools — some with a specific deadline for applications and others with rolling admissions. The key, is to know the deadlines as you’re researching schools.

Wolff highly recommends applying to more than one school. “We always try to give our clients three. Anything more than that we feel you’re moving away from the best fit for your child.” She says there is a general application calendar that people usually follow:

Summer: This is when you would start looking through the catalogues and videos and begin making your list.

September: You can begin scheduling some visits. You can review the admission forms and you can start asking your kid’s teachers to watch for certain things in the classroom, so they’ll be able to complete the teacher reference form.

October: Interviews start. You can go over all the admission requirements and verify your admission deadlines.

November: This might be a good time to visit your financial institution to ensure you have the proper funding — or to decide if you’ll need financial aid.

December: You complete your applications and submit them. You want to make sure you’ve got them in nice and early.

February: You begin to get your letters of admission.

April: By this time, you should let the schools know your decision and intention.