HOW TO CHOOSE A RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD

Choosing a right school for your child is one of the most vital step for a child’s development. How do you pick the best school for your child? The following sections have questions for you to consider, with workspace for you to write down your thoughts, as you go through the process of choosing a school for your child. Remember, you are looking for a school that will make the educational experience for your child and you as rewarding as possible.

Here are four steps for selecting the school that is right for your child:

Step 1: Consider your child & your family

Start your search for the best school by thinking about what you want a school to do for your child. After all, you know your son or daughter better than anyone else does.

Your child’s needs

• Does your child need more challenging work?
• Does your child need more individual attention?
• Does your child generally need extra help or more time to complete an assignment?

Your child’s learning style

• Does your child learn best by seeing how things work?
• Does your child learn best by reading about how something works?
• Does your child learn best by listening?
• Does your child like to participate in discussions?
• Does your child like to learn through physical activity?

Location of school

• Do you want your child to go to a school within walking distance of your home?
• How far are you willing to have your child bused?
• How far are you willing to drive your child to school?

Step 2: Gather information about schools

Along with the schools’ curricula and philosophy, you will want to know about school policies and services. Parents may also wish to consider the after-school programs a school offers, for example, sports, clubs, tutoring, or academic enrichment.

Curriculum

• Does the school have a strong program of core academic subjects such as English, history, mathematics, science, arts, and foreign languages?
• What courses does the school offer in addition to the core subjects?
• What evidence is there that the school is effectively teaching students to read?

Approach to learning

• Does the school have a particular approach to teaching and learning (e.g., group projects, individual performance, frequent testing)?
• If yes, do you think your child will enjoy and learn from this approach?
• Does the school do all it can to make sure each child learns? Does it provide opportunities for children to get extra help when they need it?
• What is the homework policy? Does it match your expectations for how much homework your child should do?

Academic performance

• How do the school’s test scores compare to those of other schools? In the past few years, have test scores risen or declined?
• What special achievements or recognition has the school received?

Step 3: Visit and observe schools

Contact the schools you are interested in and make an appointment for a visit. If possible, tour the schools during regular school hours and visit few classes. A good way to have your questions answered is to schedule an appointment with the school principal. Listen closely to what teachers say about the school. The teachers will be the adults closest to your child, and you will want to know if they are well prepared, dedicated and happy in their work.

Culture

• Is the school secretary helpful and friendly?
• Is the school orderly and neat?
• Do the teachers appear to be helpful and friendly?

Principal

• What is the principal’s philosophy about education?
• What is the principal’s attitude toward discipline?
• What is the principal’s reputation in the community?
• Is the principal usually at the school and available to talk to parents?
• Does the principal get to know the students?
• How often does the principal observe teachers?
• What does the school do to keep good teachers and improve their performance?
• How does the principal respond to parental concerns/complaints?
• According to the principal, what are the school’s strengths?
• According to the principal, what are the school’s weaknesses?
• According to the principal, where can the school improve?

Teachers

• How do teachers grade student’s work?
• Do teachers share the course content and objectives with parents?
• When and how frequently are teachers available for parent conferences?
• Are the teachers highly qualified to teach in their subject areas (do they know the subjects they are teaching)?
• Do teachers have the skills and knowledge to address students with special learning needs?
• Do the teachers know the individual students in their classes?
• Are teachers willing to provide extra help to students?

Reputation

• How is the school regarded in the community?
• How is the school viewed by other parents?
• Is the school respected by other schools, particularly those that receive its students (when they move to the next level)?
• Has the school won any awards?

Step 4: Apply to the schools you choose

Admissions processes can vary. It would be helpful to learn about admissions criteria for the schools. You will want to double check to be sure you have accurate information on when and how to apply.

Congratulations on all the planning you have done to reach this point. Your child will benefit tremendously from your active concern and involvement with his or her education. By staying involved in your child’s education, encouraging your child to work hard, and providing additional opportunities to learn at home and in the community, you can help your child go further still. Remember it is your right, as well as your responsibility, to seek the very best education for your son or daughter.

Devina Shrestha
Principal- Corona School
Banasthali