“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X
The quote emphasises the significance of education in preparing our descendants for the world of tomorrow, and the first step in this direction is the selection of a good school that teaches subjects that will serve them well in the future. Education is the most crucial stage in a person’s life. Whatever they are as grownups stems from their education. Finding the proper school for your child that complements their intelligence, creativity, and temperament may make or break their academic performance and overall success in life.
How do you select a school to educate your child for a dynamic future in which global conditions are always changing? There are several factors that parents should examine before making this decision.
Here are four factors to consider while choosing a school to offer your child the finest education possible.
1. Coursework and extracurricular activities
An excellent school is distinguished in large part by its curriculum. The most popular curriculum options today are those developed by various state boards, CISCE (The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations), CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), IB (International Baccalaureate Programme), and CAIE (Canadian Association for International Education) (Cambridge Assessment International Education).
The curriculum’s depth and breadth, as well as pedagogical style, affect your child’s future education and job paths. If your child intends to pursue further education in the United States, you should select a curriculum that is recognized in the United States. Furthermore, several international corporations prefer to hire applicants who have qualifications from specialized boards. As a result, you must perform extensive research about each school’s curricular offerings.
While the curriculum is important, the school should also give your child chances to develop his or her physical and cognitive talents, as well as his or her whole personality. Outdoor sports, art and craft, performing arts, and hobby classes should all be available as co-curricular activities. These should be an important element of a student’s learning experience since they foster team spirit, self-confidence, and leadership abilities.
A curriculum that is strongly weighted toward academics may not support the development of these crucial life skills, implying that a perfect combination of curricular and co-curricular courses is essential for students’ overall growth.
Details regarding a school’s curriculum and co-curricular activities are normally accessible on the school’s website and in the school prospectus.
2. Student-teacher ratio
Small class sizes have been shown to improve children’s learning. A smaller student-teacher ratio allows pupils to engage in class discussions, ask questions, and voice their viewpoints more freely.
A reduced student-teacher ratio can also aid in enhancing instruction and, as a result, learning. With fewer pupils in each class, educators can devote more time to each kid. They may, therefore, personalize their education to each student’s requirements and provide extra resources to those who are suffering with one or more parts of their studies. Teachers may also devote more time to ensuring that each student understands the curriculum and receives the assistance they require to attain their full potential.
Seeking assistance from existing resources and the campus might be beneficial in determining a school’s teacher-to-student ratio.
3. Learning and teaching styles
The pedagogical style of a teacher can also influence a student’s capacity to learn and comprehend. There are two distinct student-centred approaches that are best appropriate for a child’s growth and development:
Inquiry-based learning includes students directing the session, which promotes independence and hands-on learning.
Cooperative learning encourages immersive, peer-to-peer, or interactive initiatives.
Personal visits and chats with the principal can be beneficial in understanding a school’s teaching and learning techniques.
4. Your child’s aspirations and expectations
When considering schools, you must look into your child’s talents, weaknesses, and interests. Here are some questions to consider:
Are they interested in the arts? Do they enjoy sports? Do they have an interest in science? Is your youngster having difficulty with maths? Is your youngster suffering from any unique learning difficulties?
Look for a school that will meet their specific requirements, promote their abilities, and assist them in improving their deficiencies.
It is critical that the school your child attends, beginning with elementary school, is the best match for the long term. With these considerations in mind, you will be well-equipped to make the best educational choice for your child.