Treat #2: Values

A reputable real-estate company boasts that “your best life begins in a home that inspires you.” Isn’t that true of the education home, as well? When making arguably the second largest investment (average K-12 private school tuition in Atlanta is hovering around $280,000), you want a school home you can trust and one that both supports and challenges your student.

As you’re considering schools for next year—whether you’re taking the plunge from public to private or relocating to the Atlanta area—the first step of the process is to identify your values. Define them, put words around them, make them tangible.

What are your non-negotiables? Are you hoping for a parochial setting? Or, maybe an academic environment that is more diversified in their character-education program? Are athletics important to you? How important are the fine arts? Do you want a strong service learning emphasis, or maybe study abroad and global exchange programs? Are you hunting for a rigorous academic program, or something more holistic? Is single-gender education important to you?

As a family, brainstorm your responses to some of the questions above. Let this dialogue guide your search. You’ll be amazed how defining your core values and labeling your non-negotiables will cull your search list extensively. Join us tomorrow for Treat #3 as we share strategies on how to compile your school search list!