How do you choose the right school for your kids?

Choosing the right school for my kids in Toronto can be quite overwhelming, especially with so many options like public, private, and Montessori schools. Each type has its own benefits, and I recently heard from a friend that they based their decision more on community feedback than on rankings. It made me reconsider what factors are most important to us as parents.

With kids of varying ages, I often find myself torn between their individual needs and what environment would be best for them. Should I focus on arts and sports, or is academic rigor more important? Plus, I have to think about practical issues like location and school hours.

I’m curious to know how others make their decisions. Have you had any great or unfortunate experiences with a school choice? What criteria do you use to find the right fit for your children?