When parents seek a new school, academics often lead conversations – scores, curriculum, college acceptance. Those things are important, but there are deeper questions to consider. What does a school stand for and what matters most to your family?
Parish Episcopal School’s Dr. Matt Rush, Allen Meyer Family Head of School, frames it like this:
“Society often rushes toward achievement and forgets about character, prizing performance over person. Alongside rigorous academics, educators should focus on unique potential of every student in our care and graduating good human beings who are prepared, passionate and principled.”
What should those last three words – prepared, passionate, principled – mean to parents?
Preparation isn’t just about the next grade or subject level. It’s about equipping students with skills and mindsets needed to accomplish goals and navigate life’s challenges.
Passion often shows up quietly and it’s important to be in a place where children are exposed to new opportunities and feel safe and encouraged to explore what sparks them.
Principled – who doesn’t want their child to be good? In a world that desperately needs kindness and respect, educators should model honor and integrity, teaching students to be servant leaders, in and out of school.
School choice is personal with no universal right answer. It’s about the right fit for your child and the values you deem important. When those values are clear, your choice becomes less about stats and comparisons, and more about confidence in your decision and your child’s ability to grow within a supportive environment.
