Top Ten Signs of a Bad Fit Between Your Family and School

1. You worry that your child may not be learning important skills and knowledge (s)he needs
2. You worry that your child may not be learning and performing at his/her full potential at school
3. You worry about the social, moral or ethical values and behaviors your child is developing
4. The teaching and learning methods used at your child’s school are not consistent with your values
5. The teachers or principal do not listen or respond well to your needs and questions about your child
6. You feel uncomfortable or unwelcome at your child’s school or with other parents
7. You are worried about what your child is learning from other students or their parents
8. Your child(ren)’s school schedules, transportation or child care arrangements leave you frazzled
9. The extra work you must do to pay for school leaves you stressed and with little time for your child
10. You feel embarrassed or very uncertain about your choice to send your child to his/her current school

Adapted from Picky Parent Guide: Choose Your Child’s School with Confidence, The Elementary Years (K-6). © 2004 by Armchair Press, LLC. All rights reserved.