I N D E P E N D E N T S C H O O L S
S p e c i a l F e a t u r e
CONSIDERING
PRIVATE SCHOOL?
VANCOUVER
November 8 The Westin Bayshore
Speak with education experts,
learn about affording tuition, and
meet with top schools:
• Preschool to high school
• Montessori
• Boarding
• Special needs
• IB and AP
hosted by
sponsored by
YOU'RE INVITED
RSVP AT OURKIDS.NET/EXPO FOR 50% OFF TICKETS
identify and prioritize their expecta-
tions as well as their child's needs.
"Parents must take a good look at their
child and evaluate their strengths and
weaknesses," she adds. "Will they do
better in a single-sex school, is French
Immersion or religious studies impor-
tant, is your child gifted … all of these
factors need to be considered when
searching for the best school. When par-
ents take the time to assess their child,
they have a better chance at •nding
the right environment for their child to
reach their full potential."
On its site, Our Kids Media provides
an Essential Parent Guide to Private
Education, a six-step online manual that
features a questionnaire parents can
download and bring to interviews at
prospective schools.
Once parents have had time to evalu-
ate their children's speci•c needs, par-
ents can explore a number of schools
by visiting fairs such as Our Kids Private
School Expos. Vancouver's upcoming
Expo will be held on November 8th
at the Westin Bayshore Hotel. The fair
provides an opportunity for families to
learn about independent schools and
meet with exhibiting private schools
and education consultants, as well as
access helpful resources and tools.
"The fair also features 40-minute
information sessions," says Stawicki.
"Choosing to place your child in private
school is a large investment. By attend-
ing an Expo parents will be armed
with the knowledge to make the best
informed decision for their
child's needs."
Enriched academic
opportunities
For parents of gifted children, an
increasingly popular choice across the
country is the International Baccalaure-
ate Program (IB). Dwight School Canada
in Victoria is the only international uni-
versity preparatory school in Western
Canada that oers boarding for its
IB students.
"The IB diploma program provides
a solid foundation for post-secondary-
bound students," says Jerry Salvador,
