School admission season has begun and most parents are already fretting about which is the right school for their child. After all, they want to make sure that their child goes to the best school.
There is no doubt that a good school lays a solid foundation for higher studies and a successful career. So, here are useful tips to select the right school for your child.
Board of Education
CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, IB and state board – each education board has its pros and cons. CBSE and ICSE are the top preference among most parents. However, many parents are now opting for IGCSE and IB boards as they follow an international academic approach. See this article for more information on boards.
School Reputation
When a school’s reputation precedes it, it is most likely to be good. However, these days, many schools market themselves heavily on social media to create a buzz. Find out when the school was established and whether it still holds up to its reputation.
Teaching Methodology and Curriculum
Usually, schools are required to follow the curriculum as per the board of education. However, it is the teaching methodology that sets one school apart from another. It is important to find out whether the school follows purely theoretical or one-sided teaching or combines it with practical and interactive elements. The schools should also have a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities.
Infrastructure and Amenities
A school’s building and facilities can speak volumes about it. A good school has a well-built structure, spacious rooms with adequate ventilation, a playground, etc. Check for the quality and condition of facilities such as drinking water availability, washrooms, computer laboratory, science laboratory, library and activity rooms.
Student-Teacher Ratio
A lower student-teacher ratio indicates that the learning outcomes will be better for your children. They will also get more attention and participation opportunities in the class. You can also check the number of divisions per grade.
Proximity from Home
A school, no matter how good, may not be the right one if it is too far from your home. Long distance means that your children will have to spend at least 1-2 hours commuting. They will get exhausted easily and find it difficult to concentrate on their studies (especially during exams) and they won’t be able to enjoy after-school life much.
Moreover, when you need to pick up or drop off your child if the transport is unavailable or during an emergency, long distances may create hassles.
Budget
Today, children’s education doesn’t come cheap. Most schools hike their fee every 2-3 years. So, if the school fee doesn’t fit into your budget, you might want to look for other options. Remember that the education expenses will add more burden to your pocket as your child moves to the upper classes and then goes for higher studies. So, think long-term in terms of budget for school fees.
Speak to Other Parents
Online reviews of schools might be misleading as they might be paid reviews. It is advisable to speak to other parents, especially those whose children are already enrolled in that school. Their input will give you a first-hand idea about the school.
Request for a School Tour
Nowadays, most schools offer a tour of school premises to help parents make the decision. Do not hesitate to request the admission coordinator for a school tour. An up-close assessment of the school will give a better idea of whether you want to admit your child there.
Hope these tips will help you to make an informed decision to select the right school for your child.
Click here to get preliminary information on all schools in Pune.
