A popular parenting mantra is “make good choices.” One of the most important choices parents make is where to send their children to school.

Parents tend to pool information for months, comparing test scores and older siblings’ experiences at different schools. Questions about school quality, accountability, curriculum and teacher training arise each day, and we explore potential answers in the newspapers and political platforms—and over kitchen tables across the northshore.

Exploring the available alternatives is the all-important first step. To do a good job, you need to be a savvy consumer. That means researching, networking and making sure that you understand the pros and cons of all the options and services available to you and your child. Whether you choose a public, parochial or private school, the atmosphere should match what you want for your child.

Since school cultures vary, it is particularly important to consider what the emphasis is in each school and the specific ways in which each child might be guided and challenged. Some important considerations for making a positive selection include the learning style your child responds to most effectively, the environment that best matches your family life, a discipline structure that you can support, and the academic goals of the curriculum. In addition, the sports, music, foreign language and arts enrichment programs can influence your choice. Educational goals may be unique for each child in the family and they may change as your child moves from pre-school to elementary, middle and high school.

It is wise to consider both public and private schools in your search for the best school, as each choice has its strengths. Some parents don’t fall squarely in either the private or public school camp. They unapologetically enroll one child in a public school and another in a private one, or send their children to private elementary schools, followed by public secondary schools.

In responding to the question of differences between public and private school environments, Kathryn LeBlanc, director of Mandeville’s Cedarwood School, says, “Our philosophy is based on providing students with a strong foundation. We work to place students in classrooms where they are assured the best opportunities for maximum intellectual and social development. We accomplish that with small class sizes and quality ‘face time’ with students. That strong foundation allows our students to demonstrate confidence and competence as they move through the educational system and into the work place.” She goes on to share success stories of students who have come back to say thanks and share their life experiences with her and other long-time faculty. “We are celebrating 20 years of excellence at Cedarwood this year!” says LeBlanc, who is understandably very proud of the school’s faculty and growing tradition.

Tenure and tradition can also be found woven through many of the northshore’s outstanding public schools. Dr. Michael Peterson, principal of Northshore High School in Slidell, has been an educator in both the public and private sector. Involved in public education for the last 17 years, Peterson points to the exceptional leadership in St. Tammany Parish public schools that provides students with unequalled educational opportunities and advantages. Says Peterson, “The public school system offers a very positive, pro-active approach to delivering quality education by seeking the most highly qualified teachers. In addition, the rigorous standards of accountability applied to public schools are reflected in the school performance scores for the parish, which rank St. Tammany number one in the state. St. Tammany public schools also rank among the highest in the state for the number of students who go on to complete a college degree.”

If you think your child will benefit from a setting that provides more diversity and larger groups of same-age students, a public school may be the best choice. There are more than 50 schools in the St. Tammany system and 37 in Tangipahoa. Together they educate over 52,000 students. The gumbo of education options—through a vast array of situations—offer a little something for everyone. At the high school level there is often a wide variety of sports, electives and extracurricular activities to meet the needs of students of different interests. Advantages can also include access to services for children with special needs at no additional cost to parents.

Ultimately, parents must consider the educational needs of their particular child. Whatever the choice, the decision should be based on careful thought, research and analysis, and not just on perception and generalization.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.