Three Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a School for Your Child

One of the most important decisions you’ll ever make as a parent is deciding which school to send your child to. The choice of school can mean the difference between thriving academically and barely getting by.

In fact, some of the main reasons kids have for dropping out of school is not liking the institution they were enrolled in and not getting along with their teachers. Both of these are factors that you can influence by choosing the right school for your child.

So, how exactly do you go about deciding which school is the best fit for your child? Ask yourself these questions:

Does this school meet your child’s needs?

Even before they officially go to school, children will often show an aptitude for certain things and weakness in other areas. A good school will give them the chance to develop in areas in which they are weak and further strengthen the ones in which they are strong. So, when evaluating a certain school’s potential, be sure to not only think about your child’s current abilities but also their future development.

If your child is struggling now, will the school be able to provide the necessary support to address these struggles? What part of the curriculum will work on these struggles or improve the potential your child already has? Does the school offer academic and extracurricular activities that your child may be interested in? Remember that as your child develops, the school must, too.

Will your child fit in or feel welcomed at this school?

Most kids will feel like they don't "fit in" at some point in their lives. Being a part of a group, especially one with other kids like them, is instinctual. This is especially true for pre-teens and teens. Fitting in with a group of like-minded peers gives them a sense of safety and security.

That is why when picking a potential school, be sure that it's an institution that will nurture your child's interests and talents. Somewhere with a welcoming student body, approachable authority figures, and classes that effectively meet your child's needs.

How much are you willing to invest in your child's education?

Let's face the facts: not all schools are created equal. Admissions to international schools in Manila will likely have more rigorous requirements and cost more than admissions to a regular private school, and much more than public school. However, other considerations include the time you'll invest in their education. If you have the time to lend them extra support at home, then you may not necessarily by as stringent in your selection of schools. On the other hand, if you do not have much time to devote to helping your child with their schooling, you may want to consider institutions that can really focus on your child’s learning. Perhaps look into schools with smaller student-teacher ratios.

Apart from these, other questions you should ask yourself include:

Do the school's values align with what you want your child to have?

Do the staff seem committed to helping children learn?

Will this school develop your child’s existing talents and skills, and help them improve in others?

These are important questions to consider as you explore the countless possible schools your child may attend. Keep in mind that by making the right choice, you're giving your child a head start to a successful academic life and future career.