When evaluating school options, it is vital to look beyond academics to ensure your student is in an uplifting learning environment. The average standardized test score won’t dictate your child’s experience. However, the school community will. The culture and community created by teachers, staff, students, and parents can significantly impact learning. Here are five things to look for in a school community to ensure your child is in a positive atmosphere.  

#1: Does The Staff Build Student Connections?

One reliable indicator of a positive school community is the student-staff connections. Do the teachers make an effort to get to know students on a more personal level? When staff and teachers foster uplifting relationships with their students it plays a significant role in students’ overall growth. Students are far more likely to ask for additional assistance, voice their opinions, and feel a sense of belonging. Additionally, when teachers prioritize building individual connections, they can better tailor instruction to meet the needs of their class. Seek out a school community that values intentional student-teacher relations. 

#2: How Does The School Address Bullying, Inclusivity, And Diversity?

When analyzing the school community, look at how the school addresses bullying, inclusivity, and diversity. Bullying is intolerable; therefore, schools must have appropriate procedures established to handle this if the situation arises. Additionally, look at how the school integrates diversity and inclusivity. What actions does the school take to ensure all students feel welcomed and receive an equitable education? A positive school community embraces diversity and actively creates an inclusive environment for all students.   

#3: What Support Systems Are Offered? 

Another factor that contributes to a supportive school community is the support services offered.  Ensuring that students are provided with reliable support services is crucial to their academic success. More importantly, this is vital for their mental health and well-being. Having trained professionals like counselors on staff provides students with the opportunity to seek out help and guidance when they need it. Counselors play an important role in the school community by providing resources for teachers to better support students’ emotional and social needs. Additionally, counselors help raise mental health awareness among the school. Providing multiple lines of academic, emotional, and social support for students builds a stronger, more supportive school community.  

#4: What Does The School Value? 

The mission, vision, and values of a school serve as a foundation for the school culture. The school’s mission should align with the values that you want to be instilled in your children. A positive school community adheres to its mission wholeheartedly and integrates these values into its daily activities at school. Additionally, these values must emphasize not only academic excellence but also the character development of students. Schools with positive communities often have values centered around teaching students to be compassionate and responsible future leaders.   

#5: How Does The School Engage With The Surrounding Community?

A school with a positive culture does not isolate itself from the surrounding communities. Many schools will partner with neighboring businesses to provide more resources and opportunities for students. Additionally, partnerships with the surrounding community allow students to serve their society. This builds character, humility, and leadership skills in students. Schools can utilize their surroundings as a learning opportunity for students and a way to build connections with others in their town. This, in turn, creates a positive school culture both inside and outside the physical building. 

A positive school community is exceedingly powerful. A supportive community improves students’ academic outcomes, comfortability, confidence, and overall well-being. Schola can help you find a school community that welcomes, supports, and uplifts students. The ScholaMatch Quiz allows you to search for schools based on what matters most so you find a caring community for your student to join!