How to select the best school for your child?

Whether you are opting for a public or private school, careful planning is crucial. The following ways can help you to go through the process of choosing a school for your child. It’s important to remember that you are looking for a school that will make the educational experience for your child and you rewarding.

Write down five most important things you

You are suggested to write down five things that are most important for you to shortlist the choice of a school. As you go through the selection process, you may wish to add to and revise your list.

Following are the steps to select the right school for your child

  1. Consider your child and family

    Begin with your search for the best school by thinking about what you are looking for in a school to do for your child. Keep in mind if your child has a special language or education needs. Consider your child’s

    • Needs
    • Learning style
    • School location
  2. Gather information about various schools

    When looking for schools, you can gather information by making phone calls, collecting written material from different schools and looking for reports in your local paper to get the information you needed. You can go to parent fairs and school open houses. You can also gather reliable school information online on sites. Try to gather information about:

    • Curriculum
    • Approach to learning
    • Academic performance
    • Behaviour policy
    • Qualifications of teachers
    • Safety
    • Facilities and services
    • Admission procedure
  3. Visit and observe the school

    Contact the schools you find interesting and make an appointment for a visit. If possible, go to schools during regular school hours and visit a few classes. Listen carefully what teachers say about the school. Check out:

    • School culture
    • Busy students
    • Great teachers
    • Great principal
    • Vibrant parent-teacher organization
  4. Apply to the schools you shortlist

    Once you select the school(s) that you think is/ are best for your child, go through a process of application. Consider applying to more than one school, in case your child is not admitted to their first choice. Ensure that you:

    • Select one or more schools to apply to
    • Submit paperwork and applications before the deadlines
    • Follow up

Source:

Choosing a school for your child[Internet]. Available at: https://www2.ed.gov/parents/schools/find/choose/choosing.pdf. Accessed on Feb 24, 2020.