FAANS member schools strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment in which all students are encouraged to reach full potential. However, independent schools, by definition are unique.

Location, contact information, administration details, cost and program descriptions are some of the factors that parents need to help narrow the possibilities of the school that is right for their family.

The next step is to visit the campus. Be sure to visit when school is in session and students are on campus.

FAANS recommends that you ask many questions, including these, when looking for a school:

What is the stated philosophy of the School?
Are the teachers qualified and committed?
Does the school have a low student-to-teacher ratio?
Do students feel challenged by their school?
Do parents, teachers and students share a strong partnership?
Does the school climate support achievement?

Additionally, FAANS encourages you to:

Look for strong leadership.
Ask how long the principal has been at the school and the principal’s background.
Evaluate the school culture. Is the school generally clean? Consider the appearance and attitudes of the students. Are they ready and willing to answer your questions?
Ask about the faculty. What are the qualifications of the teachers?
Ask about the academic program. Is assistance available for students with different learning styles? How are students grouped?
Ask for the names of parents with whom you can speak.
If you are looking for an upper school, ask for a senior class profile. This should tell you what colleges have accepted students from the school and what percentage of students continued on and graduated from four year universities.
What is the school’s philosophy? Is the curriculum primarily college preparatory or vocational?
How extensive are course offerings? For example, how many AP classes are offered?
Ask about the guidance program. How much assistance is given to students when selecting colleges?
Ask about professional affiliations with educational and/or religious organizations.
Is the school accredited? The State of Florida does not accredit elementary or secondary schools, but many nonpublic schools are accredited by associations recognized by FAANS. These schools voluntarily submit to a periodic review by a state wide agency or peer evaluators, a set of standards for teachers and administrators, and a code of professional, ethical behavior.

Florida School Choice is a joint publication of FAANS and the Florida Department of Education.