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How to Choose the Right Educational Program for Your Child: 7 Key Factors to Consider
September 19, 2024
Picture this: You’re a parent whose child has been struggling with schoolwork. You’ve noticed they come home frustrated, saying they don’t understand their lessons in math or don’t feel engaged in class. As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to see your child lose confidence in themselves, and you know they need help—but where do you start? Finding the right educational program feels overwhelming with so many options available. Do you choose a local tutor, an online course, or an academic program? How do you know which option will actually make a difference for your child?
This is a situation many parents face when trying to find the best academic program to support their child’s learning. You want your child to succeed, feel confident, and stay motivated—but the path forward isn’t always clear. The right program can transform your child’s academic experience, making learning enjoyable and boosting their confidence. However, making the wrong choice could leave your child feeling more confused and frustrated.
That’s why it’s important to know exactly what to look for in an educational program. Below, we’ll explore the key factors that matter most when choosing the best learning environment for your child. And if you’re looking for a program that checks all the right boxes, Roots to Routes Academy is here to help.
The 7 Key Factors Every Parent Must Consider Before Choosing a School for Their Ward
- Understanding Your Child’s Needs
- The Role of a Diverse and Inclusive Curriculum
- Curriculum Alignment and Quality
- Flexibility and Learning Environment
- Qualified and Supportive Educators
- Subject Offerings and Specialization
- Cost and Affordability
1. Understanding Your Child’s Needs
The first step in finding the right program is understanding what your child needs academically and emotionally. Every child learns differently. Some kids are visual learners who need to see diagrams or charts, while others are auditory learners who do better when they hear explanations. Some children might struggle with confidence, especially in subjects like math or language, and need extra encouragement.
When you understand how your child learns best, you can choose a program that supports their individual learning style. Personalized learning helps your child build confidence and ensures they stay engaged.
Benefits:
- Boosts confidence: A personalized learning approach helps your child feel more confident because they’re learning in a way that makes sense to them.
- Improves engagement: When lessons are tailored to your child’s interests and learning style, they’re more likely to stay focused and motivated.
- Enhances academic performance: Students who receive personalized support are more likely to improve their grades and understanding of key subjects.
Roots to Routes Academy takes the time to understand your child’s unique learning needs, offering personalized support that helps them thrive both academically and emotionally. With the right support, your child will start to see learning as a positive experience, rather than a struggle.
2. The Role of a Diverse and Inclusive Curriculum
A diverse and inclusive curriculum is essential for children, especially those from minority communities. Traditional educational programs may not reflect the experiences of Black students or other marginalized groups. When children don’t see themselves represented in their lessons, they can feel disconnected from what they’re learning.
An inclusive curriculum that acknowledges and celebrates diversity can have a huge impact on a child’s motivation and self-esteem. Children who feel represented are more likely to stay engaged and see themselves as capable learners.
Benefits:
- Increases student engagement: Students are more likely to participate in lessons and stay interested when they feel included. Research shows that students who feel a sense of belonging are 4.6 times more likely to be engaged in class​.Â
- Builds self-esteem: A curriculum that reflects a child’s culture and identity helps them feel valued and understood.
- Promotes academic success: Studies show that students who feel connected to their curriculum perform better academically. According to research, students who feel connected to their teachers and curriculum have grades that are 14% higher than their disengaged peers​.
At Roots to Routes Academy, our curriculum is created by Black educators, specifically for Black students. We believe that when children see themselves in their lessons, they feel empowered to succeed. Our inclusive approach fosters a sense of pride in each student, motivating them to reach their full potential.
3. Curriculum Alignment and Quality
It’s important to choose an educational program that follows recognized academic standards. In Ontario, for example, the Ministry of Education sets guidelines for what students need to learn at each grade level. Programs that follow these standards ensure that your child stays on track academically, progressing through the necessary learning milestones.
Public schools are not inspected regularly, and as a result, many may not meet the Ministry of Education’s standards. In contrast, private schools in Ontario undergo annual inspections to ensure they are consistently adhering to the required academic guidelines. This means private programs are held to a higher level of accountability, providing assurance that your child is receiving a quality education.
High-quality programs not only meet these standards but also go beyond by offering additional resources and personalized attention. Your child should be learning in an environment that prepares them for future success, whether it’s moving to the next grade, passing exams, or preparing for university.
Benefits:
- Ensures academic progress: A program is up to standard and relevant compared to public schools, and follows the Ontario curriculum guarantees that your child is learning what they need to stay on track in school.
- Prepares for future success: Students will be better equipped to handle standardized and different variations in tests, university applications, and future academic challenges.
- Provides a strong foundation: High-quality and varied but personalized style of instruction ensures your child has a solid understanding of core subjects like math, English, and French, allowing them to be more creative and find solutions through different approaches.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we follow the Ontario Ministry of Education’s curriculum for all of our grades including Grades 9, 10, and 11 Mathematics, English, and French. This ensures that our students are not only receiving personalized attention but also mastering the skills and knowledge required to succeed in school.
