Things to Be Kept In Mind While Selecting a School

The transition from a familiar environment of home to a wide and professional environment of school is crucial for your child. The school that your child attends will decide their view of the outside world and the values enforced by the school will have a significant effect on them. Hence, it is important on the part of the parents to select an adequate school for their children. Here are the things to be kept in mind while selecting a school-

PROXIMITY

Most parents get so involved in selecting the best school and the best facilities and the best faculty and so on for their child, that they forget the fact that in the end it is upon their child’s ability to benefit out of those facilities and cope with the environment, neglecting which, they send their children to far off schools. If the journey to and from the school is tiring, your child will end up disliking going to school, as the school in their mind will become synonymous with ‘burden’. Selecting a school in the vicinity is as important as selecting the best facilities.

AGE CRITERION

According to the directorate of education (DoE) circular, the lower-age limit for nursery, KG and Class I continue to be three, four and five years, respectively, as of March 31, 2018. For more information, visit: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

CURRICULUM

Choose the curriculum that you prefer for your child. The recommended curriculums are CBSE, ICSE and IB. CBSE is beneficial in India as it is more flexible and allows time for extra-curricular activities as well. The syllabus followed by the ICSE board is more comprehensive and complete, encompassing all fields with equal importance. For parents who are interested in sending their children for foreign universities, IB is recommended.

REPUTATION AND ADDITIONAL RESEARCH

Before applying to or visiting the school, save your time by searching the school on the internet so as to check if the school has a clean record. Visit the school website and check the achievements of the school, the previous year results, the functions organized by the school, holistic participation of the students in all the activities, etc. Watch out for the reviews given by people for the school. Though what is on the website is often not what it seems, hence, ask the children about the school when you visit, and also observe the behavior and demeanor of the students around you.

INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE SCHOOL

The more spacious the class, the better would be the adjustment of your child. It would be better that you check the maximum strength of the classes in the school as well. Having access to a clean environment and clean toilets is also very important. Check for the facilities such as a library, auditorium, Air conditioning (if preferred), Cafeteria, music and dance rooms, smart boards etc. A sizable field is important, for your child’s future sports activities will depend on the school’s facilities and providence for sports. Also look out for Basketball court, Volleyball court, Table Tennis, Swimming pool, etc.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Make sure the school has proper medical facilities. You don’t want your kids sent home for minor headaches or stomach aches. Check the details and qualifications of the nurse, and the facilities available in the medical room. Inquire about the compulsory health check-ups in school- if they are held quarterly or annually.

TRANSPORT FACILITIES

Ensure your child’s safety outside school by inquiring about the transport facilities provided by the school. The mode of transport available, number of seats in a vehicle, if your child will be comfortable in the vehicle, qualifications of the driver, details of the supervisors ,the in charge of the vehicle, if a teacher will be accompanying the students in the vehicle, etc.

VALUES

Check for the values enforced by the school- if the school follows a particular religion or believes in secularism, the history of the school, rules and regulations, the methods taken up for student-teacher interaction, the environment provided by the school for their students, if it focuses on holistic development or concentrates more on academics. Make sure the school is not just about business, but provides an environment conducive to learning and growing.

FEES

Shortlist the schools according to your budget range. Check the procedure of making the fees payments and if the fees can be paid in installments. Check for the discounts available, and if the fees is proportionate with the facilities provided.