In 2017, the city of Deland was named America’s Main Street and since then we have experienced a boom in development and now have many new neighbors in our community. Our bustling downtown and popular events are some of the many features that attract visitors, but it’s the community that keeps people here. If you’re a DeLand resident you know how much people rally when hurricanes or tornadoes destroy personal property, or when a family needs support in a time of need, or even when an individual deserves to be celebrated! DeLand is a special place, and we are proud to be one of DeLand’s oldest private schools.
When you have young children, the time eventually comes when you start planning for their educational future. There are a lot of factors that go into making this decision including the needs and temperament of your child as well as your family’s unique values. Presumably, since you are here reading this article, you’ve already begun looking into DeLand private schools. We are proud to be among a group of excellent institutions in our small community. As you begin to sort through this decision and choose the right private school for your child and family, there are some important factors you should consider.
Your Family’s Practical Needs
Eventually, you will need to answer some deep and serious questions about your family’s values, the style of education you prefer, and your child’s learning style. But before you dive into that conversation, some very practical issues can help filter out some of your school choices. For example, does the school provide after-school care? What time does school start in the morning? How long does the day last? Where is the campus in relation to your home and work? For some, the answers to these practical questions might not matter very much, but for others, they will make a world of difference. Take some time to narrow down these practical matters first and it will ease your journey to determine the best DeLand private school for your child.
A Focus on Faith-based Education
Once you’ve ironed out some important practical matters, it’s time to start thinking about the deeper questions. What are your family values and how do you expect your child’s private school to factor into that conversation? Do you have a particular set of religious beliefs? If so, do you want those to be included or excluded in your child’s learning environment? Private schools have the distinct advantage of being able to marry academic and spiritual learning in the classroom in a way that public schools cannot. Some families who aren’t traditionally religious still appreciate the inclusion of values like kindness and generosity into their child’s education. At St. Barnabas, we’re very clear about the values that mean most to us. If faith-based education is important to you, we urge you to make this one of the top priorities you focus on in your search for a DeLand private school for your child.
Your Child’s Interests
Your child’s classroom education should come first when you are choosing a DeLand private school, but it’s not the only factor that matters in your final decision. The purpose of school is to help develop children as well-rounded people, including their interests and talents. Does your student love music or play a particular sport? Are they gifted in a specific subject or have aspirations toward a specific career? It’s never too early to begin fostering those interests and talents in your children and the DeLand private school that you choose ought to honor what makes your child special. When choosing a Deland private school, it’s worth considering the non-core classes and extracurricular opportunities that are provided at each school. At St. Barnabas, we take seriously the opportunity that we have to cultivate each child’s individualism and we do our best to see the best in each of our students.
DeLand is a full and vibrant community. No matter where you send your child to school you’ll be able to reap many of the benefits our community has to offer. However, we at St. Barnabas School are confident that what we offer our students and their families is top tier. Just like the community as a whole, St. Barnabas’ community is thriving and healthy. Healthy school communities like ours promote a comprehensive approach to learning which in turn cultivates well-rounded students.
If you’re on the hunt for the right DeLand private school for your family we recommend you take the time to answer these and other questions about the priorities that matter most to you. When you’re ready to learn more about the education provided at St. Barnabas School, give us a call. We look forward to inviting your family into our community.