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4. Flexibility and Learning Environment
With today’s busy schedules, it’s important to find an educational program that offers flexibility. Maybe your child is involved in extracurricular activities or you have a family schedule that requires learning from home. Finding a program that fits into your life makes it easier for your child to stay consistent and committed to their studies.
Our fully online program is an ideal solution. The flexibility of online learning allows students to complete work from home with utmost supervision and support.
Benefits:
- Convenience for families: A flexible program fits into your family’s busy schedule, making it easier for your child to stay on track.
- Balanced learning: The combination of virtual and in-person learning ensures that your child gets the best of both worlds—convenience and personal interaction.
- Supports different learning needs: Students who need extra help or prefer face-to-face support can benefit from in-person sessions, while others may excel in the online environment.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we offer a fully online learning environment, allowing students to learn from the comfort of their homes. This approach provides maximum flexibility for families and students. The virtual learning platform is interactive, engaging, and designed to help students receive the support they need in a way that fits their busy lives.
5. Qualified and Supportive Educators
The quality of teachers can make or break a student’s experience. A great teacher not only knows the subject matter but also understands how to connect with students and support their growth.
When educators understand the unique challenges that Black students face, they are better equipped to provide meaningful support and guidance. Teachers who take the time to build a relationships with students can make learning more enjoyable and effective.
Benefits:
- Builds trust and connection: A supportive teacher creates an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and expressing themselves.
- Provides personalized attention: Teachers who understand each student’s strengths and challenges can offer the individualized support needed for academic success.
- Fosters a positive learning experience: Great teachers inspire students to enjoy learning, which leads to better academic performance.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we have a team of experienced, qualified educators who are passionate about helping students succeed. Our teachers take the time to build relationships with each student, ensuring that they feel supported and understood.
6. Subject Offerings and Specialization
When choosing a program, it’s important to look at what subjects are offered and how they align with your child’s needs. If your child is struggling with a specific subject, like math or language, it makes sense to choose a program that specializes in these areas.
Programs that offer courses in multiple languages can also be a great option for bilingual students or those learning a new language. This allows your child to strengthen their skills in both English and French, setting them up for greater success in a bilingual province like Ontario.
Benefits:
- Provides targeted support: Programs that specialize in core subjects like math and language help students improve in areas where they need the most help.
- Prepares students for future opportunities: Bilingual students, for example, may have more career and educational opportunities in the future.
- Boosts academic performance: Specialized support leads to better understanding and improved grades in key subjects.
Roots to Routes Academy offers Grade 9-11 Mathematics, French, and English, with the option to learn mathematics in both English and French. This specialized approach ensures that your child is receiving support in the areas that matter most.
7. Cost and Affordability
While cost is always a consideration, it’s important to think of education as an investment in your child’s future. Choosing the right program may involve some financial commitment, but the benefits of personalized attention, a flexible schedule, and a diverse curriculum far outweigh the cost. Traditional tutoring programs often follow a cyclic approach—meaning they offer temporary support for a short-term boost in grades. However, this can lead to a constant cycle of seeking external help. As a result, families end up paying for tutoring repeatedly, without solving the core academic issues. In contrast, a holistic educational program focuses on long-term development by building a strong academic foundation and boosting confidence.
When considering cost, think about the value the program offers. Does the program provide flexible learning options? Are the teachers qualified and experienced? Are there payment plans available to make the cost more manageable?
Benefits:
- High return on investment: A quality program will provide long-term academic success, making the initial cost worthwhile.
- Cost-effective over time: Rather than repeatedly paying for tutoring, a holistic program solves root problems and provides ongoing growth, offering better value.
- Value-driven education: The right program delivers more than just academic help—it builds confidence, motivates students, and sets them up for future success.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we offer a high-quality education that delivers real value. Our personalized approach and flexible learning environment make the cost of enrolment an investment in your child’s future success.
Testimonials and Success Stories
One of the best ways to know if a program is right for your child is to hear from other parents and students. Positive testimonials and success stories can give you confidence that the program delivers results and helps students thrive.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we are proud of the success our students have achieved. One parent shared how their child went from struggling with math to feeling confident and excited about learning again after joining the academy.
For more inspiration, watch our video testimonial to see firsthand how students and parents have benefited from our program.
Don’t miss out on the chance to join a community that truly cares about your child’s success.
Conclusion
Choosing the right educational program for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make. By focusing on factors like personalized support, a diverse curriculum, and qualified teachers, you can ensure your child receives the best possible education.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we are dedicated to providing a learning environment that celebrates diversity, boosts confidence, and helps students succeed. With our hybrid learning model, experienced educators, and specialized subject offerings, your child will receive the support they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Don’t wait to invest in your child’s future! Enrol in Roots to Routes Academy today, and give your child the tools they need to succeed academically and personally.
