Parental Involvement at PA Private Schools

If you’re one of the many Pennsylvania families newly-attending or considering a private school for your children’s education, you may be wondering how, as a parent, you can get involved. And while there are plenty of ways for parents to get practically involved in their child’s school, the very best place to start is at home.

Being engaged and involved with your child at home will give you good insight into their education. Keep up to date on your child’s progress and grades so that you have ample time to get involved academically if necessary. And know your child’s friends. Understanding the student culture surrounding your child will give you a greater perspective on how your child is doing and what you can do to best support them and their growth. And never hesitate to reach out to your school if you have concerns about your child’s mental health.

Take the time to get to know your child’s teacher, as well. Assure him/her that you want an open dialogue about your child’s progress, and make it clear that you are ready and willing to help out in the classroom if the need should ever arise. Parental involvement at school has been shown to have great benefits for students, and teachers often do need volunteers for various reasons. Knowing that you’re on standby to help will be a great asset to them.

The school calendar—with all of its events and fundraisers—should give you an idea of upcoming opportunities for parental involvement. Many schools have regular, more traditional volunteer opportunities for parents, such as library aids, field trip chaperones, lunch and playground monitors, and bake sale contributors. But if these opportunities don’t fit your schedule or match your skills, do not hesitate to speak with the school administration about other possible opportunities. Perhaps the facilities manager needs help maintaining the grounds in the spring and summer or the music director needs help building sets for the annual musical. See if you can use your own skills to serve your child’s school.

And last but not least, get creative! Asking questions and talking to your child about school and their education may help you gain important insight into their successes, struggles, and goals at school—and it may even provide you with ideas for how to get involved.

Is your child struggling with science? Ask your child’s teacher about the possibility of hosting an extracurricular science lab for any interested students. Your student and his/her peers may be encouraged by a “special” lesson that’s just for fun. Or perhaps your child is excited to learn a new language but the school doesn’t offer it until the following year. Talk to your child’s teacher about starting an after-school program to help students gain early exposure to new languages and cultures. Your student may not be the only one anxious for a new opportunity to learn.

One of the great benefits of private school is the opportunity for more flexibility and choice. And by connecting with your student and your child’s school, you, too, can benefit from these qualities by using your skills, expertise, time, and talents to support your child and their school.