Dave Hendry urges parents to rethink how they judge schools

Dave Hendry’s new book, Choosing Your Child’s Education, argues that parents should stop ranking schools by reputation or test scores and instead ask whether a learning environment helps children think, reason and thrive. The book is now available through Heron Books, Amazon and Walmart, with additional commentary from Hendry on Substack.

Why it matters: - Parents are facing more education choices than ever, from public and private schools to charter schools, homeschooling, micro-schools and AI-powered schooling. - Hendry’s book argues those choices need a better filter than rankings, test scores or college admissions rates. - The goal is to help families identify whether a school or program is actually building capable, curious and independent learners.

What happened: - Dave Hendry released Choosing Your Child’s Education, a book that challenges the idea that parents should ask which school is “best.” - Hendry says families should start by asking what an excellent education looks like. - The book is available through Heron Books, Amazon and Walmart. - Hendry is also sharing related ideas through his free Substack at ongoing commentary.

The details: - Hendry says many parents overfocus on standardized test scores, homework policies, sports, class size, teacher credentials and college acceptance rates. - The book offers a framework for evaluating any educational option based on how well it helps students learn, reason and prepare to create their futures. - The framework is meant to work across schools, teachers, curricula and learning environments. - Hendry says education should treat every child as an individual. - Hendry frames the book as a practical guide for parents, educators and others who want schooling to prepare children for life, not just for school.

Between the lines: - The book pushes back on the factory-like model of schooling that still shapes many parents’ expectations. - Hendry is arguing that more choice has not necessarily produced better decision-making for families. - The message reflects a broader shift toward learner-centered education, where fit matters as much as brand name or institutional reputation.

What’s next: - Hendry is expected to continue using his Substack and public commentary to expand on learning, curriculum design and teaching practices. - The book could add momentum to conversations among parents and educators about alternative schooling models and individualized learning. - Hendry’s broader education work suggests he will keep advocating for approaches that emphasize curiosity, engagement and lifelong learning.

The bottom line: - Hendry wants parents to judge schools by whether they help children become independent thinkers, not by whether they look best on paper.