There is no doubt that a school leaves a lasting impression on a child. In many ways, it is the home away from home for many, who will end up spending twelve to fourteen years of their life in a school. For a parent, narrowing down on the right school can be one of the most crucial decisions of their lives.
The kind of human beings their child grows up to be, his or her interest in certain subjects and the virtues and values he or she learns in a school are growing to hold true for the rest of their lives.
In this article, we speak to some of the leading educationists and ask them about some important elements parents should look at when choosing a new school for their children.
Do Parents have Choices when it comes to Schools?
As parents, we are unaware of the different kinds and types of schools, which exist in society. According to experts, the following are some of the major ones-
- International Schools
- Government Schools
- Residential Schools
- Private-Day Schools
- Religious Schools
- Home Schools
- Special Learning Schools
As you can imagine from their names, different schools have different areas of operation and specialization. Special learning schools are there to help with special challenges like autism or dyslexia (kids who suffer from these can also opt for normal private schools).
Depending on their pros and cons, parents can make a conscious decision and decide what is going to be in their kid’s best interests. Some parents feel that home schools are good, while others feel that international schools like the Invictus International School in Singapore are better.
List of 5 Things Parents should look at when choosing a New School
- Fees and Financials-
As a parent you need to ensure that you will be able to afford the financial requirements of the school for not one or two, but for the entire twelve or fourteen years! This is one of the most important things you need to consider as a parent. In addition to the tuition fees, you also need to consider other extra-curricular, outside school meet-and-greets, and so on.
- Infrastructure-
As a parent, you would like your child to be nestled comfortably while engaging with learning and development. This means smart classrooms, adequate playing areas, gymnasium, library, and other necessary infrastructure. Overcrowded classrooms and poor student to teacher ratios is also something, which you should look at carefully.
- Location of the School-
According to experts, the distance of the home from the school should not be more than a thirty-minute drive in the car or the school bus. In other words, the closer the school to the home, the better it is for the child. Too much time spent traveling will eat into their other schedules and tire them out for any post-school extracurriculars like coaching or dance classes.
- Quality of Education-
Most schools have now arrived at a benchmark in terms of the standard of education. However, if you look closer, you will see some stark details. Ensure that you get to find out about central exam results, board results, and check for the Alumni of the school. It is also important to look at the educational qualifications of the teachers and see whether they are subject experts.
- The range of Extra-curriculars on offer-
In today’s times, learning constitutes just one aspect of a child’s development. Parents have an expectation to make their kids excel at other things as well. Playing an instrument, taking up singing or dancing, or laying the foundation or a professional footballer are some things to consider when choosing a school.
The Final Word
Parents should not act hastily or in an impulsive fashion when it comes to picking a school for their children. It is important to do proper research, gather all the relevant information, and discuss extensively before going in for a school. At the end of the day, we all want what’s in our child’s best interests.