As parents, we are largely responsible not just for bringing children into this world but also for nurturing and training them to be wholesome individuals who are emotionally stable, as well as morally and socially responsible. How our children turn out to later in life is a composite of so many factors largely anchored on the foundation we give them in their formative phase.
One of the legacies we can bequeath to our children or wards is the choice of school or educational background we give them. Material things such as clothing, food, toys, shelter and so on are very essential but limited in value to the present. However, children would outgrow clothes and toys, and a time will come when they will have to fend for themselves and make provision for their own dwelling place. Education is both a tool and legacy which cannot be taken away from them because it is internalized and they cannot be separated from it.
Therefore, the choice of school our children or wards attend is of critical importance which should not be left to chance because it sets them on the path towards lifelong learning and a successful career. The under listed factors can be taken into consideration when deciding what school to enroll your child.
When selecting a school for your child, the first step is to consider what interests him or her, and the kind of environment he or she will most likely succeed in. Judy Weinberg, an educational consultant said “before thinking about the features of a school, begin by looking at your child’s needs, strengths and overall personality”.
It is important to always consider the specific needs of a child. Just because parents went to a particular school or type of school doesn’t mean it is the best for their children.
Preferences such as preferring a public or private education, sending your child to a boarding or day school, same sex or mixed school, location of the school, its proximity to your residence, affordability of tuition and other variable costs, difficulty or ease of travelling to and from the school, available transportation options, etcera.
It is important to draw up a list of potential schools, the child’s and family needs. Prune down to a reasonable and workable number based on priority and order of importance.
Having a list makes it easier to keep your search parameters in focus all through the search process. You can always revert to the list every time in the course of trying in the course of trying to make a school choice.
It is important that you visit the school you selected in order to acquaint yourself with their programs, culture and overall learning environment. Talk with a prospective teacher about their current classroom; take note of the teacher-student relationship and student-student relationship.
“The visit to the school is an opportunity to establish what the parents and students want, as well as the school's expectations from the students”- say Carthy Lee, director of admission at Bodwell High school in North Vancouver, B.C. This will help you determine whether you want your child to be a part of that school community or not.
Would you want your child to go to a big or small school? Consider the number of pupils in a class, number of teachers and support staff attached to each classroom. You need to consider the school’s facilities available to support your child’s learning, facilities such as playgrounds, library, music programs, club and sporting teams.
The school’s previous academic results and performance in other areas like the arts, sports or community engagement. How does the school support children with disabilities?
It is equally important to know if there are platforms for parents and family involvement with the school of choice. Every parent will want to actively contribute to the molding of their child, so there is the need for forums where parents can contribute to their children’s overall development. When you are fully satisfied about the outcome of your search, you can go ahead and enroll your children.
First published on my read.cash blog.
