Collect school names by contacting a national, certifying organization. Call individual schools by phone or visit their websites. Look for schools with programs that conform to national standards. Independent schools may offer high-quality training, but a school affiliated with a national program has had its curriculum examined and approved. Choose the course format that best fits your needs.
Some schools teach in multiple, short lessons, while others offer intensive live-aboard courses.
You'll also find many other variations. Look closely at the size and type of boats your potential schools use for teaching. Keelboats used in sailing schools range between 20 and 40 feet. Get a list of course materials. Any good keelboat course should include a nationally distributed text book.