Choosing a school in United States may seem to be the most stressful part of relocating with kids. Websites seldom reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family has unique priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — particularly for families planning a move to Portland.
First: Decide what “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, establish your non-negotiables. Many choosing mistakes arise when families compare everything simultaneously without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and way of communicating.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits families living abroad:
A straightforward process
- Begin by narrowing options based on location. In Portland, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Verify openings and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about actual classroom conditions. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell me about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you assist children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What are the policies for language support (ESL) if required?
- How is heat managed and indoor/outdoor time handled in warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School decisions are never just tuition. Factor in the full routine cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Bottom line
The ideal school is usually the one that matches your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Portland (commute, routines, what to ask), reach out — or call +1 503-555-0170.