Choosing The Best School For Your Child – What Can Help You Make This Decision?
Our young children are growing up, which means that we have to make important decisions. One of the first things we need to do is choose the best school for our child. There he will spend most of his time, his teachers will influence his education, and his classmates will be the social environment.
This decision is not the easiest one. Much of what your child’s school education will look like will determine who they will become in the future. The choice of education options is wide and there are many factors to consider such as financial conditions, family values and what you expect from your child. Therefore, the choice of the best school should be carefully considered in advance.
Here are some recommendations to keep in mind before making this important decision.
Public or private education – what will be the choice of the best school
This choice is very important and does not only depend on your economic possibilities. Of course, it is very important to assess whether you can pay for private school or whether your options limit your choice to a public school .
However, there are other factors that should influence your decision.
Take into account the limited number of places
Many private schools have limited places so enrollment may be more difficult. If the decision has already been made that your child will go to private school, it is better to get down to paperwork early. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of being accepted.
If this is the case, you need to find out in advance if the schools in your area are meeting your expectations. If not, you can consider moving, of course, considering all that it means.
Choosing the best school should take into account the curriculum
The subjects taught , used books, and the school year schedule are usually standardized in public schools according to state standards set by the ministry of education. However, it is not always the same in private schools. While they should follow general guidelines, they are more flexible to make changes to the curriculum.
Check the school’s educational offer well before you make up your mind. This way, both you and your child will know in advance what to expect.
Qualifications of the teaching staff
As a general rule, public school teachers undergo educational training and must pass examinations to check their qualifications.
Some private schools use the same type of filter when they hire their teachers. Others, however, are looking for specialists or experts in a given matter, which does not mean that they are better or worse. In any case, it’s best to ask about it, and it’s best if you can get to know some of the teachers from the school.
Choosing the best school also means choosing the social environment for your child
Public schools tend to have a more diverse learner profile as they admit children without any social selection. Private schools can be more selective and less inclusive as, in addition to the economic filter, some have gender or religion restrictions.
Consider what school environment you want your child to be in. This is important because from starting school your child will spend more time with their classmates than with you. This environment had a big influence on his life.
Religious or secular education
If you decide that your child will go to a private school, the choice of the best school must also take into account the values that the school offers. Remember that it is your responsibility, so check this and what type of classes the school offers to students.
If religion is important to you, consider choosing a religious school. Such schools teach the principles of sacred books, rituals and other special values in accordance with a given religion.
By contrast , secular, public and private schools rely solely on a strictly academic approach. Although they can also have a wide range of extracurricular activities which sometimes include religion as well.
Specialized schools
Very often the offer of a given school includes specific specializations. This does not necessarily mean that the curriculum is confined to one area of study, but that it places more emphasis on a certain area of knowledge.
There are schools that teach in another language such as English, French or German. You can also choose schools that specialize in the arts or some scientific field. Others have advanced sports programs and many other varieties of education.
If you believe your child has potential in any of these specialties, it may be a good idea to consider choosing a school that will begin developing their skills early.
What to do before deciding which school to choose?
Taking the above factors into account, it is always recommended that you check all school information as carefully as possible. Here are some of the things you can do to gain knowledge and therefore make the best decision.
- Check school classifications. All countries rank schools either on behalf of public organizations such as the Ministry of Education or through private media. Search the school rating online to find out how your institution is cataloged.
- Search for information on forums and blogs. Comments from other parents whose children are already studying in the schools you are interested in can provide valuable tips. If you know them personally, it’s even better. Ask them questions, but don’t take their opinion as the last word, as each student’s personal experience is different.
- Visit the schools you are considering. Ask to meet the principal and teachers responsible for the program and ask questions to allay your fears and doubts. Ask to visit the school with a guide. Some schools allow parents to observe an activity in certain classes so that they can see for themselves how it works. Ask if it is possible and take the opportunity.
- Go to the presentation meetings. Most schools organize special open days or meetings to explain to potential new students their methods, characteristics and conditions. Attend such events, take notes and ask questions.
- Visit the school with your child. His opinion also matters. Visit the school with him and see how he feels there. He is most likely a little scared, this is a new experience, but his impressions and reactions can help you make a choice. After all, choosing the best school is primarily his business.
To sum up…
The most important thing is to start the selection process several months before the enrollment period begins. Choosing the best school is a task that requires time and analysis. If you leave it to the last minute, your choices will be much smaller and you may have to settle for what is left at your disposal.