Before we dive deep into mastering the school selection process, let’s make one thing clear – there is no ‘perfect’ school out there but there is definitely one that is ‘right’ and ‘best’ for your child.
Now, let’s discuss a few considerations that should be taken into account when you begin school hunting.
Over the past century, education systems have employed many strategies to improve student success like standardizing curriculum across the whole country, giving teachers higher pay if their students perform better, incorporating local culture and context to the curriculum’s and so on but none of these initiatives achieved the desired outcomes at large.
The focus of improving education is now on leadership. Education research experts agree that the school leader is the primary factor in a school’s progress.
This is because the right leader will not let wrong things happen under their watch. In fact, they will ensure student safety, mental health and a path to equal opportunity for all students.
The right leader will also make sure that the right things happen for students by offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, applying fair discipline, introducing innovative programs, or providing the best post-graduation opportunities.
Hence, your first step should be to meet the school leader. Ask them what their vision for education, and the future of your child is. If they address the hopes, dreams, aspirations and concerns of the parents responsibly, it’s a green flag.
Let’s break this down chronologically and according to your child’s age, you can pick your category.
In the early years, home-like environments create a comfortable and natural transition for young children. At this stage, the focus should be on personalizing education to meet each student’s unique needs rather than rigid policies.
Since building a rich and vibrant vocabulary is the most crucial skill for young kids, give priority to a program that emphasizes vocabulary acquisition over other skills.
Children at this stage explore and experiment a lot to discover who they are/want to be. Give priority to a school which has experienced and steady leadership with lots of opportunities for students to explore healthy, constructive interests.
When selecting a school at this stage, the three areas you should look out for are academic support (variety of courses and teaching methods, high-quality teachers), opportunities for building a non-academic profile (extracurricular activities, leadership roles in community service, internship programs and exposure to different industries), and ongoing support beyond high school (dedicated college counselors, coaching and mentorship from alumni or industry experts)
Keep in mind that schools established by educationists are very different from schools established by businessmen or women. So do your due research about the history and operations of an educational institute before you select them?
Two other factors to consider that a good school should incorporate are, a diverse student body and an active parent community.
Once you know what you’re looking for in a school for your child, the school selection process becomes much simpler, so remember, search for the ‘right’ school not a ‘perfect’ one!
We would like to invite you to The Renaissance Education System (TRES) where you’ll find all aspects to your liking – book a tour with us today.
