An excellent school can pave the way for your child to pursue a successful academic career. Today, there are many options with regard to educational curricula and unique frameworks, and that is definitely good news for most parents and students. The bad part is that the abundance of options often leave parents in a dilemma about choosing the best environment for their children.
In order to get top-quality education for your child’s specific needs, it is important to know what you should look for in a school. Parents can think of an international school if they prefer a different environment to facilitate the learning process most effectively.
Let’s begin with some essential qualities to look for in a good primary school
1. Research well enough
Do a thorough research on schools on the internet. All primary schools have good websites and also have informative brochures which may provide some details.
Look online to learn more about the school and read reviews from trusted sites. Sometimes, you may not be able to go to school in person, but look for virtual tours that most schools offer during these pandemic times. Check the facilities and other plus points that can be an advantage to your child.
2. Visit the school in person
It is a good idea to see classrooms and meet teachers and staff when you have zeroed in on one of the schools for your child. Also, try and talk to the faculty and the Principal to get a clear idea about the vision and mission of the school and see if it resonates with your point of view. Learn more about the teachers and the faculty, by understanding how they tackle tough situations..
3. Get answers to a list of questions
Prepare some questions when you are about to meet with the Principal and teachers. Do it before your school trip. Some good questions in your list should include:-
● How are the behavioural problems in students solved in school?
● How much homework is given to students?
● How are teachers trained, supported, and monitored?
No doubt, you will have many such questions of your own depending on your child’s specific learning needs and temperament. You need to ensure that you do not forget to ask any of them; write down the questions before setting out on a school visit.
4. Talk to other parents
Talk to parents whose children attend a school you consider. Parents of students studying at the school will often describe the real situation while employees of the school might sugar-coat information during a visit. It would be best to find out if parents and their children are happy with the quality of education offered, talk to your neighbours or parents whom you meet while going to school. Ask if the parents are involved in the school’s operations and whether the staff is supportive of the students’ needs and parents’ concerns.
5. Select a focus
Some parents want a curriculum that is broad and all-inclusive and most international schools offer different curricula choices to their students. Suppose it is important for your child to learn a second language in the primary grade, then proceed accordingly. Children learn more than one language and develop proficiency in these languages later on.
It will help if you choose an elementary school that includes a foreign language as a primary part of the curriculum. Look for schools offering these components if you want your child to get a background in arts or education with a religious bent, values, culture, patriotism, and so on.
6. Your child’s interests do matter a lot
Apart from your own preferences, it would help if you also considered the interests of your child. As most parents are aware, each school has its own programs and co-curricular activities. It would help if you considered your child’s interests in sports, art, or music. You can choose a suitable school that develops their strengths when you know about them.
7. Activities
No one else can know your child better than yourself and you are familiar with their tendencies too. You understand what encourages them to learn, to progress, and develop socially. Some children prefer reading books in the library while others want lots of outdoor spaces to play.
It would also be best to find out whether there is a lot of emphasis on reading or writing, art or sports, and other extra and co-curricular activitiesTo Focus more on extracurricular activities so that students follow their passion along with their studies, GIIS has launched Summer Program in which they focus on Role-Playing, STEM-based activities, Sports, Robotics, etc.
8. Discuss with the Principal
Like reiterated earlier, personal interaction with the Principal during your school visit may be the best time to ask your many questions. Principals should be open to a meeting with parents and come forward with information about the school and staff. You surely are at the right place when the head of the institution interacts with you amicably and erases all your doubts.
9. Special educational needs
Some schools take good care when it comes to attending to the special needs of some students. They are not made to feel different in any way and are a part of every program, educational, social, or otherwise. Consider choosing a school that meets these learning needs, especially if your child has special needs. You can learn more about support for children with special educational needs by communicating with the teachers and other parents.
Also Read: Why Values is Needed in Every Child?
10. Learn about the school culture
An open day is a great opportunity to get a gist of the school in question. Visit the school’s open house to understand the school’s culture and learning environment. If you have to learn more about the school, you can also talk to existing students, teachers, and the Principal.
11. Consider your child’s personality and talent
Some children like an environment that is quiet and peaceful and work best under these circumstances while the others prefer a much more active environment where there is a lot of stimulation around. So, look around the campus to see how much outdoor space is there and when can they use it? Though lessons are taught in a classroom, sometimes learning may occur outside of it, like physical education.
Some children are calm and some are hyperactive, therefore it is necessary to understand if the discipline is too strict or if it allows a more relaxed experience? Match a school with your child and his or her personality traits, and bring about better changes.
12. Trust your instincts
It would help if you felt a connection with a school and its way of imparting education. It is the most important part when you are choosing these options. And, in all probability, you may not be able to explain why you think one school is better than the other for your little one. But at the same time keep your eyes open when you visit a school. Let your inner voice guide you in the right direction.
Imagine your child in a particular school you visit and visualise the outcome. If you find your child happy here, it is the right place for both of you.
Conclusion
Primary education in an international school is an excellent option which you can consider for your child. You are now ready to make a strong decision for the best education for your child with these tips in mind.
