Each year, parents everywhere consider the question: What is the best school option for my child? For reasons ranging from crowded classrooms and standardized tests, to school safety and differentiated learning, parents may seek alternatives to their assigned neighborhood school. Embedded in the philosophy of school choice is the simple belief that one's neighborhood school may not meet the specific needs of a specific child. Take advantage of the resources out there to shepherd families through what can be an overwhelming process - the U.S. Department of Education, GreatSchools.org, and Education.com to name just a few - but in a nutshell, your five-step plan should be:

1) Define for yourself your ideal school and your family's education needs and goals
2) Consider all the options in your region
3) Check stats, but don't let them dictate your decision
4) Visit before you decide
5) Ask questions/don't assume

What school choice ultimately boils down to is one key thing: Fit. The correct fit for your student might hinge on academic, social, athletic, artistic, or culture needs - there is a wide spectrum - but once a student finds the school that "fits," success, by any measure, often follows. It is this idea of fit that drives independent schools and their missions of educating kids. Independent schools are able to determine their own priorities and curriculum, as they are not dictated to by state and federal education guidelines and testing structures. This allows them to devote extra time to their students' development, and to the school's mission and educational focus. For instance, Boulder County is fortunate to have dozens of independent schools with programs that serve virtually every child on the educational spectrum - traditional, gifted and talented, and those with learning differences to name a few*. Within these educational programs are, among others, very low student/teacher ratios, ability to handle differentiated learning, and positive and supportive learning environments. Each school has their own distinguishing factors - and this is true of public schools, as well.

In the spirit of School Choice, consider independent schools as a viable option for your child. At my own school, Dawson, we are proud that our students experience a robust and balanced educational program where academic excellence and individual attention helps ensure our graduates are multi-dimensional and self-aware, ready for the next challenge. But whether public or independent, to truly see what a school is like - its students, teachers, and culture - I recommend spending an hour in person to visit and ask questions about each school. Much like the kids we searve, schools have different personalities and strengths, and a small investment of your time at the start can help ensure your child finds the fit that will set them on the road of personal success.

*Go to BACIS.org for a complete list of independent schools in Boulder County.