Choosing the Right School for Your Child

Learning Styles

1. Kinesthetic

2. Visual

3. Auditory

Asking the Right Questions

Unique Programs

Finding Good Reading Programs

Learning Styles

Students learn differently. There are three major learning styles: Kinesthetic (experiential), Visual, and Auditory. People usually learn best when they are taught in their primary learning style.

Below are suggestions for which programs may benefit different types of learners--but these are only suggestions. A kinesthetic learner may learn well in a program for visual learners. REMEMBER: You know your child best.

1. Kinesthetic

What are the characteristics of a kinesthetic learner?
Kinesthetic learners are students who learn best by physically experiencing what they are learning about. Sometimes kinesthetic learners need to use all five senses to explore the world. An example of kinesthetic learning is using blocks or beads to learn a math problem.

Kinesthetic programs tend to place an emphasis on projects and experiencing what is being learned. Some kinesthetic programs place an emphasis on students working together on projects.

School programs that focus on kinesthetic learners:

• Montessori
• Outdoors / Expeditionary
• Student-centered / Student-directed
• Experiential
• Project-based learning

2. Visual

What are the characteristics of a visual learner?
Visual learners are students who learn best by using their eyes to absorb information. An example of visual learning is watching a demonstration or reading a book.

Visual programs tend to place an emphasis on learning through reading.

School programs that focus on visual learners:

• Online (using a computer)
• International Baccalaureate
• Back-to-basics
• College prep
• Liberal arts
• Classical

3. Auditory

What are the characteristics of an auditory learner?
Auditory learners are students who learn best by hearing and absorbing information through sound. An example of auditory learning is listening to a teacher lecture.

Auditory programs tend to place an emphasis on teacher-led instruction or discussion.

School programs that focus on auditory learners:

• Back-to-basics
• Core Knowledge
• College prep
• Dual-language
• Liberal arts
• Classical

Click here to read more about learning styles.

Asking the Right Questions

Parents should have an understanding of a school's educational program. Having a list of questions will help you find a school for your child. Talk to the principal, teachers, students, and parents of students enrolled in the school.

The Web sites listed below will help you think about the questions that are most important to you.

• Choosing a School for Your Child
  This parent-friendly document provides general information about the kinds of educational options parents have and many questions to ask of yourself and school officials before you choose a school for your child.
• Ask the Right Questions, Find the Right School
  This list of questions will help you think about the school environment and the commitment level of school staff.
• Questions from the School Accountability Report
  These questions to ask at your child's school originally appeared on Colorado's School Accountability Reports.
• School Evaluation Tool Kit
  This list of thirty questions is based on a study of what makes good schools work.

Unique Programs

SchoolChoiceforKids.org allows you to search for Colorado public schools that have unique qualities such as character education, Montessori, world language, internships, flexible scheduling, and a lot more.

• Click here to search for unique public programs and schools.
• Click here to find private schools.

Finding Good Reading Programs

• How Do I Know a Good Early Reading Program When I See One?

Continue to Step 3: Find schools near your home or workplace