Next, get the names of several parents whose children attend the school and would be willing to talk with you. Ask them what they do and don't like about the school. Also try to obtain a few names of parents who were not happy there, and enrolled their children elsewhere. As Koetzsch points out, all schools have success stories, but no school works for every child. "Find out about a child who did not thrive at the school," he says.

The Final Decision

Once you have visited several schools, narrow your selection to those that might work for you. Plan to return, this time with your child. Have him meet the teacher, and if possible, spend time in the classroom with the other students. Make not of your child's thoughts and reactions to each school you visit and be sure to ask him the following when making that final decision:

• What was his reaction to the schools he visited?
• Which school made him feel most comfortable?
• Did he have a favorite teacher?
• Did he like the other students?

Finally, and most importantly, follow your intuition. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. If you've done your homework, you'll know if it's the right school or not. And while it may not fit your specifications exactly, it more than likely will be an environment where your child can grow and flourish—intellectually, emotionally, physically, and in some cases, spiritually, too.

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