How do you make educational choices for your kids?

Sent my kid to a small Catholic school for 8 years. One teacher sucked but the rest were fantastic. Chose the school as the wee ones looked happy and upbeat and not beaten down by the staff. Academics were OK. I spent a LOT of time helping him with homework. My kid is now in a Jesuit high school. Chose that one as I liked their philosophy of educating the whole person. Academics is at college level. I like the staff who are mostly young and enthusiastic.

Honestly I think your best bet it to talk to teachers and see if the administration in the school is functional. It’s kind of like work if the admin/leadership is good problems get sorted out and good people can do good work. If the admin is bad and chaotic then good people can’t do good work problems fester problem kids disrupt the process.

Some parents have told me they make choices for religious reasons.

The most common story I hear is of parents who get a lot of information and try to make a good choice, but ultimately get overwhelmed and choose 'at random' from what's available.

I'm not going to make choices for them. They should make their own choices, and I'm here to provide guidance and support.

Try to use good information/facts. Then apply ideals/concepts to those and determine the best choice.