If the engine is running, so is the meter. Even if you're sitting on the ground, you're still charged for it. These are crucial parts of every lesson, and if the instructor is not paid for them, you may get abbreviated briefings before you start the engine, and then get the rest of the briefing while the engine and the meter are running. In your research, make sure that you're getting the best quality training for your dollar. What flight school you ultimately choose depends on the quality training you desire in a method convenient to your schedule.
Aviation is an ever-changing activity, and good pilots are always learning.
Perhaps the final deciding factor between several schools that are running in a dead heat is personality. Like people, schools have personalities. Some are deadly serious, while others are more familial in nature. Only you can select the one that matches your personality. Compile a list of schools to examine, and request literature from each.