How do I choose a Primary School...?

[Netix]

There are about half a dozen primary schools in Sunbury where we live, but we are looking to move further out. I don't want to put Steph into one school to then move her to another if/when we move. She will be starting prep in 2012, and currently does prep at her daycare centre.

So here's the current situ:

There is a school within walking distance of our current house (we've lived here since just before Steph was born, but we would love to move to give them a country upbringing), but I always told myself that I would not send my children there, as we live in a crappy part of town, and I don't really like it. However, have been told by parents whose children do go there how fabulous a school it is, and how highly it 'ranks'. Do I send her there? I don't know if that school is composite classes or not.

The school I was originally going to send her to is in town, but driving distance from this house. I was going to send her as my friend's kids go there, Steph's little bestie friend would go (they're the same age, and are such good buds). However, that school is now made up of composite classes, which I don't like. So now I don't want to send her there.

There is a tiny country school about ten minutes drive away, but I think you have to live in the tiny country town to get in there. Unfortunately we don't, even though I would dearly love to. Do I try to put her in there? I think they would both do well there.

Or, to one of the next major town's, the school there is fairly small too (about 160 children in seven classes), but I think is also composites this year (so doubt it would change next year). There is a house for rent in that town, but no guarantees we'd get it. School maybe a bit far to walk, but bicycle could be okay (then I'd have to shoot off to work).

Or lastly, private schools. There's a Montessori school in Gisborne, and a Grammar school in Macedon, but don't think we could afford them. The grammar school is fairly small, and is meant to be really good with really good teacher/student ratios. Or a Steiner school in Castlemaine I think! (maybe a bit far to travel for work back here though) My brother went to the Steiner schools in Abbottsford and Warranwood, and he did really well there, and I think that Steiner or Montessori would suit S&R. ETA; there are both primary and secondary Steiner schools in Castlemaine!

OMG, how on earth do I choose??!?!?!?! I'm trying to figure it out so that I can relocate our family to wherever need be, hopefully before school would start next year.

I really wanted my kids to be able to walk to school, but understand that may just not happen, especially if they go to one of these country schools. Like I said above, we really want to bring them up in a country atmosphere, and feel they would both do well (better than here in 'town') and love it.

Can anyone PLEASE offer some suggestions?

[Mak]

Ok so some wierd things happening here...anyway! I think you may get a better perspective if you go and visit the schools as often it is a gut feel as to what suits you best. I think also speaking to the principal and asking about their bullying policies and how they handle difficult behaviours etc may help. My DD is quite anxious and has some separation issues so I would be asking how they handle that. Also practical stuff like before and after care, holiday programs etc may be important for you (or not). Many of the schools near me have super tight zones so you may infact have little choice in the end. Good luck!

[Phteven]

I think Mak is spot on. It's worth visiting the schools you're interested in. If they have open days that will give you a chance to get to know the schools better.