Whether you are choosing the school for your child for the first time or making a transition to a new school, there are so many queries that come up. With so many options available today- types of boards, variety of schools; you may need to think about the starting point for choosing the right school for their child.

The Starting Point

First and foremost it’s important to think about your child needs and personality. If your child is a quiet, shy types, it’s better to opt for a small school with a small class size where in the teacher can pay individual attention to every child needs on daily basis. If your child is good in sports or music or dance, look for a school that has these activities to offer.

List your priorities too either about the curriculum, transport, location, cost; particular subjects offered that support a child’s aspirations

Now make a list of the schools which fit in your criteria and narrow down to couple of options. While finalizing, also consider:

• Schools your child’s friends are going to
• Friends and family reviews about a school
• Is there someone to supervise for picking and dropping a child in the school transport?
• Visit the school personally to get a feel of its working and the facilities available.
• Ask for an admission booklet and attend the information sessions.

Remember, taking the time to choose the right school will benefit your child in the long-term both in the fields of education as well as general wellbeing.

Prioritizing Your Child Needs

It’s important to look in for the strengths and weaknesses of your child and list them down. You’ll notice that not everything is important for matching your child to the right school. Some things children change as per their environment too. Decide upon which characteristics are most important for you and your child and then begin your search for a ‘Good Fit’ school.

Four Fit Factors

Research on child development and experience of parents about their child’s needs has helped in organizing the many characteristics of children into four categories known as ‘Four Fit Factors’. These factors are simply a way of sorting the many features of children for identifying a ‘Good Fit’ school for them. These are:

1. What your child learns: These aspects are related to the curriculum, the subjects and the difficulty level of these subjects taught in the school. These may also include a child’s interests and learning capabilities.
    
2. How your child learns: These aspects are related to the teaching methodologies of the school, the interaction of teachers both inside as well as outside the classroom. These also include the child’s motivational levels, physical/ mental/ behavioral challenges, understanding, learning styles, any disabilities and disorders.
    
3.  Extracurricular Activities: These are the choices offered or compelling options available of activities apart from academics.
    
4. Social Contact: This factor includes the social contact from a child’s perspective. Friends, peers etc.
    
5. Concerns of parents are acknowledged: These are concerns you raise as involved parents about your child or give feedback for school’s improvement are welcomed and acknowledged.

When opting for a primary school

• Do you and your child feel welcome to the school?
• Is there a ‘transition’ program in the school?
• What are the experiences of other parents?
• Extra-curricular activities or club activities provided by school?
• How is the transportation facility?
• Is the safety for fire, security, and surveillance in place in the school premises?

When opting for a middle school

While choosing a secondary school, consider the following things:

• What are the entrance requirements and admission procedures?
• Are the school fees and other costs in affordable limits?
• What is the class size in school?
• What time and costs are associated with extracurricular activities of your child’s interests?
• Are there any scholarship programs available for which your child is eligible?  
• What subjects and languages are available?
• Does the school offer extra support in case of health conditions or any support programs for a child’s weak subjects like literacy or numeracy? Are the counselors available to help children with teenage problems?
• How does the school select teachers, are they well qualified?
• How are the students with diverse learning needs treated?

When opting for secondary school:

• Are the teachers well experienced enough to prepare children for the board exams.
• Are there any accelerated learning programs for children?
• What is the exposure and opportunities provided academically as well as in extracurricular fields?
• What does your child aspire for? Are those subjects available in the school?
• What options are available for your child in- Vocational Training, Certifications etc.
• Does the school help make important decisions about classes & prepare for college?
• Does the school provide extra-help program for students who need it?

Apart from that, many parents worry about the class size or co-ed is better than only boys or only girl’s school. Following are some of the facts to channelize your thinking:

•  Student teacher ratio or class size: A research suggested that a ratio of 16:1 is the ideal ratio for a class i.e. for every 16 students, there should be one teacher. But now a day, more stress is being laid upon the teacher quality and experience and the working conditions as compared to the class size.
   
•  Co-educational school or single sex school: This may depend on a parent’s personal choice, their child’s personality or the family values. However, the fact is whether a school is co-ed or single sex should be less important than the school’s approach to teaching, teacher’s qualification and overall quality of school.
   
• Culture and Philosophy of school: Each school has its individual cultures and learning philosophies. Some schools will have strong artistic pursuits; some will have strong sports culture etc. It depends upon the individual choice of what’s more important for you and benefits your child the most. Some may look for a school which has a balanced academic and extracurricular approach; some may opt for school with strengths in music and arts or science. Schools usually provide an outline of their culture, philosophies and approach in a documented form as a prospectus or a handbook.

Tip for Parents

Many parents also worry that they can’t afford the ‘best’ school of the area for their children. Don’t forget that every school has its strengths that will enhance your child’s overall development and experience of school. It’s better to look in for those strengths and how these will benefit your child’s education and overall personality. 

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