having just been through a full-blown school-crisis with my daughter (5), my best advice is to make a list of all the problems you've had/challenges you foresee, and go in and interview each principal. last year we picked an independent school that seemed like it should be a perfect fit, only to find out that all meaningful differentiation is reserved for the upper grades - and any kid below the age of 10 was out of luck if she was beyond grade level.
this new round of school visits has been wonderful, because now i know what to say: "here are our issues - tell me now if you don't want to get involved!" it was so simple, but so amazingly productive to just ask what everyone's plan would be.
the (public) school we settled on was the one where in spite of everything, the principal looked me straight in the eye and said, "wow, i can't wait to see her in action!" it's going to be a bundle of work to keep an eye on things, but knowing he's on her side already sets this school ahead of her current one.
good luck!!
