A Parent's Guide to Choosing a Good School

Choosing the best school for your child can feel like a daunting task, particularly when there are so many variables that might make one school the perfect fit for a certain child, but not for another.

Ultimately, though, the start of any child’s educational journey is an exciting time, as it is such a significant period of everyone’s lives. This article aims to arm you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make an informed choice about your child’s education – and it is an important one. Primary education forms the foundation of a child’s literacy, numeracy, and social skills, so let’s do all we can to give them the best possible start.

Understand the needs of your child

Before heading off to check out different schools, it is important to take time to understand the needs of your child. This might include reviewing whether they have any particular academic goals or if they are inclined towards particular subjects like science, sport, or music. This can ultimately help you narrow down your choices to schools that align with your child’s aspirations and prioritise these inclinations or interests.

Knowing what learning style your child benefits from can also impact your choice. Do they thrive in a structured environment, or do they work better in a more flexible setting? Schools that can cater to a child’s learning style can make a huge difference in their educational experience.

Evaluate your school options

Once you understand the type of educational focus and learning style you are looking for in a school, it is time to start the hunt for the perfect fit. Other key factors to consider when looking at each school include:

Learning environment: Ask yourself, does the school feel like a comfortable and safe place to be, and do they provide extra support, such as after-school clubs or special education programs, if needed?
Meet the staff: Nothing can give you a feel for a school like its teachers. Take the time to meet with them if possible, and ask them about their teaching philosophies, support systems, class sizes, and even educational background (for support staff in particular, it can be beneficial if they have completed teaching-related courses such as EdD programs online).
Extracurricular activities: Kids love nothing more than extracurricular activities, and they play a vital role in their ongoing development. Investigate what range of activities are available at a school, including sports, art, music, or other clubs.
Location: Choosing a great school is important, but so is managing the travel needs, particularly if your choice is far away, which can impact time spent on homework, extracurricular activities, and time they can spend with family or relaxing.
Fees: Private schools will often come with higher fees than public schools. Be sure to review the cost associated with each school, including tuition, uniforms, and any extracurricular fees that are not included, to ensure it will not impact your financial stability.

When searching for a school, take note of the environment – does it feel safe and comfortable? Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash.

Get trusted opinions

If you are still unsure of the best option for your kid, it may be worthwhile to read online reviews or rankings via websites like U.S. News & World Report, Niche, or GreatSchools. These sites use various data points from reviews, test scores, student demographics, and other resources to help you identify the right fit for your child.

If possible, speaking to other parents who already have children at the school and have gone through the process can help form a better picture of what to expect. They will have an excellent understanding of the values and philosophy of the school, and whether the school adheres to them.

Make the final decision

After conducting all your research, trust your instincts when it comes to making the final decision. If possible, involve your child in the decision-making process to ensure they are also comfortable with the choice and help build excitement about the transition to school.

Where you can, become actively involved in your child’s education. This might mean attending school meetings, participating in parent-teacher associations, or taking part in school events and activities. Not only will this involvement support your child’s success, but it is also rewarding for you to contribute to the community your family is a part of.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when attempting to find a good school for your child. It is a significant decision that has multiple factors at play, but by assessing your child’s needs, conducting your research on school options, and seeking opinions from various sources, you can help to create a more informed decision on a school choice that will offer the right mix of educational and social opportunities.