K-8 preparatory schools are a great choice for parents who want their children to have a strong educational foundation that fosters their academic success while nurturing them to grow into responsible, moral individuals. With so many prep schools to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right one for your child. Here are the questions every parent should ask when looking for a K-8 preparatory school:

How is the curriculum designed?

Your first inquiry should be about the curriculum. How is it structured to support the individual needs of students in each grade level? What’s their approach to standardized testing? Do they have a preschool? These important questions will help you understand the school’s educational philosophy and the approach to day-to-day activities in the classroom. 

Look for a strong curriculum that allows students to work ahead of their current grade level, offers a variety of electives and encourages older students to mentor their younger peers. Keep in mind how they approach academic concepts and material. For example, some schools, like Lake Forrest Prep, teach students through project-based learning, which offers a more hands-on way of exploring the material than reading from a textbook. Adhering to the educational standards is one thing; going above and beyond to provide students with a rich education is another.

Does the school have any accreditations?

It’s important to understand that K-8 preparatory schools aren’t required to become accredited, which makes the ones that are accredited more desirable. Accredited private schools have undergone a thorough evaluation by an accrediting agency that has determined the school has met rigorous standards of quality. These schools have demonstrated a commitment to continuous academic excellence. Lake Forrest Prep is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF) and is a member of multiple national educational councils and commissions, including NCPSA and MSA-CESS. 

Are the teachers and faculty supportive of students and families?

Teachers and faculty are the backbone of any school. When choosing a preparatory school for your child, it’s important to learn how teachers and faculty support students and their families. At Lake Forrest Prep, even though the curriculum is accelerated, the school doesn’t only accept high-achieving students. Instead, teachers and faculty take the time to understand each student’s unique strengths and learning needs. Faculty personalizes each student’s educational journey to ensure that they are challenged appropriately and given the tools they need to grow. Choosing a preparatory school that tailors your child’s academic experience based on their individual needs is crucial to their success.

How is the tuition handled, and are there scholarships available?

When choosing a private school, tuition is often a main consideration. Is the school you’re considering transparent about the tuition costs and clear about the fee schedule? Do they take scholarships? These are all important questions to ask, because even if you find the perfect school, the financial aspect could be a barrier if you’re not aware of the full tuition picture. You can find Lake Forrest Prep’s tuition fees by reading about each grade’s curriculum. Also note that Lake Forrest Prep accepts the Step Up for Students Scholarships, including the FTC, FES and FES-UA (formerly Gardiner and McKay) Scholarships.

What is the school community like?

Once you have an understanding of the school’s foundation, like the curriculum and tuition, it’s time to consider the school community. This is the overall feel of the school and the energy you feel when you step onto the campus. Look for one that is built on respect and genuine care; one that feels warm, welcoming and supportive. 

Consider how the school involves parents in their child’s education. A strong partnership between home and school ensures that every student feels seen, heard and empowered to make positive decisions, not just in their education, but as thoughtful, caring individuals. At Lake Forrest Prep, this is exactly the school community we strive to build each and every day!

What extracurricular activities are offered?

What students learn outside the classroom is just as important as what they learn inside the classroom, and extracurricular activities offer opportunities for real-world learning. They allow students to explore their interests and discover more about themselves. The skills they learn here can be applied in the classroom and in life beyond school. When looking for a K-8 preparatory school, choose one that offers a variety of extracurricular activities, ranging from performing arts to sports and STEM.

What are the school’s core mission and values?

At the center of it all is the school’s core mission and values. Choose a prep school that strives to help students thrive academically and develop into kind, moral citizens. What children learn in school and the behavior of others on campus have a direct impact on the people they become and how they contribute to society once they leave school. The school you choose should have a deep commitment to helping students succeed and make character education a main focus of the curriculum.

At Lake Forrest Prep, it’s our mission to nurture the minds and hearts of our students. That’s why we take a holistic approach to education, helping students grow into thoughtful, caring individuals with a strong educational foundation. Our supportive, nurturing school community helps students thrive by encouraging them to embrace diversity and build meaningful relationships within the school community. To learn more about our K-8 preparatory school in Orlando, we invite you to schedule a tour of our campus by giving us a call at (407) 331-5144 or contacting us online!