Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions a family makes. Whether your child is entering first grade or preparing for the middle school years, parents want an environment where their children will be known, supported, and encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions a family makes. Whether your child is entering first grade or preparing for the middle school years, parents want an environment where their children will be known, supported, and encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
As you visit schools and gather information, it can be difficult to know what questions to ask. Looking beyond brochures and websites can help you better understand whether a school is truly the right fit for your child and your family.
Here are eight important questions every family should consider when choosing a private school.
For Christian families, academics are only one piece of the picture. Many parents desire a school environment that reinforces the faith and values being taught at home.
You may want to ask:
In a Lutheran school, faith is not simply another subject—it is woven naturally into the life of the school – Christ is our foundation! Students are continually reminded of God’s grace and encouraged to use their gifts in service to others.
You can learn more about our Christ-centered approach on our Faith Formation page.
Every child is unique. Some thrive in larger environments, while others benefit from more individual attention and stronger relationships with their teachers.
Consider asking:
Children often flourish when they feel known, encouraged, and valued by the adults around them. Strong relationships help students build confidence and create a foundation for lifelong learning.
You can learn more about what this looks like in our elementary program and middle school program.
A school is more than a building or a curriculum—it is a community.
Ask questions such as:
Many parents find that the relationships they build with other families become one of the most meaningful aspects of their child’s school experience.
Learn more about our school community by visiting our Life at St. John’s page.
Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers, and strong schools recognize the importance of partnership between home and school.
Questions to ask include:
Healthy communication helps families and educators work together to support each child’s growth.
School should help students discover and develop the gifts God has given them. From the elementary years through middle school, students benefit from opportunities that help them grow in confidence, responsibility, leadership, and service.
Ask about:
These experiences help students discover new interests and develop friendships that often extend beyond the classroom.
Learn about all that St. John’s offers for our students by visiting our Athletics, Fine Arts, & Extracurriculars page.
No child has a perfect educational journey. Challenges are normal, and families should understand how schools support students when difficulties arise.
Consider asking:
A caring school seeks to support students while working closely with parents to help them succeed.
Cost is naturally one of the questions many families have when exploring private education.
Helpful questions include:
While private education represents a financial commitment, many families view it as an investment in their child’s academic, social, and spiritual development during these formative years.
Visit our Tuition & Financial Assistance page to learn how St. John’s can help you invent in your child’s future.
Perhaps the most important question is the simplest:
Can I experience the school for myself?
Nothing replaces seeing classrooms in action, meeting teachers, and observing the atmosphere firsthand. A tour provides opportunities to ask questions, meet staff, and get a sense of whether the school feels like the right fit for your family.
Families throughout Corcoran, Maple Grove, Rogers, and St. Michael often find that visiting a school helps them better understand whether it is the right environment for their child—whether they are considering elementary school or preparing for the middle school years.
If you’ve yet to visit any private schools, you may enjoy reading our article, What to Expect When You Tour a Private School, which walks through the tour experience and answers many common questions.
We’d love for you to come visit us! Take a moment now and schedule a private tour so that we can sit down together to learn about your family and your goals for your child.
At St. John’s Lutheran School in Corcoran, we believe children are uniquely created by God and called to grow in their gifts. Our goal is to partner with families to nurture both academic growth and faith, helping students build confidence, character, and a strong foundation for the future.
If you are exploring school options, we would love to answer your questions and help you discover whether St. John’s could be the right fit for your family.
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