When you are deciding on private schools, you must take into consideration the quality of the education.  This is especially important in the lower grades.

At some point, your child may need to transition to the public schools.  Transition will be much smoother if the private school’s standards are in line with your state’s standards.  Choosing a school based how nice and friendly they are may serve your child poorly as he meets her peers later.

I have experienced private school children who were well prepared for the move to public school.  However, I’ve also spoken with parents who said, “If I had known how much my kids would be behind when I transferred to public schools, I would never have sent them to XYZ private school.”    So, here’s an easy check.  Ask several parents who’ve made the transition.  When you’ve discussed it enough, you’ll have a better idea if that school is worth the extra money.

If you have a child with special needs, think 1,000 times before you send her to a general ed private school.    This does not apply to a specialized school for the handicapped.