The Pittsburgh School Guide

Written By Linda Fayad

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What to Consider When Choosing Schools (As a Mom + Parent)

  • Your child’s learning style & needs: Do they learn well with traditional structure, or benefit from Montessori / progressive / inquiry-based models?

  • Family lifestyle & logistics: Suburban districts often mean driving or commuting; private schools may have tuition; city public options might offer convenience if you live in the city.

  • Long-term schooling path: Do you want to stay in one school system from preschool through high school? Or change over time? Continuity (like in Shady Side, or in a public district) can matter.

  • Extracurriculars / enrichment / community vibe: Arts, sports, smaller class sizes, outdoor learning, community involvement — especially important for social development, not just academics.

  • Budget & commutes: For private schools — tuition + possible financial aid; for suburbs — commute, community lifestyle, housing cost; for public city schools — waitlists, magnet admission, etc.

Linda Fayad
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