Make a list outlining everything you want from your child's Adventist academy. This list may include access to technology, tutoring options, accommodating children with special needs, rigor of religious education, academic record, sports teams, cost and location of the school. Number each item based on priority.
Locate the Seventh Day Adventist academies that are close to you by using the Adventist Education website's search tool (see Reference). You can search by state, city or zip code. Searching through this website will help you locate an accredited and registered Adventist academy.
Contact your local school's administration by calling the number provided. Set up a time to meet with the administration, tour the facilities, meet the teachers and speak with an enrollment official. Allow about an hour for each of these visits.
Meet with the administration at each school and express your particular expectations for your child in Adventist academies. Mention any special needs that your child may have, and see if the schools can accommodate him. Ask about classroom ratios, technology and tutoring. Most parents prefer for their children to be in classrooms with 20 or less students with adequate access to regulated computers and tutors.
Tour the facilities at each school. Observe the general cleanliness of the building and classrooms. Note if there are full garbage cans or trash on the ground. Check out the gymnasium, athletic facilities and playground if you are interested in your child's physical education. Observe the safety measures in place, such as if the playground is gated and if there is a security guard at the front door. Observe the computer facilities and library if they are available.
Meet with the each school's religious administration. Allow the clergy to explain the school's religious philosophies to you and exactly how they administer religious education.
Meet with a teacher who teaches the grade that your child is in at each school. Allow the teacher to explain his lesson plan to you. Ask the teacher any questions or concerns you might have about the religious education, tutoring or behavioral issues that are specific to your child.
Compare your impressions of each school with the list of expectations you made before setting out to visit the schools. Chose the school that most adequately matches your list of "wants" without sacrificing too much in terms of cost or distance.