The first big decision every parent has to make for their child is the school they will study in. There are hundreds of schools present, both public and private. Parents have to choose one from those hundreds of schools. Every year, school applications are bought in lakhs as parents start researching about schools in their area, even the country (if a boarding school is on the table) to find that one school that is best for their child. It’s an exhaustive process but something that every parent has to go through.
Regardless, if you are a first-time parent, choosing a school can be not only mentally and physically exhausting but also confusing. If you have just started looking for a school for your child or have started the process but are confused about how to proceed from this rut you are stuck in, here are 3 things to look for in a school for your child. These will help in making the process slightly easier.
- Talk to Other Parents
It’s best to start the process by talking to parents who have enrolled their child in a school 1 or 2 years ago. Their experience is new, and they have gone through the same thing you are going through right now. They will help you shortlist schools from the pile of brochures you have. They will tell you how to filter based on your requirements and what the child is comfortable with. Advice from these parents will be your holy grail. Not only will they tell how you can make the process easier for yourself, but also how to avoid the mistakes they made. The process of choosing a school is arduous and confusing. You are going to need all the help you can get. Start by talking to other parents.
- Read the Fee Structure
If you are going to a private school, you have to pay special attention to the fee structure because everyone has certain financial limitations. Enrolling your child in a school without properly reading about its fee structure can cause some financial setbacks. The school fee may have some hidden/extra fees as well. When you are reading about the fee structure, also read the hidden/extra fee, and whether or not they are mentioned in the brochure. You will have to do some calculations, in addition to the one provided in the brochure, to include the hidden/extra fees and know the final amount you will be paying for your child’s education monthly. It will be a grave mistake if you don’t read the fee structure when you are choosing a school for your child. A key thing to note here is that a lower fee does not mean the school is bad, or even if it’s high, it’s all about the curriculum and the facilities at school. For instance, if you look at schools in Noida, you will find many best schools in Noida with fee structure within your budget.
- Talk to the Teachers
It’s also important to talk to the teacher when you are visiting schools. Firstly, you should always visit a school and take its tour when you have shortlisted schools. Check out the classes, library, playing area, and other rooms in the school. Secondly, ask as many questions to the teachers as you want to. The role of a school tour for you is to know about the school before you enroll your child in it. If you don’t ask questions, you won’t fully understand whether or not the school is right for your children. As the teacher or school staff member takes you from one class to another, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Thirdly, take your child along with you so they can see what school they are likely to study in. It’s your child who has to go to school, it will not be wise to not take into consideration their opinion at all. Fourthly, and most importantly, talk to the teachers. This will help you know the sort of teachers there are at school and how children-friendly they are. Allowing your child to interact with the teacher will tell you how comfortable your child feels in the presence of this unknown person. If your child seems to go well with most teachers during the short conversations with the teachers, and the teachers interact nicely with the child, as well, you will know you have come to a good school.
Choosing the best school for your children will take a lot of time and deliberation. Do not rush through the process at all. Take your time choosing the school. For instance, if you stay in Noida, go through all the brochures of the schools in your area to make a list of best schools in Noida. The aforementioned points will help you choose the best school for your child.
