Choosing a school in United States can be one of the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Websites seldom reveal what daily life is truly like, and each family has different priorities. This guide centers on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Cupertino.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, establish your nonnegotiables. Many missteps occur when families compare all factors at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child hears all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that serves expat families well:
A straightforward approach
- Rank by location first. In Cupertino, congestion can turn a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Check availability and admissions timelines. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Important questions to ask schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How is heat managed and indoor/outdoor time arranged during hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete daily expenses.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Final Thoughts
The ideal school is typically the one that matches your family’s actual routine: its location, the backing it provides, and daily comfort for your child — not the school with the most eye-catching marketing.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Cupertino (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +1 408-555-0123.